In Episode 30, that’s right MFJIS fans, My First Job in Sports celebrated their 30th show with Annie Borovskiy. Most recently, Annie worked as an inside sales rep for BSE Global, the parent company of the Brooklyn Nets of the NBA, N.Y. Liberty of the WNBA, and owner/operators of the Barclays Center. Annie is a graduate of the Sports Management program at High Point University in North Carolina. Annie talked about the value of ensuring that you take the right classes and get as close as possible to members of the faculty while in school. Annie gravitated to the sales side of the business to give her the widest view of experiences to help her better understand the inner workings when it comes to the marketing aspects of a professional sports team.

My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.

In Episode 29 of My First Job in Sports, Gabby Mayo discussed her journey from working with the baseball program at Florida Atlantic University to her current role as a Baseball Operations Analyst for the Cincinnati Reds. In her current position, Gabby has been able to rely on both the knowledge gained from the classroom and her internship experiences with FAU Baseball. Gabby talked about how she overcame her own shyness and reluctance to reach out to others. Gabby charted her course in baseball and then set out to acquire the knowledge and experience that would make her an asset to the Reds.

My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.

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.

In this special "Get in the Game" edition of My First Job in Sports, we had two amazing guests who provided inspiration, motivation, and guidance on what it takes for soon-to-be graduates to secure their first job in sports. We first spoke with Jasmine to better understand her focus on financial literacy and related issues. Then, we spoke with Miriam, who is focused on using digital media to build a personal brand and leverage it for multiple purposes. Mirium emphasized the importance of networking in the job search process, not just in sports, but in any situation.

My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.

My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.

Episode 23 of "My First Job in Sports" started off with a lively discussion between Dr. Lindsay and me, resembling an episode of "The View." We covered a wide range of topics in the world of sports, from the growing prominence of women’s sports to the impact of Caitlin Clark. There was a lot to talk about before introducing our guest.

In Episode 23 of My First Job in Sports, Dr. Lindsay and I had a conversation with Kali Franklin, Vice President of Human Resources for On Location. On Location specializes in creating unique experiences at major events around the world. During our discussion, Kali shared insights about her journey to landing her first job in sports. She also talked extensively about her experiences interviewing job candidates for full-time positions and internships. Kali's non-linear career path in the sports industry included stops at Target and Microsoft, which ultimately led her to work for the Arthur Blank Organization, known for being one of the best ownership groups in sports, and The New York City Football (Soccer) Club before taking on her current role at On Location. If you are interested in pursuing a career in sports, I highly recommend watching, listening and paying careful attention to Kali's advice and learning from her experiences.

My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.