As someone who recently looked into how to break into a career in the NFL front office, I’ve learned the road is a bumpy one. It isn’t like the old days when you just wrote a letter and got a phone call back. Nowadays, you have to put in some real effort into breaking into the industry.
First and foremost, you have to be willing to volunteer your time. I know what you’re thinking, ‘How am I supposed to volunteer and break into the NFL office?’ Well, there are some opportunities out there, like internships or working as a summer associate for a football team. Even if you don’t have a college degree, you can still put in the time.
Second, you have to get creative. Instead of getting a degree in sports management, why not take courses in sports analytics or sports law? If your team’s owners are active in politics, look into volunteering or working for their campaigns – that way, you can show that you’re committed to the team and that you already know the politics.
Third, make some contacts. Go to conferences and conventions and network with as many people as possible who are working on the front offices of NFL teams. That way, you can get your foot in the door. You may be able to find somebody who will take the time to mentor you and help you get into the office.
Fourth, make sure you know the rules. The NFL has a set of regulations that all employees must abide by and you need to make sure that you understand them. Learn the policies and procedures and make sure you’re familiar with the rules.
Fifth, be prepared to put in the work. The NFL front office isn’t a glamorous profession and it takes a lot of hard work. Be ready to show that you’re willing to put in the effort and you have the dedication to make it in the front office.
Finally, believe in yourself. Confidence is key when trying to break into any new profession and the NFL front office isn’t any different. Don’t be afraid to be your own advocate. Believe in your abilities and don’t be intimidated by the process. With enough dedication and effort, you can make it into the NFL front office.
Now that you know what it takes to break into an NFL front office, you need to figure out how to get there. You’ll need to prove your skills, be proactive in your job search, and take advantage of any and all internships or other volunteer opportunities that come your way. Show the teams that you’re passionate about their sport and committed to being the best.
The next step is to write a compelling resume. Make sure it reflects your abilities and your commitment to the sport. Get creative with it. Maybe your resume should have a mini highlight reel of your achievements or highlight some of your best moments in sports.
Once you have your resume ready, you’ll need to look for opportunities to submit it. Most teams accept resumes online, so make sure you’re signed up for any job alert services, like LinkedIn, to stay informed. Additionally, you should look into attending professional events like job fairs or networking events.
You should also consider getting an education that supports your job goal. Although a degree isn’t necessary to break into the NFL, it could still help you become more marketable. Look into taking some classes in sports law or analytics to gain a better understanding of the NFL front office in general.
Finally, never give up on your dream. This is a competitive industry and there will be times when you get rejected. Don’t let it get you down – use it as an opportunity to evaluate what you did and make improvements. Then send your resume back with an even better application!
Now that you know what it takes to break into an NFL front office, it’s time to take action. Reach out to former NFL players or staff to see if they would be willing to help mentor you as you start out. Ask yourself questions like, what sort of experiences or contacts could I use to make it easier for me to get an interview with an NFL team?
You should also look into joining professional sports organizations like the National Football Coaches Association or the NFL Players Association. This will give you a network of partners and contacts throughout the NFL that you can turn to for advice and assistance as you seek an entry-level position on an NFL football team or in their front office.
Next, you should build a portfolio. Put together clips from media sources and any experiences that you have had in organized sports to illustrate your competency in the sports industry. Focus on areas like analytics, leadership and communication to show off the skills needed for front office work.
In addition, it’s a good idea to do some research into the NFL and its teams. Learn how the NFL operates, its goals, and its strategies. This will make it easier for you to answer interview questions and relate to potential employers.
Lastly, remember to stay committed. It’s important to continually apply for positions and maintain your enthusiasm and dedication. You never know when the right opportunity will come along and being prepared is half the battle. So don’t ever give up!