On October 30, following the Wharton Leadership Lecture by David Checketts, Chairman of SCP Worldwide, the Wharton Sports Business Initiative and Wharton Sports Business Club held their first Career Panel of the fall semester. Students from both the Wharton undergraduate and MBA programs came to learn about strategies for finding a job in the sports industry from an accomplished Career Panel.
A very interesting conversation about the sports industry was moderated by Jed Hughes, a sports industry consultant at Spencer Stuart. The Panel included: Brian Bolten, Group Director for Octagon; Andrew Brandt, CEO of the National Football Post and Lecturer at the Wharton School; Rob Digisi, VP of Strategic Development for Dale an Thomas Popcorn; Pam Harris, CEO of Real Madrid North America at SCP Worldwide; Nick Sakiewicz, CEO and Operating Partner for MLS Philadelphia 2010 at Keystone Sports and Entertainment.
At the outset each of the Panelists took time to share their passion for sports, how they originally got involved in the industry and their thoughts on where the industry is headed. Themes that emerged were that over the last ten years sports and entertainment have come together. This has come about largely as a result of the amount of money being invested in sports. For example, Nick Sakiewicz, who is involved in the construction of a 20,000-seat stadium in Chester for Philadelphia’s new MLS soccer club, pointed out that in addition to constructing the stadium they are also investing $800 million in real estate development. It was agreed that this is a trend that is taking place across the industry.
The importance of networking was also highlighted. Jed Hughes made the point that each of his eight jobs within the industry came about as a result of a relationship. Nick Sakiewicz emphasized that networking was valuable not only for finding jobs but also for being presented with opportunities for business acquisitions. Pam Harris stressed that even while working long hours it remains extremely important to find the time to develop closer relationships with clients. Andrew Brandt spoke about how it is often the little things that get noticed by people which can lead to future relationships. For example, his conduct while working as an agent led to him being offered the chance to work as chief salary negotiator for the Green Bay Packers.
Brian Bolten observed that networking efforts should be driven by a natural curiosity. In this way it is more likely that the job you are offered will turn out to be the right fit. Rob Digisi added that students should focus on the function (e.g. finance, marketing, strategy…etc) they want to serve within the sports industry, and concentrate on developing their skills in this area. Significantly he emphasized that this function can be developed outside of the sports industry, and those interested in sports shouldn’t feel pressured to find a job in the sports industry immediately after business school. However, what they should do is continue networking even after they finish business school. For example, Rob Digisi got a position teaching a sports class at Wharton many years after graduation as a result of staying in touch with Professor Shropshire.
After the Panelists had shared their thoughts, Jed Hughes presented data from a Spencer Stuart Study showing what sports firms are looking for when hiring from outside the sports industry. The three key requirements are: (1) active listener – curious about the industry; (2) adaptable – willing to be an agent for change when appropriate; and (3) consensus builder. In addition it also helps to have international experience, multiple industry experience and small and large company experience.
The Panelists represented a diverse group from within the sports industry, each with very different roles and functions. Accordingly the biggest take away from the Panel is that when conducting a job search you should define the sports industry broadly and remember that it is not limited to working for a league or a team. To summarize the career advice of the Panel, keep your search broadly defined, don’t be afraid to gain functional experience elsewhere before entering the sports industry, and work hard to develop your network through natural curiosity for the industry.
Article Contributor: Donal Mcelwee
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