(January 26, 2012) What kind of dream job offer would it take for you to postpone your honeymoon? For STAA client Kevin McAlpin, it was an opportunity to hit the baseball highway with the Atlanta Braves.
McAlpin has been hired by Dickey Broadcasting as a reporter on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network.
When McAlpin first saw the opening on the STAA job forum, he was not even certain it was worth the time to submit an application.
“I wasn’t even going to apply. I figured they would have a thousand people and I would have no shot,“ says McAlpin. Two phone interviews later, the radio station was flying McAlpin to Atlanta for an in-person interview. “I left the interview feeling pretty good.”
However, there was a small potential problem – McAlpin and his fiancé Melissa had already planned their wedding and honeymoon for May. Luckily, Melissa understood the significance of this opportunity. Melissa suggested the couple keep their May 12th date, but postpone the honeymoon until November.
“My first reaction was ‘absolutely not,’” McAlpin says. Upon further review, Melissa’s wisdom prevailed. “I sort of passed it off to [Dickey Broadcasting] that is was my idea.” McAlpin grins.
“I told [Dickey Broadcasting] it will definitely be after the [Braves championship] parade happens,” McAlpin smiles. “I think my willingness to reschedule showed them I really want this.”
McAlpin spent the past four years honing his skills as a sports update anchor and a Phillies beat reporter at 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia. Those skills, plus a passion for baseball, are what sold Dickey Broadcasting on hiring McAlpin.
“I grew up playing for eight or nine years. Once I got to college I figured it was time to start looking at slow pitch softball. Baseball has always been my number one love. Covering the Phillies home games the past two years has got me to the point where I’m ready to take the next step and travel with a team full time on the road. I’m jacked, I’m so excited.”
As an STAA client since 2010, McAlpin has had the chance to capitalize on more than just the job forum.
“Having the ability to find out about some jobs that are out there before the general public finds out gives you a chance to beat everyone else,” McAlpin says. “The monthly eBlast has been great — the pointers and tips are awesome. I also usually follow along on the live chats, and the seminars you can download have been great. I utilize a lot of the services.”
(Visit Kevin’s STAA Talent Page).