Graduation and Pursuing a Career in Sports Media
In episode five of the “Behind the Mic” podcast, hosted by Jordan Smith, the focus is on the journey after graduating with a sports media or journalism degree. Jordan congratulates recent and upcoming graduates and advises them on how to leverage their college experiences for career opportunities. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining connections made during college, utilizing a comprehensive resume, and staying persistent in job applications. Jordan shares his personal experiences, including how networking led him to his current role as a broadcaster for Rice University’s women’s basketball team. He encourages graduates to diversify their skills and continue engaging in relevant activities post-graduation.
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Episode Topics and Transcriptions
Game Highlight
The episode kicks off with an exhilarating moment from the sports world: Rice Women’s Basketball Player Maya Bokunewicz notching her 100th career three-pointer. It is an example of one of the highlights from this past season of Rice Owl Women’s Basketball coverage from Jordan Smith.
Welcome to Behind the Mic
Jordan Smith, your host, welcomes listeners and acknowledges the important milestone of graduation. The congratulations are warm, encouraging, and celebratory, setting the tone for a discussion on what comes next in the often daunting world of sports media.
Navigating Post-Graduation Life
Transitioning from student life to a career in sports media can be overwhelming. Jordan emphasizes the importance of reflecting on your college experiences and leveraging them as you step into the professional world. He encourages graduates to cherish the memories, friendships, and skills acquired during college as these will be invaluable throughout their careers.
Building Your Resume and Job Applications
Your resume is your best friend in the job application process. Jordan advises graduates not to be shy about their achievements. Every bit of experience, from radio calls to leadership roles, should be documented. He illustrates how practical experiences during college can significantly boost your employability.
Personal Career Journey and Experiences
Jordan shares his personal career journey, emphasizing the importance of diverse experiences and persistence. He recounts his time at Baylor and Sam Houston, highlighting how each opportunity – from student broadcasting to digital content creation – contributed to his skill set. His story is a testament to the value of perseverance, even when faced with repeated setbacks during the job search process.
The Importance of Networking
Networking is crucial. Jordan’s story about how a connection made at a random Sam Houston football game led to a significant career opportunity underscores the power of building professional relationships. He encourages students to create business cards, network actively, and maintain those connections, as they never know which one might lead to their next big job.
Landing the Rice University Job
The episode dives deep into how Jordan secured his current role at Rice University. Through a series of serendipitous events and proactive steps, he turned freelance opportunities into a significant broadcasting role. His narrative highlights the importance of seizing every opportunity and the unpredictable nature of career progression in sports media.
Advice for Aspiring Media Professionals
Jordan wraps up the episode with practical advice for graduates. He stresses the need to diversify skills, seek out various opportunities, and continue gaining experience even after graduation. Whether it’s maintaining high school or college roles while applying for jobs or learning new aspects of media and content creation, Jordan emphasizes continuous learning and resilience.
Conclusion and Podcast Details
Jordan concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to subscribe to the podcast on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube Music. He invites feedback and recommendations for future guests, connecting listeners to the podcast’s social media channels for the latest updates.
Final Thoughts
Graduating and stepping into the world of sports media can be a challenging, yet rewarding experience. The insights shared in this episode of “Behind the Mic” provide a robust roadmap for new graduates. By leveraging college experiences, building a comprehensive resume, networking effectively, and continuously learning, new graduates can navigate their post-graduation journey with confidence and purpose.
Thank you for tuning into “Behind the Mic.” Stay connected and follow the podcast on your preferred platform to ensure you never miss an episode. See you next Wednesday for another insightful discussion!