Friday, May 6, 2016

Sports PR


In the last couple of years at the Mayborn School, I met several people who are aspiring to be PR professionals in the sports industry. It’s no surprise; I mean in the DFW metroplex alone we have just about every popular professional sport. We have the Dallas Mavs, The Dallas Cowboys, Dallas FC, Texas Rangers, and the Dallas Starts. That’s everything from football to hockey within a 40-mile radius. Therefore wanting to pursue a degree in sports PR comes with the territory.

However, sports PR is one of the most challenging and difficult fields to break into. After doing some research and attending several agency tours, here are some of the best tips to get your foot in the door with sports PR.


1.) Create and awesome portfolio and keep it up to date.
            - In most cases, the first impression that you get from employers is based on your portfolio. The main thing PR professionals are looking for when it comes to sports PR are great writing skills. It’s important to put a ton of different types of writing samples in your portfolio.


2. Don’t be afraid to intern at a smaller company
            - Most people think that they need their first internship to be with  a big agency. But however, sometimes the work you do at a small agency can be just as beneficial if not more. In most cases you will be able to get more experience and it can really serve as a stepping stone for you before you get land that big time agency job.


3.) Network
            -“It’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know.” Unfortunately, in this type of business that’s true. That is why it’s so important to network with people. Take advantage of every opportunity to go on agency visits, add potential employers on LinkedIn, make an effort to get to know them! You will really stand out this way.  After all, isn’t PR all about building and maintain relationships. Those are the 3 big tips to help you break into the sports industry as a PR professional. Take advantage of every opportunity, even the ones that don’t seem “as important,” all experience helps.



            

SOURCES:
http://www.adweek.com/prnewser/3-tips-for-breaking-into-sports-pr/85597