Play-by-play broadcaster Joseph Furtado was uncertain of his next step when he graduated from Arizona State University in May. With just two years of games under his belt, he was considering returning to school to get more experience. “After speaking with a few of my mentors, they suggest that I’ll learn more at a job than in school,” Furtado recalls.
Influenced by that advice, Furtado is joining the expansion Baton Rouge Zydeco of the FPHL as a Media Relations and Communications Specialist. He’ll be the voice of the Zydeco on Internet, radio and TV, handle media relations, produce video content and update the team’s website.
“Having the opportunity to call games on TV at a pro level, I couldn’t pass up,” Furtado enthuses. “Some games will be broadcasted locally, which was another plus.”
Help from STAA
The Zydeco opportunity is one of more than 10 unpublicized professional, junior and major college hockey play-by-play jobs that STAA has shared with its members this summer. Furtado received the Zydeco opening immediately upon becoming an STAA member in June.
“I joined STAA because I wanted to better myself as a broadcaster, so I figured what better way to do that than joining the STAA,” Furtado remembers. He also admits feeling skeptical about joining. “I really wasn’t sure what I would learn from STAA that I haven’t already been taught in school. I had the opportunity to attend Arizona State University, which is a great program.” Furtado continues, “In the end, I thought I should at least give it a try. If I don’t like it, I could cancel my membership, but I won’t know unless I don’t try. Now here I am with STAA!”
Furtado quickly adds, “In just a few short weeks, I’ve learned so much about the industry, from how to improve my play-by-play to relationship building. They provide a lot of resources.”
Makeover
A major step Furtado has accomplished is rebranding himself as a broadcaster. “I applied all the tips from each of the assignments that [STAA] has given me and they helped so much! We tackled the five variables in the sports broadcasting job market: demo, resume, cover letter, presentation and follow-up.
“With all of [STAA’s] help, I found myself receiving job offers from a few employers to whom I didn’t even apply. I even got a few compliments on my resume and presentation. Not only has being an STAA member been very helpful in my success as a sportscaster, it’s taught me so much about the job market.”
While working in Baton Rouge, Furtado will continue the work on his Masters that he started this summer. Most of the classes are online. “Though I will have to return to the campus at some point to take one class in person to complete my professional program requirement. I am looking to complete that over the summer in 2024.”
After just two months of membership, Furtado now understands what people can learn from STAA that they aren’t taught at even the nation’s best sports broadcasting schools. “[STAA] is a great place to learn the ins and outs of the industry,” he states. “From broadcasting to building relationships, STAA can help take your broadcasting career to the next level, which is why most join – that’s why I did. Plus, they have a great community, which makes it fun to be a part of!”
Also fun to be a part of will be the first-year Zydeco organization. “I just felt the like Zydeco were a really good fit for me, especially with what they offer coming out of college.”