Conducting a sportscasting job search during a pandemic has been anxiety inducing for Nick Springer. He’s landed on his feet, though. An STAA member, Springer has accepted a Broadcasting Graduate Assistant position at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX.
Incarnate Word is an NCAA FCS football program and DI basketball (Southland Conference).
Springer’s duties will include play-by-play for all football games, and for home men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball and volleyball.
“The opportunity came about for me after I saw it in an STAA job leads email,” Springer says. “At the time I was struggling to find jobs that I was really interested in because of the pandemic. I had been considering going to graduate school but I also wanted to continue to improve my broadcasting abilities so it seemed like a win-win.”
Pandemic poses challenges
Conducting a sportscasting job search amid COVID-19 presented unique challenges for Springer. “I graduated from the University of Kansas in May in the middle of a pandemic. It was demoralizing. It was frustrating. The industry I had dreamed of going into right out of college was suddenly contracting and the opportunities for exciting jobs in play-by-play were few and far between.
“Some days were very difficult, but I maintained a positive attitude when I could and started to focus more on graduate school as an opportunity to continue my education. I knew I wanted to keep my broadcasting skills fresh, which is why this particular opportunity seemed like the perfect fit for me.”
Following up was key
Following-up his application multiple times was a key to Springer earning the Incarnate Word opportunity. “I learned that sometimes a sharp cover letter and impressive resume don’t always convey the level of interest in the position. I knew I was very interested in continuing my broadcasting career while also earning a masters degree and I wanted to convey that interest prior to an interview.”
Springer joined STAA in January. “I found out about STAA from STAA member and my former roommate Jackson Schneider,” he recalls. “We worked closely together at KJHK (KU’s student radio station) and we both wanted to get into the sports radio and broadcasting industry. Shoutout Jackson!”
Finally, Springer tips his cap to STAA. “Thank you so much for everything you do. I’m proud to be a member of STAA!”
(Visit Nick’s website).