Congrats, you’ve ‘made it’. After months (or even years) of hard work, internships, and interviews, you’ve landed a full-time job in the sports industry. While this is an exciting milestone, it doesn’t mean the end of your networking efforts. In fact, building and maintaining relationships is just as important once you’re employed. As a mentor on theClubhouse, I often stress that networking is not a one-time task but an ongoing process. Here’s why, and how, you should continue networking after you’ve secured that full-time role.
1. The Sports Industry is Small—And Fast-Moving The sports world is a tight-knit community where people move between teams, leagues, and organizations frequently. By continuing to network, you stay updated on industry trends, learn about new opportunities, and ensure you’re not forgotten by those outside your current organization.
Tip: Make it a habit to reach out to your connections regularly. Congratulate them on new roles, share interesting articles, or simply check in to see how they’re doing. These small touches help keep you top-of-mind.
2. Build a Reputation Beyond Your Current Role Networking within your organization is just as crucial as connecting outside of it. When you’re known and respected throughout your company, you’re more likely to be considered for promotions, cross-department projects, and new roles.
Tip: Attend internal events, volunteer for committees, and engage with colleagues across departments. These interactions can help you build a solid reputation as someone who is approachable and willing to collaborate.
3. Prepare for Future Career Moves You never know when your career might take an unexpected turn. Whether it’s due to organizational changes, new aspirations, or industry shifts, being proactive about networking ensures you have a support system in place should you need to explore new opportunities.
Tip: Attend industry conferences, webinars, and networking events, even if you’re content in your current role. Building a diverse network now can open doors in the future.
4. Learn and Grow Through Others One of the best ways to advance in your career is to learn from others who have walked a similar path. Networking allows you to tap into a wealth of knowledge and experience. You can learn about best practices, new tools, or even challenges your peers have faced.
Tip: Join professional groups, participate in mentorship programs, or follow industry leaders on social media. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek advice from those around you.
5. Pay It Forward As you grow in your career, it’s essential to give back and help others in the industry. Not only does this strengthen your network, but it also enhances your leadership and mentoring skills. Remember, the connections you make today could lead to exciting collaborations tomorrow.
Tip: Offer to mentor interns, volunteer at career panels, or participate in networking sessions. Your guidance can have a significant impact, and it helps establish your presence in the industry.
Conclusion Landing a full-time job in sports is an achievement worth celebrating, but it’s not the end of your networking journey. To build a lasting and successful career, continue nurturing your relationships, both inside and outside your organization. Networking is not about exchanging business cards but building meaningful connections that can support, guide, and inspire you throughout your professional life. Remember, your network is your net worth—so keep investing in it.