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The sports industry is one of the most diverse job markets in the world today.  Whether or not you can hit a 95 mph fastball, dunk a basketball, or throw a perfect pass, there are still many ways you can break into the industry.  While organizing our sports panel, we were able to get 3 excellent guest speakers who have all developed a career in the field that they love.  They were Jason Belzer, Erica Schietinger, and Kyle Stack.  After listening to their panel discussion, there were several important messages that we were able to take away that could help in the management of a career in sports or whatever career you are interested in.

Jason Belzer, Founder and Director of GAME, Inc., mentioned that “It can take 20 years to build a reputation, and it can take 5 minutes to destroy it.”  Being a representative of various coaches and players, Jason recognized the fact that to be successful, you need to forge relationships, build a good reputation, and to also network whenever possible.

Erica Schietinger, VP of Corporate Communications at Chelsea Piers, explained that she was able to get the perfect corporate job because of someone she had a great business relationship with for over 30 years.  Being seen as a trustworthy and responsible person with her work, she even had the opportunity to work with the NFL’s Gene Upshaw, who was a player with the Oakland Raiders, and later on the Executive Director of the NFL’s Player Association.

Kyle Stack, a freelance sports journalist who has written for established organizations like amNewYork, MLB.com, and ESPN, discussed that you should not take rejection personally.  He said that his sports articles had been rejected many times but he was able to persevere, and now his articles can be read by sports fans all around the world on the Internet.

It was a great privilege for all of us to connect with our guest speakers and we hope you were all able to take something away from this panel discussion as well.  Whether you are interested in a sports career or not, the information and advice that the speakers were able to provide can help all of us no matter what career you do decide to pursue.

Memorable Quotes:

“Under-promise and over-deliver.” – Jason Belzer

“Opportunities can come from anywhere.” – Erica Schietinger