By Mariana Nava/Staff Writer
The 23rd Annual Communications Week at Biscayne Bay Campus featured a “Sports Media Panel,” this past week.
“The Sports Media Panel” took place this past Tuesday, March 18 “The Sports Communications Panel” took over the WUC Ballrooms at BBC on Wednesday, March 19, and featured Jose Sotolongo, executive director of Miami-Dade Sports Commission; Bradley Gerber, senior associate at Burson Marsteller; Chris Yandle, assistant AD/Communications of University of Miami (UM); Jon Erik Alvarez, media relations coordinator at Miami Marlins; and Ancel Pratt, who formerly worked with the Miami Heat and now is an author and project manager at Wade’s World Foundation.
“Coming up in the industry, I didn’t really have this kind of resources, so I want to give back to college students and give them an avenue to learn about the industry,” Yandle said in regards to his purpose and commitment with students.
Different aspects of how to get in the sports communications industry and how to be successful in it were discussed. The panelists started the discussion by talking about the differences between this industry and others, which major difference, according to Hunter Franki, a senior advertising major at FIU who happened to be the host of this panel, is the fact that everything happens quickly, and that makes it a result-based business. Moreover, they talked about the importance of doing as many internships as possible, being careful with the information that everyone puts on social media, which can be an impediment to get an important job in the future, how resumes should be presented, and how good writing skills are fundamental in this business.
“Companies hire because they got a problem, and they need a solution. The question is: Can you be the solution to the problem? Or are you the best solution to the problem?” Ancel Pratt said.
The event had an amazing outcome. A lot of students were present, raised their hands to point out a question when they had the chance, and also stayed after it was finished to interact with the panelists personally. Also, the panelists gave the students their business cards so they can contact them in case they have any questions or need advice.
“It was a great experience. I learned that working in the sports industry is very challenging and demanding. As the panelists said: ‘It is a lifestyle, but a very rewarding lifestyle.’” Karen Ramirez, a junior Public Relations major at FIU and also a sports lover said.
-mariana.nava@fiusm.com
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