NABSP Hosts Sports Industry Human Resource Special: Expert Insight to Gaining Sports Industry Career Opportunities

New York, NY (PRWeb) January 2, 2007 -- On November 2, executives from the media and sports industries shared career advice and information at the Sports Industry Human Resource Special hosted by the National Association of Black Sports Professionals, Inc. (NABSP) and sponsored by the Recruitment Advertising Department of The New York Times. Guests enjoyed the evening's festivities in the New York Times Auditorium and had an opportunity to network with representatives from various sports organizations as well as sports industry executives.

Moderated by Terrance Williams, Director of Talent Acquisition, The New York Times, the well versed panelists included Nancy Gill - Senior Vice President, The National Football League (NFL), Denise Males - Associate Director, Time Inc., George Martin - Vice President, AXA Sports Financial Services, AXA Financial, and Andrew Givens - Senior Director, Partnership Marketing, Mobile ESPN. Each panelist presented interesting advice and suggestions on how to succeed in the sports industry.

Throughout the panel discussion, the panelists offered insight and shared personal experiences on effectively navigating the career fields of the sports industry. The discussion focused on four topic areas: Current hot opportunities; Getting jobs in the industry; Keeping your job in the industry; and Advancing in the Sports industry. The panelists agreed that new media positions were the hot area for opportunities. Positions in the dotcom environment include ad sales, marketing, business development, and content focused job functions. Givens encouraged attendees to 'think of opportunities behind the [broadcast camera' when considering work in the sports industry. When asked about strategies for seeking industry employment, Gill stated, "Internships matter," and stressed the importance of doing research and understanding what matters to potential employers. The panel also challenged attendees to think of ways to get into the industry through other avenues and suggested that applicants be willing to take any type of opportunity that will get them in the door.

When discussing ways to be more competitive, Martin pointed out, "it's important to present yourself accurately. You must have a vast amount of knowledge about the industry you are going into." He also mentioned the importance of having a mentor, someone who can give you advice. Givens added that joining a professional/trade association like NABSP and getting involved is important as well as 'investing time in yourself.' The panel also elaborated on the purpose of resumes. "We [HR representatives want your story and we want it fast," stated Males. Other tips included: make the resume relevant; tailor your resume; include a summary at the top; and be concise. Other ways to stay competitive included finding a personal referral for open/available positions.

The panelists also provided advice on how to keep a job in the industry. Gill noted that it's important to keep selling yourself, network, and get to know people as well as leverage your contacts. Givens encouraged those in attendance to "really think about why you want to pursue the sports industry. It's tough; long hours. There are a lot of perks, but it's tough. All panelists agreed that finding your passion is essential. Martin stated, "It's important to have the intangible."

"NABSP has once again made successful executives with remarkable experience, talent, and knowledge available to those looking to excel and flourish in the sports industry. We are truly excited about the progress we are making in connecting educating, and empowering Black sports professionals," says Kristi Stepteau, Founder and Chairman of NASBSP.

About NABSP
The National Association of Black Sports Professionals (NABSP) is a nonprofit, all-volunteer professional association. The organization is being formed to provide an avenue to elevate and empower Black professionals in sports. The primary goal of NABSP is to provide opportunities for Black sports professionals to cultivate and foster long term business relationships, to facilitate an ongoing exchange of industry information and resources and to encourage and support the advancement of Black professionals in sports and sports-related industries. For more information about NABSP, please visit our web site at www.NABSP.com, or contact us at (866) 475-2477.

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