Getting a job in sports takes more than just knowing the game. At a sports forum at the University of Mississippi, four professionals shared their experiences and gave students advice on how to make connections, prepare for opportunities and stand out in the sports industry.
The panel, titled “Teamwork Off the Field,” brought together professionals from sports broadcasting, media, law and professional sports organizations to discuss the work that happens behind the scenes.
Moderated by Erika Dierke, the discussion featured Maria Martin, lead sports anchor at Atlanta’s 11Alive; Dr. Jamil Northcutt, CEO of the Players Alliance; Alex Steinberg, a partner at DLA Piper; and Herb May, vice president of sales at Almost Friday Media.
Although the panelists work in different areas of sports, they all emphasized the importance of building relationships, working hard and taking advantage of opportunities.
For Martin, a 2014 Ole Miss graduate, preparation has been one of the most important parts of her career in sports journalism.
“I always want to be the most prepared person in the room,” Martin said. “I told myself that a long time ago.”
Martin became the first woman to serve as lead sports anchor at her Atlanta station. She also works as a sideline reporter for ESPN, but her career began with several part-time jobs in sports media.
After graduating from Ole Miss, Martin returned to South Florida, where she worked for ESPN West Palm, assisted with television production and filmed practices for the University of Miami football team.
Those experiences helped her build a reporting reel and eventually land her first full-time on-air position in Montgomery, Alabama.
During the panel, Martin explained that being a sports journalist involves much more than what viewers see on television. She encouraged students interested in broadcasting to prepare for interviews while also learning how to listen and respond to athletes in the moment.
“The greatest interviews in the world that you listen to are ones that are reacting in real time,” Martin said.
Martin also discussed how important it is to build trust with athletes, coaches and other people in the sports industry. She explained that relationships take time to develop and can be damaged quickly.
“It takes months and months, years and years to build up the trust in seconds to break it down,” Martin said.
While Martin focused on relationships in journalism, May discussed how those same skills are important in sports business.
May, an Ole Miss graduate, works with brands such as Pepsi and Celsius through his position at Almost Friday Media. During the discussion, he explained that successful business partnerships involve more than making deals. They also depend on getting to know clients and maintaining strong relationships.
May encouraged students to find mentors who are willing to help them grow professionally. He explained that learning from experienced professionals can be valuable, even when an internship or job is not directly related to a student’s dream career.
He also discussed how his early internships and supervisors helped shape the way he approaches professional relationships today.
May’s advice showed students that the connections they make early in their careers can continue to benefit them as they move into different positions.
Steinberg shared a similar perspective from his experience working in sports law.
As a partner at DLA Piper, Steinberg works on transactions involving professional sports teams, media companies and investors. His career has also included experience with ESPN and the NFL.
During the forum, Steinberg explained that working in sports law requires cooperation among lawyers, investors, organizations and league officials.
He encouraged students to stay informed about what is happening in the sports industry and to make the most of every opportunity they receive.
Steinberg also discussed the importance of building a reputation as someone who is reliable and willing to work hard. Even assignments that may not seem connected to a person’s long-term career goals can help develop skills and professional relationships.
For Northcutt, a former Ole Miss football player, teamwork is something he learned long before beginning his career as a sports executive.
Northcutt played football at Ole Miss from 1999 to 2003 before working with organizations including the Kansas City Chiefs, Cleveland Browns and Major League Soccer.
He explained that many of the lessons he learned as an athlete still influence the way he approaches leadership.
During the panel, Northcutt described teamwork using the phrase “together everyone achieves more.” He emphasized that every person within an organization plays a role in its success.
Northcutt also discussed the importance of leadership and making sure employees understand how their individual responsibilities contribute to the organization.
Beyond professional skills, Northcutt told students that character is one of the most important qualities employers look for.
“You got to have character,” Northcutt said. “You’re gonna be faced with all kinds of temptations.”
He explained that being trustworthy, communicating effectively and treating people with respect can help employees stand out throughout their careers.
The discussion also focused on how quickly the sports industry is changing and why students should remain open to different opportunities.
Martin encouraged students not to become so focused on one career path that they overlook other possibilities.
“Your dreams can change,” Martin said.
She explained that her own career has evolved to include anchoring, sideline reporting and podcasting. Her experience showed students that working in sports media does not always mean following one specific path.
Throughout the forum, the panelists shared examples of how their careers developed through different jobs, internships and professional connections.
Although their experiences varied, they encouraged students to take their work seriously, learn from the people around them and be willing to start in positions that may not be their ideal jobs.
For Ole Miss students hoping to enter the sports industry, the discussion offered a look at the work that happens beyond games and television broadcasts.
Martin ended with a reminder that the way people treat others and approach their responsibilities can leave a lasting impression.
“People remember that,” Martin said. “They remember when you show up, when you listen, when you’re prepared.”
Sports Forum Panelists
- Maria Martin — Lead sports anchor at 11Alive in Atlanta and ESPN sideline reporter
- Dr. Jamil Northcutt — CEO of the Players Alliance
- Alex Steinberg — Partner at DLA Piper
- Herb May — Vice president of sales at Almost Friday Media
Moderator: Erika Dierke
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