Melissa Yang, Senior Manager of Editorial Content for the Brooklyn Nets, is in the spotlight this week. Her journey through the dynamic world of sports, social media, and storytelling is extraordinary and a testament to the power of curiosity, networking, and adaptability. Join us as we unveil the experiences, lessons, and advice that have paved her path to success.

Discovering the Intersection of Sports, Social Media, and Creativity

When Melissa arrived at USC, she had no specific career path in mind. Her older sister advised her to enter as an undecided major and explore a variety of courses of personal interest. In her first semester, Melissa enrolled in a Sports, Business, and Media class that would become a pivotal moment in her journey. This class not only ignited her passion for sports but also introduced her to the multifaceted opportunities within the industry. Each lecture in this class featured guest speakers from the sports industry, providing insights into their career journeys—much like what we aim to achieve with this newsletter. Melissa also pursued additional courses, including one that taught her Photoshop skills and another where she contributed to a student television sports talk show. Melissa's deep-rooted love for sports and her creative inclinations naturally drew her towards these pursuits. A guest speaker from her class informed her about a Sports Business club on campus, which led her to her first sports internship in the marketing department at USC Athletics. This fortunate turn of events was her foot in the door, and she seized it enthusiastically. Her responsibilities ranged from designing graphics to covering football games from the field, which all helped cultivate her passion for sports and social content.

Navigating High-Level Internships: From Clippers to Drew League

While interning at USC Athletics, Melissa spotted an online job listing for a social media internship with the LA Clippers. She knew previous experience as a teacher assistant in a Photoshop class would be invaluable in this position, but what truly set her on the path to securing the internship was a chance conversation. A fellow student from her Photoshop class happened to work for the Clippers. Melissa mentioned her intent to apply for the internship, and this casual conversation led to her application being flagged to the hiring manager. It was a pivotal moment that propelled her into the Clippers' internship. Later, her internship at The Drew League internship came about through a tweet shared by a friend, further underlining the importance of networking and seizing opportunities. Melissa's key takeaway from these experiences is profound—never underestimate your presence in the room; don't hesitate to ask questions and share ideas. Some of her most cherished projects originated from her proactive contributions to the team's creative process.

Anticipating the Future of Sports and Technology

Melissa offers a unique perspective as the world continues to experience the rapid evolution of technology and social media. She believes people are yearning for genuine connections and authenticity after recent global events, a sentiment that extends to the digital realm. Melissa's keen interest lies in leveraging social media to establish authentic digital communities that transcend the digital space and manifest in real-life, physical interactions. She emphasizes that social media is a storytelling platform, whether for individuals, sports teams, or athletes. The critical question is not whether you have an Instagram account but how you utilize it to convey your unique narrative.

Transitioning Through Prominent Publications to the Brooklyn Nets

Melissa's journey took her to GQ, a prominent publication, where she served as the social media manager. In this role, her responsibilities shifted towards emphasizing written content. Reading and strategizing engagement for every published story was her forte, providing a fresh perspective compared to her previous experiences at the NBA, which revolved heavily around video content. Melissa found her love for writing during her tenure at GQ, broadening her horizons beyond sports into the realms of culture and fashion. However, transitioning during a pandemic presented its unique challenges. Melissa had to adapt to remote work, initially communicating with colleagues solely through Zoom or Slack. She recognized the importance of proactive efforts to build relationships in this setting, ultimately making her job more enjoyable. Encouraging people to engage with long-form features in the age of dwindling attention spans was another challenge she tackled with her trademark determination.

Empowering Women in Sports: Advice From a Trailblazer

As a successful woman in the sports industry, Melissa has a great deal of advice for other females aspiring to work in sports. Her presence in male-dominated rooms fills her with pride, but she also acknowledges the need for more women to join her. Melissa believes that seeing successful women in these roles serves as motivation for the next generation of women in sports. Her message is clear: if you aspire to work in sports, pursue it relentlessly, and remember that your unique story can set you apart.

A Day in the Life With the Brooklyn Nets

Melissa's current role as Senior Manager of Editorial Content at the Brooklyn Nets presents a fresh challenge. In this ever-evolving landscape, she ponders what editorial work for an NBA team means in 2023. While in the past, it might have involved writing game recaps for the website, the advent of social media has reshaped this terrain. Melissa collaborates closely with the Nets' social and video teams to identify storylines, sound bites, and new opportunities for content creation. Working in sports offers diverse experiences, from being at the arena for games and attending press conferences to engaging in locker room interviews and brainstorming TikTok ideas at the office.

 A Final Tip for Aspiring Sports Industry Professionals

Melissa's parting advice echoes a theme throughout her journey—know your unique story well. When asked the typical, "Tell me about yourself" question during job interviews, seize the opportunity to introduce yourself through your background and job history. Your narrative is your differentiator in the competitive sports industry. What about your personal experiences makes you a great addition to the team or company you’re applying for?