The Future Sports Professionals Network, a new student organization at Oakland University, was founded with a goal of connecting students interested in careers within the sports industry with industry figures and opportunities. Meetings are open to all students, regardless of major.
“If they want to work in marketing or the creative field, operations, analytics – literally anything – there’s a place for you at FSPN,” Ava Webb, president of the organization, said.
Webb wanted to become more involved on campus outside of her internship with the sports department. When she searched for sports-related organizations at OU and found none, she decided to create one. She teamed up with three other students who also hope to work in the sports industry, forming the executive board for FSPN.
Establishing the organization took time and effort, Webb said, but now that the training is complete and paperwork finalized, she is eager to move forward.
Webb’s goal is to engage students with professionals in the sports industry so they can begin building connections that may lead to future opportunities. In addition to bringing in guest speakers, she wants FSPN meetings to offer an atmosphere of authenticity in which students can ask questions and have genuine conversations.
“I’m a firm believer that if you want to work in the sports industry, you won’t come upon anything by luck, but by building connections and gaining experience in the field,” she said.
Building experience, Webb added, is key to career growth. She plans to hold a résumé and portfolio workshop at a future meeting to help students find ways to get involved through job shadowing or internships.
Webb said gaining hands-on experience is especially important considering OU’s limited sports presence in comparison to certain other universities.
“Providing people with that experience and also motivating them is significant,” she said.
She also recognizes that some students may feel discouraged if they have limited professional experience.
“Some students may only have their high school jobs on their résumé,” Webb said. “But that doesn’t mean you can’t apply – that doesn’t mean you can’t present yourself as an ideal candidate for these internships.”
Helping students build connections and résumés, as well as exposing them to the range of positions available in the industry, is at the heart of FSPN’s mission.
Careers in sports extend far beyond coaching or management, Webb said. From photography to analytics, marketing and operations, the field offers a wide variety of roles. The more experience students gain, the better they can identify where they see themselves in the future.
FSPN focuses on mentorship, networking and creating opportunities for students interested in the sports industry.
“If you want to work in sports, there’s a position for you,” Webb said.
As the group continues to grow, future meeting dates will be shared on the organization’s Instagram page, @fspnoakland.
