The Rise of Women in the Sports Industry

Women continue to make their presence known throughout different industries and professions. Knocking down stereotypes, breaking stigmas, and making their voices heard. One industry that women are breaking Barriers in is the sports industry. Now more than ever, women are making a presence within the world of sports, an industry that men have predominately powered. 

 I am currently a Senior at the University of Central Florida and am studying Advertising and Public Relations. My dream job has always been to work for the National Football League. I personally never thought this goal was unattainable. However, I was not naive. I knew there was a stigma surrounding women in sports. I knew it might be harder to get my foot in the door. I knew I would have to work my ass off to make my voice heard. I didn't care. I am currently a brand experience for The University of Central Floridas Athletics Department and am loving every second of the experience. Although, it is becoming more common for women to work in sports. Those "be careful that's heavy" comments are still going to be there, and you might sometimes have to work 2x harder than someone else to prove yourself. Don't let that scare you; let it ignite you. 

I had the pleasure of interviewing a few amazing women working within the sports industry to understand the industry better, overcome challenges, and set themselves apart.  

MaryKate is the founder of Women Changing The Game, whose mission is to spread awareness to working in sports and create a platform to help diverse young females transition into the industry. The goal of WCTG is to create equal opportunities and expand a network of passionate professionals ready to be the change. 

Jayme and Sky are account executives in the NFL but have worked within many different sports leagues. They have created a platform to help women network, prepare for interviews, build resumes, etc. Their goal is to teach women how to maximize their success within the sports industry. 

Here are some tips and advice from these successful women to get started within the sports industry and overcome obstacles that you may encounter. 

What suggestions would you give to a woman who wants to pursue a career in the sports industry? 

Jayme & Sky: Find your niche, figure out what you're good at so you can let your work speak for itself. If anything, being a woman only makes you stand out more, so own that!

MaryKate: I owe my answer for this to all the amazing women who I have met throughout the industry and on my podcast who have given me advice. I would tell them to be confident in themselves and never take no for an answer. You will never feel out of place if you believe in yourself and know that you belong. If you ever hear no, figure out a way to make it a yes. 

Was there anything you have experienced within the industry that you did not expect? If so, what was it, and how did you handle the situation. 

Jayme & Sky: There are so many more female leaders than we ever anticipated. It's motivating and inspiring to see women in leadership positions and know that we can see ourselves there too.

MaryKate: Based on my personal experience, many times, people think you can't lift heavy things being a girl. Working in events is a lot of manual labor, so I have heard a lot of "be careful that's heavy" when picking something up. Meanwhile, most of these women in sports were college athletes and could lift more than the guys sometimes! You just can't take things too seriously or take it as a jab at you because most of the time, they are just trying to be nice or helpful. Actions > Words (show them you can lift!) 

Why is it essential the sports industry expands more roles for women?

Jayme & Sky: It's not necessarily up to the sports industry to create jobs for women; it's up to hiring managers to give female candidates a fair chance and up to women to apply and come prepared for the interviews. Roles don't need to be created; opportunities need to be given equally.

MaryKate: It's important to expand more roles for women because what the younger generation sees is what they believe they can be. They need to see women in positions that men are in so that they have role models who look like them to learn from. If you have the passion and work ethic for the role, it doesn't matter your gender. 

What is something you believe will set someone apart when interviewing for a position within the industry? 

Jayme & Sky: Do your homework on the people involved in the interview process. Ask questions outside "typical" interview questions. Highlight ways you'll be an asset to the department that they otherwise won't get from other candidates. Always follow up with a handwritten note.

MaryKate: Many people say they are passionate about sports and interviewers get that all of the time. I have learned that it is important to prove your passion and back it up. What was the experience that made you passionate about the industry, and what have you done to prove that passion exists?

What do you suggest women say when approached with stereotypical comments about women working in sports? 

Jayme & Sky: Don't play into it - calmly explain what you do. Those who make these types of comments typically don't know much about the industry's business side anyway.

MaryKate: I think just proving yourself will speak for itself. People are going to think what they want until they see what you are capable of. All that matters is what you know you are capable of, though. Just kill them with knowledge and facts. 

What do you think is the toughest part of being a woman within the industry? 

Jayme & Sky: As women, we tend to hold ourselves to a higher professional standard. We're self-critical of our performance and our successes. This may not be unique to the sports business but may be amplified working in a male-saturated industry.

MaryKate: Often, we have to work twice as hard just to prove ourselves. There's that extra step that we have to go to fight for people to believe in us. It is becoming easier as more and more doors are starting to open, but we still have a long way to go. 

The sports industry is very competitive. What advice would you give women who want to excel within the industry? 

Jayme & Sky: Get to know your peers and leadership in your department and other departments. Making connections, building and maintaining relationships, and nurturing your personal brand is very important to grow. This is vital to success whether you're looking to excel in your current role or your long-term career goals.

MaryKate: Be yourself and use that to your advantage. It is very competitive, so what do you bring that makes you different from others? One of my favorite quotes is, "No one is you, and that is your power." 

What was your "WHY?" How did you know this was the career you wanted to pursue? 

Jayme:  I enjoy having a career that revolves around my own personal interests, but more importantly, I love working in an industry that has such a positive impact on its community. Sports unite people of such diverse backgrounds and are one of our most joyous shared human experiences. I could have a similar role in other industries, but it would not be as fulfilling as working in sports. 

Sky: After having the opportunity to work part-time with the Buccaneers while in college and stepping into a stadium in a working capacity, I felt the unparalleled energy of working at a sporting event and knew it was for me. Sports itself is so much more than wins and losses, and being a part of this impactful industry reminds me every day to be a leader and use my voice. This leads to the "why" of JaymeAndSky. Our mission is to provide easily accessible and digestible information to those who dream of working in sports. We aim to be a transparent lens into the reality of what it is like in our industry. We hope this will elevate applicant pools to be more prepared and more diverse and intentional.

MaryKate: I knew this was the career I wanted to pursue because of the feeling it gives me when all of the hard work comes together at the games and events. Being a part of something that the whole country can come together on is a great feeling.