Over the years, I have periodically suggested that college students
should seek out mentors or industry professionals for advice, guidance, and
more or less an objective point of view from a third party (read: not your mom,
dad, brother, sister, etc.). This can be
done in the form of informational interviews or simply developing a
relationship through meetings, emails, phone calls and the like. While I hope that I have been able to do this
for some students and alumni of Drexel’s Sport Management program over the
years, I am modest enough to know my limitations and when to bring in other
“experts” to provide support.
One person that I wanted to introduce you to is Matt Crevin. Matt is the Public Address Announcer for the
San Francisco 49ers and the Founder of the sports and career consulting
company, Voice of the Box (voiceofthebox.com).
Crevin’s career started back in 1991 when he secured a public relations
internship for the San Francisco 49ers.
Yes, this was an UNPAID internship with the 49ers! Fast forward to today and he has since
written a book called Get in the Game
and he recently partnered with industry leader WorkInSports.com.
Crevin’s website, voiceofthebox.com, offers great insights about
pursuing a career in the sports industry.
He provides weekly career coaching video tips, interviews with other
sports industry professionals, a blog, a podcast, and what seems like ever y
social media offering out there. His
advice is current, he follows industry trends, and he attempts to cover all of his
bases and not just focus on the big four sports leagues.
While networking and building relationships are key differentiators in
your career, looking for a close mentor/advisor or at the very least following
someone’s recommendations and seeking their counsel from afar is just as
important. Of course people like Matt
Crevin need to earn a living, but ultimately people like him are very genuine,
passionate, and supportive. They want to
see you succeed in the sports industry and not make the same mistakes that he
or other professionals have made along the way.
If you are interested in this, try to find people with a connection to
you; for example, an alum of Drexel or your high school, a current or former
boss or co-worker from a Co-op or summer job, a current or former customer,
etc. Ask for their help but be
respectful of their time. Be prepared for and opened to honest and constructive
criticism. Thank them for their support
and pay it forward to the next generation of sports industry professionals.
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Mark Gress is the
Associate Director of Employer Relations for Arcadia University with a Masters
Degree from Drexel University. Mark
formerly worked as Co-Op Coordinator and Manager of Employer Relations for the
Steinbright Career Development Center at Drexel University. He also has experience with Turnkey Sports
and Entertainment, Philadelphia Eagles, and Drexel Athletics.
Connect with Mark
Gress on LinkedIn.
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