Introduction

I'm not a journalist, nor do I pretend to be one, just was interested in how the pros viewed my sports passions. Good luck on your career.

I just participated in a leadership/mentorship workshop and realized yet again how having a mentor is so important to your professional development. I'm emphasizing just having someone you can observe, work with, and take away their strong points that appeal to you. Not necessarily someone you bird dog the whole time, just having someone you can learn from.

My story, I worked very closely with an ex-Army Ranger, paratrooper in Vietnam. As hard as they come; not a screamer, just someone demanding and who set a great example. Now there were times where I told the managing partner, "that's enough, I need a break from Bob." He was such a hard charger that at times I backed off, I told him, you need to sign this document, I won't, its not me. We never "hung out" together or had cocktails together; he had no interests in sports, he was in many ways the opposite of me. A purely working relationship. He was exhausting to a young lawyer. I was his associate for 12 years, then his partner for another 10.

But nearly 30 years into my career now, I always tell others that I learned so much from him. I identify him by name and tell my friends in the profession what he gave me and tell my family as well. I once told him at a conference straight up that I was so grateful and he reacted as you would expect, a shrug and a "okay".

I hope you can find someone like that to facilitate your development.

 

Not really negativity, pretty much just an inside joke. If you look at the jobs boards, most times someone will ask for an
update on a job opening, and someone will reply, "You're hired."

There are some here who may be a little jaded or bitter, but most people are helpful.

 

More advice: Don’t sign up with your real name.

And if you did...

well, get yourself a sock puppet PDQ.

 

Wi

With any career, figure out your strengths and weaknesses early and play to your strengths.

TF can flat out write. That was a message board post he blasted out probably on his phone in 12 minutes that read like a well edited column. His clips and where they have come from support the theory of his writing ability. He’s also the second best poster I’ve ever read here.

I can’t write for shit. I realized that, and it’s one reason why I left for a different career. My strength was building relationships and trust with coaches and players, especially ones you see on a consistent basis.

Some people are great researchers and finding the story and the details no one else sees.

Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Play to your strengths.

 

Yeah, there’s no negativity here. Ever.

 

Typefitter’s posts on this thread should be mandatory reading for any young newbie who wants to go somewhere in this business. Inspirational and informative. Well done, sir.

 

What's your favorite chain restaurant? Favorite fast food place?

 

Popeye's

 

Do you like Gladiator movies?

 

No

 

Have you ever seen a grown man naked?

 

What does this have to do with this?