If you’re a person seeking a career in the sports industry, you have probably found out by now just how tough it can be to break through.
The sports industry is an ultra-competitive and highly desirable field, and it takes more than just a college degree and a strong resume to break in. Countless of people apply for sports jobs and find themselves frustrated because they either get no attention or simply get turned down.
Breaking through in sports takes not only the necessary experience and credentials, but extensive connections and the ability to network if you are truly serious about making it in the field.
However, not everyone has the luxury of big-time connections or a knack for networking.
That’s where career coach Matt Crevin comes into the picture.
Crevin is the founder and president of Voice of the Box, a company dedicated to advancing people’s careers in sports through Crevin’s own unique coaching model. With over 20 years of involvement in the sports industry and corporate America, Crevin utilizes his practical, real world experiences and wealth of connections to help sports industry hopefuls.
Like many, Crevin endured the frustration of rejection before he found his big break.
Crevin began his journey in the sports world in 1992 as a Public Relations Intern for the San Francisco 49ers. After becoming a full-time employee with two years on the job, Crevin was let go in favor of the boss’s daughter.
“When I was at my first career crossroads, the 49ers said they needed to let me go because the bosses daughter was coming in, and I had to find out my own way. There just wasn’t any other opportunities in sports. I sent out my resume and nothing was popping. I had to find something that set me apart, which was my communication skills,” Crevin said.
Crevin utilized his skills to land jobs at FedEx and Microsoft, while staying on the gameday staff with the 49ers.
Over the coarse two decades, he developed his career with the 49ers, eventually becoming the team’s press box public address announcer, a position he still holds today. This season marks his 20th year with the franchise.
Eventually, he began to interview people behind-the-scenes at the 49ers about the sports industry and started posting the content on the Web, which got great feedback. From there, his vision continued to form and it came to a head when people started asking for his help.
“The last light bulb that went off was when people started to ask me for help. There is no timetable for happiness- mine was 17 years after I graduated from college. I found my niche,” Crevin said.
Voice of the Box was ultimately created to help people find what their missing.
“I’m bringing to the table some valuable content not only for myself, but for others that are in the industry to help develop the next generation of sports industry hopefuls. I want to develop the skill set required for those that are dedicated and want to break into the sports industry.”
Voice of the Box has four pillars, including Crevin’s 1-on-1 coaching sessions; weekly sports-talk radio show, called Beyond the Game; guest lecturing around the country; and his recently published book, Get in the Game.
From the experience he garnered in the sports world and corporate America, he helps people jumpstart their careers in sports and teaches them necessary professional tools to make them marketable in their career search.
“I always tell my clients up front- I am not a recruiter. What I’m going to do is help prepare you for when the opportunity comes that you get to meet people, you will be prepared and ready. I don’t put a guarantee that I’m gonna get you hired somewhere, but I do put a strong emphasis that you will be prepared, way more than you are currently,” Crevin said.
“Whether it’s help with interviews or ways to network, I help people get prepared with their best foot forward and give career search strategies. I help people make an impression, brand themselves and position themselves – that’s what I bring to the table.”
Crevin’s coaching services include hour-long sessions via the phone or Skype, where he helps you make a positioning statement, network with appropriate people, refine your resume and cover letter, and be more equipped to handle opportunities in the industry.
More importantly, he remains a mentor even after the services are complete.
“It’s called customer service. That’s a big piece of what I do. Whether people hire me for four coaching sessions or two, I don’t just disappear after that. I offer to any of my clients that I will always be there for them for any questions they may have, whether it’s for an interview or for writing a cover letter. I’m always there for people.”
You can reach Matt Crevin on his website, where his book, radio show, contact information and coaching services are listed. You can also find him on Facebook or Twitter.
If you are serious about cracking the sports industry, Crevin’s unique system, beneficial advice and knowledgeable nature are something that will give you that edge you need in your career search.
