3 answers
Justin
Student
White House, Tennessee
1
Question
Asked
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How does a young adult who recently graduated get doors opened in the business world so they can begin building a business career #Spring25?
I am interested in a career around sports, including owning a business that will connect my passion for baseball to a future career.
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3 answers
Barbara Almeida
Business Development Representative
3
Answers
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
Barbara’s Answer
1. Expose yourself: see any events around your region related to this, meet other people that does what you want to do to get tips and inspiration.
2. Networking: I believe in any business field networking is important. The power of referral is there, take advantage of it! Or even if someone can't refer you they might be able to point you out to the right direction.
3. Social medias: great ways to networking is through social medias, either LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.
4. Begin with the end in mind: Have a clear idea what it is your ending goal
5. There are plenty of free courses online you can take to help build your business, in Harvard for example.
6. Get an initial job at some baseball company (to help get exposure and experience on business side)
7. Show enthusiasm and be curious!
2. Networking: I believe in any business field networking is important. The power of referral is there, take advantage of it! Or even if someone can't refer you they might be able to point you out to the right direction.
3. Social medias: great ways to networking is through social medias, either LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.
4. Begin with the end in mind: Have a clear idea what it is your ending goal
5. There are plenty of free courses online you can take to help build your business, in Harvard for example.
6. Get an initial job at some baseball company (to help get exposure and experience on business side)
7. Show enthusiasm and be curious!
Tara Johns
Copywriter
21
Answers
Gates, North Carolina
Updated
Tara’s Answer
One way to get your foot in the door, regardless of the industry you are in, is to network.
Whether in person or online. If you don't have access to any in-person interactions within your chosen industry or niche, then social media can be an excellent place for networking.
Simply show up in spaces that your ideal clients or customers or anyone you'd want to have a professional relationship with (even a mentor) is, and start joining in on the conversation, offering insights or things that you know, answering questions, whatever is appropriate.
Be your genuine self and keep active and stay top of mind. Just engage whenever and wherever you can.
That's just one way to go about it. But it can work very well.
Good luck with the future, and I hope you find what works for you.
Whether in person or online. If you don't have access to any in-person interactions within your chosen industry or niche, then social media can be an excellent place for networking.
Simply show up in spaces that your ideal clients or customers or anyone you'd want to have a professional relationship with (even a mentor) is, and start joining in on the conversation, offering insights or things that you know, answering questions, whatever is appropriate.
Be your genuine self and keep active and stay top of mind. Just engage whenever and wherever you can.
That's just one way to go about it. But it can work very well.
Good luck with the future, and I hope you find what works for you.
David Ludwick
Business Owner
60
Answers
Huntington Beach, California
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Justin,
To enter the business world and build a career aligned with a passion for baseball, with the long-term goal of owning a business in that field, a recent graduate can employ the following strategies:
1. **Gain Relevant Education and Skills**:
- Leverage any business-related degree (e.g., sports management, business administration, or marketing) to understand core concepts like finance, marketing, and operations.
- Supplement with online courses or certifications in sports business, such as those offered by Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or sports-specific programs like NYU’s Sports Management certificate.
- Develop transferable skills: data analysis (e.g., sabermetrics for baseball), communication, and project management.
2. **Start with Entry-Level Roles in Sports**:
- Target roles in baseball organizations, such as Minor League Baseball teams, MLB franchises, or related industries (e.g., sports marketing agencies, equipment manufacturers).
- Examples: ticket sales, fan engagement coordinator, operations assistant, or social media associate.
- Use platforms like TeamWork Online, WorkInSports, or LinkedIn to find openings. Check MLB’s career portal (mlb.com/careers) regularly.
3. **Network **:
- Attend industry events like the Baseball Winter Meetings or local sports business conferences to meet professionals.
- Join organizations like the Sports Business Association or connect with alumni networks from your college.
- Reach out to baseball professionals on LinkedIn or X for informational interviews, focusing on roles in team operations, player development, or sports analytics.
- Follow and engage with baseball business influencers or executives on X to stay visible and informed.
4. **Gain Experience Through Internships or Volunteering**:
- Secure internships with baseball teams, sports agencies, or media outlets covering baseball (e.g., ESPN, The Athletic). Even unpaid or part-time roles build credibility.
- Volunteer for local baseball events, youth leagues, or college teams to gain hands-on experience and contacts.
5. **Understand the Industry**:
- Study the business side of baseball: revenue streams (ticketing, sponsorships, media rights), player contracts, and stadium operations.
- Stay updated on trends like sports betting, fan experience tech (e.g., AR/VR), or analytics-driven decision-making via sources like Sports Business Journal or Fangraphs.
- Research successful baseball-related businesses (e.g., training academies, memorabilia companies, or analytics firms) to identify viable models for your future business.
6. **Build a Personal Brand**:
- Create content on X or a blog about baseball business topics (e.g., fan engagement strategies, analytics insights) to showcase expertise.
- Share your journey, network with industry professionals, and highlight achievements to attract opportunities.
7. **Develop Entrepreneurial Skills**:
- Take side projects or freelance gigs in sports (e.g., marketing for a local team) to learn business operations.
- Study successful sports entrepreneurs like Theo Epstein or businesses like Topps or Fanatics for inspiration.
- Save capital and explore small-scale ventures, like organizing baseball camps or launching a niche product, to test ideas.
8. **Plan for the Long Term**:
- Set milestones: e.g., 3-5 years in operational roles, 5-10 years in management, then pursue ownership or start a business.
- Consider an MBA or advanced degree later to boost credibility and networks for ownership.
- Research ownership paths: buying into a minor league team, starting a baseball academy, or launching a tech-driven sports startup.
By combining industry knowledge, networking, and practical experience, you’ll build a foundation to transition from entry-level roles to a baseball-focused business owner.
Start small: A local team or startup is more accessible than an MLB franchise.
Be patient but proactive—ownership often requires decades of experience and capital
Use X to follow job boards (@TeamWorkOnline) or industry leaders for real-time opportunities
To enter the business world and build a career aligned with a passion for baseball, with the long-term goal of owning a business in that field, a recent graduate can employ the following strategies:
1. **Gain Relevant Education and Skills**:
- Leverage any business-related degree (e.g., sports management, business administration, or marketing) to understand core concepts like finance, marketing, and operations.
- Supplement with online courses or certifications in sports business, such as those offered by Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or sports-specific programs like NYU’s Sports Management certificate.
- Develop transferable skills: data analysis (e.g., sabermetrics for baseball), communication, and project management.
2. **Start with Entry-Level Roles in Sports**:
- Target roles in baseball organizations, such as Minor League Baseball teams, MLB franchises, or related industries (e.g., sports marketing agencies, equipment manufacturers).
- Examples: ticket sales, fan engagement coordinator, operations assistant, or social media associate.
- Use platforms like TeamWork Online, WorkInSports, or LinkedIn to find openings. Check MLB’s career portal (mlb.com/careers) regularly.
3. **Network **:
- Attend industry events like the Baseball Winter Meetings or local sports business conferences to meet professionals.
- Join organizations like the Sports Business Association or connect with alumni networks from your college.
- Reach out to baseball professionals on LinkedIn or X for informational interviews, focusing on roles in team operations, player development, or sports analytics.
- Follow and engage with baseball business influencers or executives on X to stay visible and informed.
4. **Gain Experience Through Internships or Volunteering**:
- Secure internships with baseball teams, sports agencies, or media outlets covering baseball (e.g., ESPN, The Athletic). Even unpaid or part-time roles build credibility.
- Volunteer for local baseball events, youth leagues, or college teams to gain hands-on experience and contacts.
5. **Understand the Industry**:
- Study the business side of baseball: revenue streams (ticketing, sponsorships, media rights), player contracts, and stadium operations.
- Stay updated on trends like sports betting, fan experience tech (e.g., AR/VR), or analytics-driven decision-making via sources like Sports Business Journal or Fangraphs.
- Research successful baseball-related businesses (e.g., training academies, memorabilia companies, or analytics firms) to identify viable models for your future business.
6. **Build a Personal Brand**:
- Create content on X or a blog about baseball business topics (e.g., fan engagement strategies, analytics insights) to showcase expertise.
- Share your journey, network with industry professionals, and highlight achievements to attract opportunities.
7. **Develop Entrepreneurial Skills**:
- Take side projects or freelance gigs in sports (e.g., marketing for a local team) to learn business operations.
- Study successful sports entrepreneurs like Theo Epstein or businesses like Topps or Fanatics for inspiration.
- Save capital and explore small-scale ventures, like organizing baseball camps or launching a niche product, to test ideas.
8. **Plan for the Long Term**:
- Set milestones: e.g., 3-5 years in operational roles, 5-10 years in management, then pursue ownership or start a business.
- Consider an MBA or advanced degree later to boost credibility and networks for ownership.
- Research ownership paths: buying into a minor league team, starting a baseball academy, or launching a tech-driven sports startup.
By combining industry knowledge, networking, and practical experience, you’ll build a foundation to transition from entry-level roles to a baseball-focused business owner.
David recommends the following next steps: