(February 21, 2013) Networking might be the most common way for sportscasters to land new jobs. It worked for Keaton Gillogly. An STAA client, Gillogly has networked his way to a Broadcasting and Media Relations Assistant position with the Kane County Cougars.
The Cougars are the Chicago Cubs Class-A affiliate.
“I get to work with and learn from a friend and a real pro in [Cougars Director of Broadcasting] Wayne Randazzo,” says Gillogly. “The timing of this position fits in perfectly with my role as the voice of Michigan State women’s basketball. Additionally, I will be able to explore a few other opportunities within my hometown of Chicago.
The circumstances that led Gillogly to his new opportunity started unfolding last summer when Gillogly was the No. 2 broadcaster for the Lansing Lugnuts.
“Wayne and I are both from Chicago and know a lot of the same people from the area. As a result, we quickly became friends after meeting for the first time last summer when the Cougars came to Lansing to visit the Lugnuts. I knew he was going to be looking for a No. 2 this summer, so I mentioned to Wayne in November that I would be interested in working with him this summer.”
Gillogly’s recommends that other sportscasting job seekers be aggressive at networking, but suggests they should also know what they want. “When you are talking to colleagues and making friends in this industry, it is important to be able to articulate both your long-term and short-term goals concisely.”
Besides his time in Lansing, Gillogly has also broadcast baseball for the Green Bay Bullfrogs and the Gary South Shore Railcats. He has been an STAA client since October.
“The most important service STAA provides me is the opportunity to strategize with [STAA CEO] Jon Chelesnik. His knowledge of the industry, how it works and how others have advanced before me has been immensely helpful.”
(Visit Keaton’s STAA Talent Page).