Adding Value

I just recently attended my first academic sport management conference.  As a "new" full-time faculty member, I am excited to learn more about how others do things, and share great ideas.  Even though I have worked in the sports industry for 25 years, and taught as an adjunct for the last 13, I consider myself a rookie when it comes to a thorough understanding of the academic side of the business.  Attending the 1st annual Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) Conference was a great first impression.

I regularly preach to my students the importance of connecting with others... those who have the job you want in the future, or those that work for organizations you have an interest in joining.  And I tell them that you can't simply connect on LinkedIn or follow them on Twitter. I stress the importance of building relationships and in order to do that, adding value for others.

So, the response from those students is frequently, "how can I do that? I am just a college student/intern/etc."  WRONG.  Everyone can contribute value, and it is simply taking the time to listen, look and observe to determine where it can be done.  The COSMA Conference taught this "rookie" that newcomers can still add value.

Among a group of career academics, many with extensive (and sometimes intimidating) academic CVs, I felt welcomed and valued.  I have since connected with new colleagues around the country, and started dialogues around topics that are interesting and valuable to my continued development as a full-time faculty member.  And as a practitioner, I have had the opportunity to "add value" for others through a sharing of contacts, opportunity and expertise.  A presentation at COSMA with a colleague has opened the door to new relationships where I hope to contribute value and learn from others.

I have shared some articles and resources with others in the days following the conference, and it feels rewarding to do that.  And it's validating when a 20-year veteran takes an interest in what you have to share, and demonstrates that the new kid can, in fact, add value.

I can confidently tell my students that the "new guy" can still contribute to the conversation.

Do you have "IT"?

One of the most important aspects of my job, I believe, is to truly prepare students to be as ready as possible to enter their chosen industry.  Do I have all of the answers? Of course not.  But I have been where many of them want to go, and I do have a little knowledge that I feel is important for them to consider.  And when I invite guest speakers into class, and they share the same opinions and advice, without my prompting, I do feel validated. Giddy even.

A guest speaker recently asked a group of my Sports Marketing students, "who has it?"  It prompts the question, "What is IT?" And the follow up, "Can IT be taught?"

To me, IT is the combination of skills, knowledge and understanding that combine to make an individual stand out, and rise to the top of the candidate pool.  It includes the understanding that extends well beyond what we read in a text, or talk about in class.  It involves an understanding that there are thousands of candidates for every open position, especially at the entry level, and that you do not know everything.  And that means having a sense of humility and sincerity combined with a hunger that really do make a difference!

Having "it" means not sitting quietly in the back of the class, or avoiding opportunities to engage and meet new people.  This can be hard, but I also think it can be taught.  IT means taking advantage of every opportunity to make the right impression, be it in class or out, and not hiding behind email as a means of communication.  IT means asking for informational interviews, taking the time to learn about organizations and the people that work there, and not just asking everyone you meet if their company is hiring.

Push yourself.  Go to networking events.  Follow industry folks on social media, and engage in the conversation.  Get yourself some basic business cards, because in this digital world, they still have a place and you never know who you will meet, and where. One of my first internship opportunities happened when I was sitting on an airplane while on a weekend break from college.  A gentleman next to me asked about a book I was reading, and it sparked a conversation that ultimately helped me land a great industry opportunity.  When the plane was about to land, I handed him a business card.   It allowed me the chance to keep the conversation going, and he noticed the professionalism.   To my surprise, he called me the next day to set up a meeting.  And he mentioned again that he never had a college student hand him a business card.  It made an impact and for me, it made a difference.

Business cards do not mean "I need a job."  Resumes do.  You don't go to a networking event with a pile of resumes, but without business cards, how do you leave people with a tangible reminder of your new connection?  They still have a place, and college students that have them still impress me.  And others. It's a small detail that says "I get it."

IT means understanding that even though you don't have years of experience in the industry, and you are only looking for an internship, you still have something of value to add and share.

And yes, all of this can be taught.  And the pre-requisite for that is, how badly do you want IT?