Helpful Q&A for the College Student & Young Career Pro!

Q: Where did you attend college and what did you major in?

A: I did not go to college but I graduated from a Vocational Technical High School in New Bedford, Massachusetts. My course studies were focused on ”Industrial Design” which taught me a lot about art work, design, layout, copy writing, drafting, printing, and much more. I use a lot of my high school trade skills even today! We design so many publications, brochures and sales kits that I feel that I’ve got the knowledge to understand and a creative ability to see things from the artist side of things.

Q: How did you start in the sports industry?

A: I was the jack-of-all-trades for a Junior Hockey team in Billings, Montana. I was one of three employees on the team. I was the receptionist, the media relations guy, the game night entertainment director, community relations, and the ticket salesman. Whatever needed to get done, I rolled up my sleeves and did it. I probably worked around 80 hours a week back then. I rode a bike to work and did not drive a car. Snow, rain nor sleet kept me from getting to the office. What helped me most in my young days in this business was getting my feet wet in all departmental areas like promotions, events, sales and even learning people skills, communications, attention to details and follow though.

Q: What is the best advice you would give in pursuit of a career goal?

* Expose yourself to all aspects. Internships are the best way. Don’t limit yourself to just one – do sample a few.

* When pursuing that FIRST JOB, don’t go in attempting to pay off student loans right away (salary needs). Get a job with a company that has a Great Reputation and one that will give you an opportunity to develop and get your feet wet.

* Don’t go in wanting perks such as commissions, mileage, meal expenses, etc. You'll lose the Opportunity. Become a SOLUTIONS person vs. a COMPLAINER with only problems.

* You have to grow up quick – You’re no longer a College Student! You are the Employee! Adjustment from College Graduate to the Business Professional world is the hardest thing to feel accepted – it may be harder than the anxiety you felt from going to school full time back in 1st grade/to middle school/to finally arriving in high school for sure.

Q) What is the key for a successful job interview?

A) CONNECTION! Just like finding a date. It’s the ability to connect. It’s in your look. Your eyes and how you smile. Resumes, sometimes, are not the most important selling tool. YOU ARE! It’s that Moment of contact. How you answer questions – be truthful. Come Prepared – YOU HAVE TO WANNA–WANT THE JOB! I, for one, want charismatic people who can SMILE, a hard-working, professional, mature person with Integrity, I look for Character, a CAN DO individual that’s not afraid of hours. We’ll teach the rest.

Q) While in college, what should I focus on to help me jump start a career in business?

A) Spend time honing your writing and speaking skills without question. Learn how to get in front of larger groups, especially your peers, and speak. Sample some marketing and communications courses. For the sports-minded career individual, definitely look at the many Sports Management programs offered around the country.

Don't shy away from taking a computer graphics course or two if you have a creative talent and love for computers. Every sports franchise, business, ad agency, printer, etc., has a definite need for a computer graphics' expert! As well, I encourage you to get a part-time job in sales and begin to learn the very basics. Sales is something we all do – Dating is a Sales Job! Coaches that recruit players is a Sales Job! Parenting your Kids is a Sales Job YOU ULTIMATELY HAVE TO “SELL YOURSELF” TO GET THAT FIRST CAREER JOB!


E-Mail: loria@sfstampede.com