For Episode 32 of My First Job in Sports, Dr G. and I spoke to Blake Fenn, who is currently an Account Manager for Club Services at Hard Rock Stadium. The stadium is a multi-function facility that has been able to expand out its offerings beyond The Miami Dolphins, The Miami Grand Prix, and the Miami Open Tennis events. Blake came to us via The S3 Sports Management program at Baylor University. For Blake, he always knew that he wanted to get into the sports business via the sales route. Blake has learned how to get out of his comfort zone and speak to people to learn how to establish relationships before getting into anything close to the sales or selling process. Blake loves the process of helping people reach their marketing goals via the various offerings available at Hard Rock Stadium.

My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.

The latest episode of My First Job in Sports from SBRnet features an in-depth discussion with Camryn Cook, Manager of Corporate Partnerships for Austin FC of Major League Soccer. Camryn graduated from Baylor University's S3 Sports Management program well prepared to take her place in the world of sports business. During the show, it was apparent that Camryn took a number of bold steps that were instrumental in helping her get that all-important first job in sports with Real Salt Lake, also of Major League Soccer.

My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.

In Episode 30, that’s right MFJIS fans, My First Job in Sports celebrated their 30th show with Annie Borovskiy. Most recently, Annie worked as an inside sales rep for BSE Global, the parent company of the Brooklyn Nets of the NBA, N.Y. Liberty of the WNBA, and owner/operators of the Barclays Center. Annie is a graduate of the Sports Management program at High Point University in North Carolina. Annie talked about the value of ensuring that you take the right classes and get as close as possible to members of the faculty while in school. Annie gravitated to the sales side of the business to give her the widest view of experiences to help her better understand the inner workings when it comes to the marketing aspects of a professional sports team.

My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.

In Episode 29 of My First Job in Sports, Gabby Mayo discussed her journey from working with the baseball program at Florida Atlantic University to her current role as a Baseball Operations Analyst for the Cincinnati Reds. In her current position, Gabby has been able to rely on both the knowledge gained from the classroom and her internship experiences with FAU Baseball. Gabby talked about how she overcame her own shyness and reluctance to reach out to others. Gabby charted her course in baseball and then set out to acquire the knowledge and experience that would make her an asset to the Reds.

My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.

In Episode 28 of My First Job in Sports, Dr. Gardiner and I spoke with Alex Halloran. Alex is a graduate of the Sports Management program at High Point University. He is currently working as an Account Executive for SportingJax, which operates professional soccer teams for both men and women. For Alex, sales has been a clear pathway to his first job and current role in sports. He discussed in detail how sales has suited him well, helping him set goals and establish a clear direction for his career in the sports industry. Before joining SportingJax, Alex held similar sales positions with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Duke University and worked on events like the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. As Dr. G effectively points out, sales may not be the most glamorous entry point into a sports career, but it can be exceptionally lucrative and educational.

My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.

In episode 27 of My First Job in Sports, Dr. G. and Neil chat with Emily Bogdanowicz, a membership associate for the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA. Emily discusses her commitment to excellence and the determination to learn, which have been key to her early success in internships and volunteer roles, where she developed skills in sales, marketing, and team collaboration. Bogdanowicz holds a degree from the Sports Management program at the University of New Haven. Emily emphasizes the power of saying “yes” and the importance of not limiting herself in learning new skills, gaining valuable work experience, and working in situations that may not always feel comfortable.

My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.

SBRnet is excited to welcome Dr. Ashley Gardner as the new co-host of the My First Job In Sports web series and podcast. Now entering its fourth season, MFJIS aims to assist students in securing that all-important first job in the sports industry, should they choose to pursue a career in that field.

Dr. G., as she prefers to be called, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sport, Tourism, and Hospitality Management at Temple University in Philadelphia. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee in Sport Studies, specializing in Sport Management and Sociology. Gardner's research focuses on racial diversity, human resource management, and career mobility strategies for people of color in the sports industry. Prior to her doctoral studies, she obtained a Master's degree in Sport Management from the University of Michigan and, most notably, a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management from the distinguished Hampton University.

Besides her academic achievements, Gardner has taken on various roles in the sports industry, both as an intern and a full-time staff member, including positions with the Chicago Sky, USA Fencing, the Cincinnati Reds, and Nike’s Tournament of Champions. Fans of My First Job in Sports, meet Dr. Ashley Gardner.

My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.

In this special "Get in the Game" edition of My First Job in Sports, we had two amazing guests who provided inspiration, motivation, and guidance on what it takes for soon-to-be graduates to secure their first job in sports. We first spoke with Jasmine to better understand her focus on financial literacy and related issues. Then, we spoke with Miriam, who is focused on using digital media to build a personal brand and leverage it for multiple purposes. Mirium emphasized the importance of networking in the job search process, not just in sports, but in any situation.

My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.