You are graduating college this spring.
There are three things you should be doing now to prepare for the sportscasting job market.
1. Sharpen your non-sportscasting skills
Sports broadcasting jobs today involve more than on-air work. Many positions for which you apply will include basic HTLM skills, video editing, podcasting and blogging. Play-by-play jobs in minor league sports will include writing press releases and game recaps. Graphic design skills are also important so learn programs like InDesign and Photoshop.
If you don’t already have these skills, take classes or find tutorials online. Then practice, practice, practice.
2. Start applying now
The job market usually takes at least three months. Start applying now to increase the chance that you’ll have a job upon graduation.
3. Build relationships
I’ve intentionally saved the most important point for last.
Hopefully you’ve been relationship building throughout your college career. If not, it’s never too late to start. Success in the sportscasting job market is more about who you know than what you know. Introduce yourself to as many people as you can. Shake hands and kiss babies like a politician then stay in touch with folks. Sportscasting is a small industry. You never know who will be able to help you down the road.
Congratulations on graduation!
