Your Brand
We must be intentional as we craft our narrative in order to resonate with sports industry professionals.
The University of Florida - Department of Sport Management has enlisted the help of Leadership Beyond Sport and UF graduate, Laura Barnes, to bring you relevant and detailed information to support your career and networking goals.
UFSPM & LBS aim to provide you with hands-on, practical learning experiences that increase comprehension, retention, and skills development. This content is intended to provide you with a starting point and framework so you can feel confident and prepared as you embark on your career journey during your time at UF and beyond.
GOALS/Objectives
Each of the following videos consists of:
- 10-20min (average) videos on a variety of career preparation topics
- PowerPoint Downloads for videos that include a presentation (some will walk you through the steps)
- Step-by-step instructions for applying the content to your unique circumstances
- Insights and real-life examples of how to use the content
- Common mistakes to avoid
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Below, you will find a series of tutorial videos that have been created specifically for University of Florida Sport Management students.
Each video includes a brief description. If you are new to Sport Management, watching the videos in the established sequence is a great way to start. However, if you have a specific need or area that you are currently focusing on, the videos can also stand alone for their specific content area.
1. Professional Email Writing for Sport Management
Description: Explains the process for writing a professional email that can be used for networking, communication with professors, or any other professional setting.
Outcomes: Students will understand components/elements of a professional email, how to write a professional email, and things to avoid.
How to Utilize This Video: For any student who is new to the professional landscape, this video will provide you with a framework in professional communication. Because so much of the sport industry is conducted online, it is critical that sport professionals understand how to communicate clearly, effectively, and professionally via email. Use this video to give you a starting point in professional communication, or to ensure that you are already doing what is necessary for sport professionals.
2. Signature Line for Emails
Description: This video highlights the purpose of creating a professional signature line for use in email correspondence. It includes a step-by-step approach to inserting a signature on the most commonly used email platforms.
Outcomes: Students will learn how to create a professional email signature for common email platforms. We will also cover things to avoid in an email signature to make sure it is clean, concise, and relevant.
How to Utilize This Video: Students should follow along during the video and create signature lines for their email platforms while watching the video. If the student already has a signature line, this video can be used to ensure that their existing signature has all of the recommended elements, and does not include anything that should typically be avoided.
3. LinkedIn Profiles for Sport Management
Description: This video explains the importance of a LinkedIn Profile in Sport Management, as well as how to create an engaging and comprehensive profile. Video covers things to avoid in a LinkedIn profile and the step-by-step process to editing a profile.
Outcomes: Students will have a clear understanding of how to edit and update their LinkedIn profile and how to utilize this platform for connecting with other professionals in Sport Management.
How to Utilize This Video: Follow the step-by-step process to creating or updating your LinkedIn profile. Take notes on different elements of the video that can be used to enhance your own profile, and the types of professionals you want to network with as you begin connecting with people on LinkedIn.
4. Crafting Your Cover Letter
Cover Letter.pdf
Download Cover Letter.pdf
Description: Tutorial video to explain the purpose of the cover letter and how it should be used by Sport Management Professionals.
Outcomes: By the end of this video, students will have a better understanding of the purpose of a cover letter, how to create their cover letter, and things to avoid when writing a cover letter.
How to Utilize This Video: Follow the step-by-step approach to creating a cover letter when applying for internships, jobs, or other professional positions in sport.
5. Resumes in Sport Management
Resumes in Sport Management.pdf
Download Resumes in Sport Management.pdf
Description: This video provides an overview of resumes for sport management candidates, including insight from industry professionals in the world of sport management. We will cover key elements of the resume, different types of resumes, examples of phrasing, and things to avoid when creating your resume.
Outcomes: Students will gain an understanding of how to create their first resume, or how to modify an existing resume to better fit their needs. They will be able to identify areas of their resume that might need additional focus, or ways that they can enhance their resume throughout their college career.
How to Utilize This Video: Students who do not have a resume currently should focus on the key elements of the resume and ways to easily create a comprehensive resume that highlights everything they have accomplished to this point. Experienced professionals should look for ways to enhance their current resume or adapt their experiences in other industries to their desired position in sport.
6. Exploring Career Paths
Exploring Career Paths.pdf
Download Exploring Career Paths.pdf
Description: This video explains different areas of sport that may interest students and helps to clarify the process of exploring different career paths in sport.
Outcomes: Students will have a better understanding of different roles and careers in sport, as well as the process of determining their own career path based on personal interests and ambitions.
How to Utilize This Video: This video can be utilized by students who are new to the world of sport management (first career or transitioning from another industry). Students should take notes regarding different ways to explore their career interests and have a list of options and resources to continue engaging with after watching this video.
7. The Elevator Pitch
Elevator Pitch.pdf
Download Elevator Pitch.pdf
Description: Tutorial video to explain the unique elements of an elevator pitch and how to craft a sport-specific elevator pitch.
Outcomes: By the end of this video, students will have a better /understanding of the purpose and elements of an elevator pitch, how to craft their elevator pitch, ways to practice, and things to avoid. The video will also explain how the elevator pitch is used in various settings, and ways to adapt the content to meet specific needs.
How to Utilize This Video: Follow the guided process to create an initial elevator pitch. Once the elevator pitch has been created, students can use recommendations in the video to find ways to practice their elevator pitch so it is ready to be used in networking events, job interviews, or other professional settings.
8. Networking Prep
Networking Prep.pdf
Download Networking Prep.pdf
Description: This video discusses different types of networking events and how students in sport management can prepare for professional networking.
Outcomes: Students will have a better understanding of different types of networking events, how to feel more comfortable and confident in a networking environment, and how to make a positive impression when networking with professionals in the sport industry. We will also cover things to avoid when networking.
How to Utilize This Video: This video will provide you with specific processes to utilize as you begin networking in the sport industry. Take notes on the sections that apply most to you, and the areas where you feel the least well-prepared. These are the areas that you can focus on in your preparations before a networking event.
9. Informational Interviews in Sport Management
Informational Interview.pdf
Download Informational Interview.pdf
Description: This video discusses the crucial role of Informational Interviews for sport management students and how to properly conduct this type of interview
Outcomes: Students will learn what an informational interview consists of, how to ask someone in your network for this opportunity, and how to structure the interview to make the most of your time.
How to Utilize This Video: The informational interview is a great tool for both career exploration and networking. Students who are participating in Gator to Gator through the Department of Engaged Learning & Outreach should watch this video to prepare for their informational interviews. The approaches outlined in this video can be used by anyone in sport management at any stage of their career.
10. Interview Prep
Interview Preparation.pdf
Download Interview Preparation.pdf
Description: This video explains the process of preparing for an interview in sport management. In-person and virtual interviews are discussed, as well as general timelines for when and how to prepare for an interview.
Outcomes: Students will have a better understanding for the process of preparing for an interview in sport management. They will also have an outlined approach to their own interview preparation. Students will also get a general idea of how to present themselves in a professional manner with regard to proper attire and grooming for an interview. A list of good interview questions is also provided for students to use during an interview.
How to Utilize This Video: Use the information and approaches in this video to prepare for any type of interview. Review the video early and take notes on different aspects that are specific and relevant to the individual and the position they are applying for. Take advantage of the provided interview questions to help outline the questions you will ask in your interview. This video can also help you understand the areas that you might not be as prepared for so you can focus on those aspects prior to the interview.
11. Leveraging Your Network
Leveraging Your Network.pdf
Download Leveraging Your Network.pdf
Description: This video highlights the importance and impact of your network and how to be relevant and leverage your network as a career growth strategy.
Outcomes: Students will have a better understanding of the importance their network plays in future career opportunities and how to make an impact with your network. Students will gain insight into ways they can utilize their networks on platforms such as LinkedIn, as well as things to avoid during this process.
How to Utilize This Video: For individuals who are just starting in their sport career, this video is a great tool to better understand networking and how to make the most of the network you are beginning to build. For those who are established in their careers, or transitioning from another industry, this video will highlight ways to remain relevant and have an impact on others. Take notes on the key elements that you are currently NOT doing with you network as a way of guiding your future objectives with regard to your network.
12. GatortoGator.com Setup
Description: This video walks you through the sign up process and purpose of our GatortoGator.com networking platform.
Outcomes: Students will have a better understanding of how to utilize our GatortoGator.com platform. They will know how to signup, connect and upload information from LinkedIn to their profile. Students will gain insight on where to look for jobs, student groups and how to search for individuals and organizations. They will also gain knowledge on the messaging and networking aspects of the platform.
13. Thank You Notes
Description: This video highlights the importance of creating and sending thank you notes to industry professionals.
Outcomes: Students will have a better understanding why sending thank you notes are an important way to stand out from other candidates.
How to Utilize This Video: For individuals who are just starting in their sport career, this video is a great tool to better understand how and when to create a thank you note. For those who are established in their careers, or transitioning from another industry, this video will be a quick reminder of things to include and not include in a thank you note. Thank you notes are a small and effective gesture to show gratitude and appreciation to your network.