Sports broadcasters often discover their potentials through their own love for sports. They live to play, watch, and talk about sports. Sports broadcasting careers are focused on delivering play-by-play and analyze games on TV, radio, and the internet. Although there is no specific path to getting a job in sports broadcasting, it often includes some kind of training in broadcasting and being at the right place and time. Here are some tips to help you get a job in this field:
Complete a Training Program
This program is geared toward broadcasting, media, and communications. This could mean completing a broadcast journalism degree from a four-year university or a two-year degree in audio/video or communications from a community college. Also, some schools provide special coursework or concentrate on options in sports. Before choosing a program, ask about the kinds of internship and post-graduate opportunities available. Training programs are also available in schools dedicated only on broadcast media.
Do Related Extra-Curricular Activities
Think about joining the intramural baseball team at your college or volunteer as a student manager for a college football team. You don’t have to be a star athlete to make connections. By taking part in sports activities in your area, you can meet people and build a professional network that can help you expand your opportunities in the future.
Complete an Internship
Your internship can be done at a local sports outlet. Small-locally-owned TV networks can provide you with more responsibilities and pay you more attention than big networks. Also, a successful internship at a small-market radio or TV station can lead to a job. Don’t forget to check out local sports teams for opportunities. Some in-house announcers of local teams may be willing to take on an intern.
Create a Demo Tape
Your demo tape must show off your skills as a sports broadcaster. Make sure to record your sporting bits during your school training and internship and edit the strongest pieces together into a demo reel. Get advice from experts or internship connections on making your reel even stronger. Consider recording yourself doing a mock interview or analysis using any equipment available at your internship or school.
Get a Letter of Reference
You can get this from your network of professors, coaches, and internship leaders. If possible, ask them to put in a good word for you by contacting an employer who is in need of a sports broadcaster. If you don’t land a job in your field, welcome offers from local radio or TV stations.
