2021 is ending, and it’s been a fun year for the WorkInSports Podcast. So as we gear up for more sports career advice to spring into action for 2022, we’re revisiting some of the most impactful of our 41 guests from the past 12 months for inspiration wherever you are on your career path. Our first look back is with Scott O’Neil, who was the CEO of Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment (which owns and operates the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils) at the time of our interview. When we spoke, he had just published his first book, Be Where Your Feet Are. This interview inspired VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp, and based on audience feedback; it did the same for you. In addition to going through Scott O’Neil’s journey to (at the time) running a company that owns the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, they talked about:The importance of maintaining a work-life balance.Notable leadership advice from Be Where Your Feet Are.The value of being present as your authentic self in all that you do.Essential traits of his best hires.
Enjoy the episode!

Best of 2021: Scott O'Neil

Getting hired in sports can be hard, but you don't have to go it alone.  
On the weekly WorkInSports Podcast, host Brian Clapp acts as your guide to stand out and make a name for yourself in this unique and competitive industry. Featuring an impressive list of guests ranging from super agents (Leigh Steinberg, Nicole Lynn, Jack Mills), General Managers (Dan Duquette) and sports reporters (Jason La Canfora, Tamara Brown)  to entrepreneurs (Zach Maurides, Neeta Sreekanth, Eric Stark), marketing execs (Mike Neligan, Brian Killingsworth, Michelle Andres) talent acquisition directors (Mailynh Vu, Colleen Scoles) and more - we’ve got you covered with in-depth, sports-focused career advice you can't find anywhere else.
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What if there was a way to use science to figure out the best career path for you? A way to narrow down the many options into a much more manageable choice. Well, Brian got a big hit of inspiration while watching Oppenheimer. He donned his lab coat and pocket protector, got out his calculator, and started testing. I picture Brian as more of a Bill Nye than an Einstein in the lab. Either way, he's giving you a new approach to finding what you are good at and what you will love and thrive in. Like any good science experiment, you'll have to break a few eggs to make the omelet; you won't always nail your first hypothesis. Still, Brian's idea revolves around eliminating false positives on your way to finding a satisfying line of work. But I'll let Brian explain his stroke of genius and prove that he is no mad scientist.

Using Science to Discover Your Dream Sports Job

75% of resumes don't pass through ATS (applicant tracking systems). Recruiters spend an average of 7.6 seconds reading the ones that do. The sports industry is highly competitive because… well, sports. You need to take every advantage offered, and AI is the quickest way to get your resume into the right hands.  Brian covers 21 ways —that's right, 21 ways—that you can ask Chat GPT, Gemini, Jasper, and all the other robots to not only make your job application materials shine but also do it faster than ever. Don't want to analyze job descriptions for keywords to stuff into your resume? Copy and paste that thing into a chatbot and ask it to give you a tailored resume. Can't think of any good follow-up questions to ask at the end of an interview? Get the machines to analyze the job description and research the company. They'll even write the questions for you! Feeling stuck in your job search? Skynet can scan your resume and suggest career paths you may have never considered. That's just a taste of the tips that Brian drops. He also covers how the need to use AI will continue after your job hunt; Brian's ideas will get you reps with the tools employers expect you to be comfortable with. Now, don't go nuts and start firing off fully AI-generated resumes and cover letters; it isn't that good… yet. But these tools can take so much off your plate and get you very close to a finished product. AI might even be able to write a pretty good podcast description.  But not this one.

Using AI Will Get You a Sports Job

Get your portfolios, reels, and certificates ready… As Gangstarr put it, this episode is all about "skills, skills, skills." R.I.P. Guru.  Skills-based hiring is trending in the sports industry, raising the question, "Do you really need a college degree to make it in the sports industry?" Join Brian as he breaks down the shift happening in sports job hunting. Is it a temporary trend or here to stay? Brian shares tips for job seekers to take advantage of the change, helping you win with employers who value what you can do over your alma mater.  Don't assume that Brian is out here trashing associates and 4-year programs; he explores the advantages a degree can provide you, too. With the right approach, you can break into the sports industry in ways that weren't possible in the past.

Are College Degrees OVERRATED?

Whether you're just starting out or seeking a promotion in the sports industry, Brian Clapp shares the top strategies for advancing your career during this week's WorkInSports Podcast. Calling upon his journey from the video editing room all the way to the director's chair for a sports network, Brian can provide first-hand experience of how to lock down promotions. It's not always a straight path in the sports biz, and there are simple steps you can take to get your foot in many doors without closing any behind you. From scripts you can use with your boss to general philosophies that put you on the path to advancement, Brian gives you everything you need to take your next step.

Do This to Get Promoted in Your Sports Career

Everyone knows that networking is one of the keys to career success. YOU know you have to do it... but, like... HOW DO YOU DO IT? For real, what are you supposed to say? Networking is scary and awkward for many job seekers. Anyone can hit the "connect" button on LinkedIn, but the task is daunting after that. So Brian is laying out the exact blueprint for you to start building meaningful relationships. It's simple and repeatable, too! His tips aren't a magic pill to make networking suddenly easy, but he gives you exact instructions to make an immediate impact. How many of your connections do you actually talk to? Hopefully, that number will increase after hearing Brian's strategy.

Best of 2021: Scott O'Neil

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