Jumping into PR with Professional Sports
Everyone has something they love when going into PR. It could be fashion, makeup, automotives, healthcare, entertainment, and more. For myself, I would enjoy being in professional sports. Being in public relations gives you the chance to try many different things. It all matters on what you are passionate about and how you are going to take an organization’s voice in your own hands. It is no secret that professional athletes are often under intense scrutiny by the public eye. In the age of social media, it is easier for the public to connect directly with their favorite athletes. While this can be a great tool, it also means that athletes must be meticulous about how they conduct themselves both on and off the playing field. Because of this, many professional athletes hire public relations firms to help them manage their image and media relations. Many professional athletes get into different issues, and they need a PR team to “clean it up.” Although our only responsibilities are not solving problems, we aren't the FBI, we can ensure that our athletes can represent themselves in the best way to the public.
Although our only responsibilities are not solving problems, we aren't the FBI, we can ensure that our athletes can represent themselves in the best way to the public.
The positives of working for Professional Sports teams
The connections working with any professional sports team is something that many people say is a big positive. Working with professional sports teams allows you to connect with many athletes or even celebrities. You can build your confidence by working with sports teams, enjoy yourself, and have fun with your work. This is not a 9 to 5 job where you are sitting at a desk all day long (unless you enjoy doing that). But you get to be involved with the community and with your clients. This job consists of a lot of interactions, and you know, we PR people love to talk, so this is the perfect way to get involved with more people and maybe even different PR connections.
Negatives with working for a Professional Sports team
Yes, working for a big team does sound like a dream to me and others; you have to understand the struggles of working for professional sports teams. The hours working for these teams could take a lot out of someone. If someone can not stand working an inconsistent schedule, then that could be something you would have to rethink. Most teams play games almost every day of the week during the season, which take up almost 12 hours to do. If you can handle the hours, then perfect; that is a significant issue that some PR professionals could have. That does not mean that is the only struggle you would have. Knowing that you are a team representative or even a player is a lot. People will start blaming you for “taking their side” or speaking for them. You could suffer significant backlash and feel the “heat” that the team or player is getting. Making sure that you are prepared to handle different situations is crucial. Even though there are a lot of different crucial factors that come into play when thinking about working with professional sports teams, you still get to experience so many things. You should never feel bored because you are not in an office desk job and out actually “doing” your job and not just sitting there.
Why is it something Alexandra wants to do?
During my first year, I was a college athlete at Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I played there for about two years; before then, all I knew was volleyball—the only two sports teams I ever would watch and play. After being at a university where all we would do was play a sport and go to class, I fell in love with every sports team. Baseball, Lacrosse, Softball, Hockey, Soccer, Tennis, Basketball, Golf, Football, and of course volleyball. I had gotten close with some of the players on the baseball team and realized that each sport is unique. Then I began to love watching all sorts of sporting events. Next thing you know, Alexandra is at every home game she could attend. Was there more than one home game a day? She would split up the time evenly. Growing to love each sport for what they all have is what I did best. I transferred schools and could not be an athlete anymore due to circumstances, which is when I realized I do not have to be an athlete to be involved, and my major is the best way to do it. I love being involved with any sporting event and love to research different types of stats involved within the teams. I may not be a collegiate athlete or even a professional athlete, but that would not take me away from the game. Behind the curtain is where I will stay, and I hope to continue this part of my life within my PR career.
Overall, I love what PR can do for professional sports teams and athletes. As we go into the real world, we find something we love and try to lean into it. If you end up doing it or not, it is the journey you are on. I hope to one day be a PR agent for a professional sports team anywhere in the country.
Alexandra is a junior studying Advertising and Public Relations with an emphasis on PR and a minor in writing. Before coming to GVSU, Alexandra played volleyball at Concordia University. This is Alexandra’s first semester as a part of GVPRSSA, and she is excited to meet new people and find more connections! Alexandra serves on the Alumni Relations Committee and as Chair of the Promotions Committee. After graduating, Alex hopes to work in the professional sports industry to grow her love of athletics. Outside of school, Alexandra likes to attend sporting events, enjoy nature, hang out with friends, spend time with her sister and brother, and enjoy life, as time can go fast!