NFL Internship:

In her third year of college, she discovered her interest in Sports PR through a sports communication course. She then started searching for sports-related PR or event management internships. She participated in the global competition Cosmogirl Project 2024, specifically in the sports category, to secure an internship with the NFL league office. Fortunately, her efforts paid off, and she was offered the coveted internship position in the league's office in New York City. She realized that building a network of quality individuals was essential as she progressed through her career. She recommends utilizing LinkedIn while emphasizing the importance of attending events to meet people in person. She acknowledges that it can be challenging to reach busy senior leaders. Still, when you meet them face-to-face, you can exchange business cards, follow up via email with a reference to the meeting, and potentially secure a few minutes with them to establish a relationship.

Temp Roles & Relocation:

After graduation, she landed a temporary role with the Cleveland Browns. However, she had to find another job after the season ended. She secured another temporary role with Octagon Agency in the Golf department. Although the pay was low, she moved from Cleveland to Naples, Florida, to take up the job. During her time with Octagon, she realized she wanted to work within the Football department and called the office to inquire about any job openings. Luckily, they had an opening within the PR department. She had to move to Cary, NC, to complete her Golf assignment and then to Walnut Creek, California, where she stayed in a family friend's spare bedroom without knowing anyone. She worked as a PR and events coordinator due to her experience in both areas, collaborating with all agents and marketing colleagues. During her time in this role, she constantly pushed herself to improve and capitalize on her strengths. She closely monitored the industry, learning from others' successes and relying on her instincts to evolve and progress. After spending three years in the Bay Area, she requested a transfer to Octagon's Los Angeles office due to the high number of events in the area.

It often required her to relocate frequently, take on new roles, and meet new people every few years. She emphasizes that you may need to make difficult decisions in your career that may not be ideal in the short term but could significantly contribute to your long-term success. Remember that the challenges you face now could lead to significant growth opportunities in the future.

Ingredients for Success:

When hiring for her team, Rebecca looks for specific experience for senior positions, while for junior positions, she looks for transferable skills from various industries, not just sports. If you possess that skill set outside of sports, she can envision how it can be applied to sports.

“Creating and maintaining sustained relationships is critical in this industry.” Working with talent, balancing expectations, and dealing with particular skill sets are also essential components.” Managing expectations on both the client's and talent's sides comes down to interpersonal skills. Almost everyone who succeeds in this industry is proactive and driven. She encourages developing your skill set and discipline, even if it means taking a PR opening at another company outside of sports. “It's not sports or nothing; it's about your craft, skill development, and perseverance. It's about people understanding your experience and how it can benefit the company.”

What’s Happening in Sports

🏀 NCAA Men’s Sweet Sixteen - For only the 5th time since 1985, all No. 1 and No. 2 seeds advanced to the Sweet 16.

⚾️ The recent Shohei Ohtani scandal could bring more attention to the unregulated world of sports betting, according to lawmakers.

🏀 South Carolina women reach 10th straight Sweet 16, beat North Carolina 88-41 in March Madness.

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