In Episode 28 of My First Job in Sports, Dr. Gardiner and I spoke with Alex Halloran. Alex is a graduate of the Sports Management program at High Point University. He is currently working as an Account Executive for SportingJax, which operates professional soccer teams for both men and women. For Alex, sales has been a clear pathway to his first job and current role in sports. He discussed in detail how sales has suited him well, helping him set goals and establish a clear direction for his career in the sports industry. Before joining SportingJax, Alex held similar sales positions with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Duke University and worked on events like the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. As Dr. G effectively points out, sales may not be the most glamorous entry point into a sports career, but it can be exceptionally lucrative and educational.

My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.

In episode 27 of My First Job in Sports, Dr. G. and Neil chat with Emily Bogdanowicz, a membership associate for the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA. Emily discusses her commitment to excellence and the determination to learn, which have been key to her early success in internships and volunteer roles, where she developed skills in sales, marketing, and team collaboration. Bogdanowicz holds a degree from the Sports Management program at the University of New Haven. Emily emphasizes the power of saying “yes” and the importance of not limiting herself in learning new skills, gaining valuable work experience, and working in situations that may not always feel comfortable.

My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.

SBRnet is excited to welcome Dr. Ashley Gardner as the new co-host of the My First Job In Sports web series and podcast. Now entering its fourth season, MFJIS aims to assist students in securing that all-important first job in the sports industry, should they choose to pursue a career in that field.

Dr. G., as she prefers to be called, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sport, Tourism, and Hospitality Management at Temple University in Philadelphia. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee in Sport Studies, specializing in Sport Management and Sociology. Gardner's research focuses on racial diversity, human resource management, and career mobility strategies for people of color in the sports industry. Prior to her doctoral studies, she obtained a Master's degree in Sport Management from the University of Michigan and, most notably, a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management from the distinguished Hampton University.

Besides her academic achievements, Gardner has taken on various roles in the sports industry, both as an intern and a full-time staff member, including positions with the Chicago Sky, USA Fencing, the Cincinnati Reds, and Nike’s Tournament of Champions. Fans of My First Job in Sports, meet Dr. Ashley Gardner.

My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.