Jordy’s Journal covers a lot of topics, but one I definitely wanted to include was a section for career advice. The path I took to get to where I am, working as a segment producer at MLB Network in the Features Department, is much different than the next person who works in sports media. And with the industry being so large, it can be stressful figuring out how to land where you want to. Where do I start? How do I break into sports media? How do I navigate the changing landscape?
Like I said, my path is probably not the same as my coworkers, but since graduating college almost eight years ago, I have been fortunate enough to work for three different companies, in three different states, doing three different roles. So if this industry and possible career path interests you, continue reading and don’t be afraid to reach out for advice.
Starting off…
Figuring Things Out
When it came to figuring out what I wanted to do with my life, I had a pretty good idea by the time I was 15 years old. I know, that's not the case for everyone. And what’s funny is what I pursued in college is not what I do now - which is completely fine. Sometimes when you enter this industry you find areas you connect with more than what you set out to do and it’s okay to make a pivot.
Growing up around sports
My dad has worked in baseball for over 30 years in a number of different roles. So, I grew up around the game, but there was no pressure to watch or play baseball. I just naturally fell in love with it. Also I started gravitating toward football, and hockey. Before anyone asks… I’m a Rays and Brewers fan (baseball), New York Giants and Buffalo Bills fan (NFL), New York Rangers fan (NHL) and when it comes to my collegiate teams - UF and UW!
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Back to early stages of figuring out my life as a 15-year-old. In 2011, it was the 85th anniversary of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. I don’t know about you, but it is a tradition to watch the parade every year on Thanksgiving morning. Well, the night before there was a special on the history of the parade and the broadcast. I was FLOORED. I was ENAMOURED. So, right then and there I said, “one day I will co-host the parade.”
Applying to schools
So now here comes a little career math. Interest in sports + want to cohost the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade = be a sports broadcaster. That was the actual equation that was in my head. So starting 2012, I was locked into the dream and started researching Power Five schools that had the best broadcasting programs in the country. Of course the SEC had several options, as did Syracuse, and the University of Texas at Austin. It was time to start studying!
Going to the University of Florida
After narrowing my research, and studying for the ACT and SAT, the top three schools I was vying to get into were the University of Texas at Austin, LSU, and the University of Florida. I got a year deferment from UT, but got into both LSU and UF. Decisions, decisions… and in truth I made an incredible one. I accepted my acceptance to UF and I was officially a Gator! Class of 2018.
My College Experience
Now that I had my school locked in and my roommate selected, the last thing to do before getting on campus as an official freshman was to move back to Florida. Quick note, my family and I moved from Orlando, FL to just north of Houston, TX for my dad’s job the summer before 7th grade, where we lived for six years. However, by the time I graduated, he was working for a new team, the Tampa Bay Rays. So all the stars aligned for us to head back to Florida.
Freshman Year
Like most freshman who are coming from out of state, I didn’t know that many people. So, I decided to do sorority recruitment and I pledged Kappa Alpha Theta! Freshman year was filled with so a lot firsts, many ups and downs, but overall it was an incredible way to kick off my college career. Plus I got to go to several sporting events (football, baseball, volleyball, softball) and got the lay of the land for when I wanted to start getting involved with my major.
Sophomore Year
Since I knew before college what major I wanted to pursue - Telecommunications News - I was able to knock out the rest of my Gen Eds and start doing news shifts at the journalism school. I helped out on the live evening news show WUFT (PBS affiliate) put out five days a week. I started in the control room helping with graphics and the teleprompter. My goal was to try and get as involved as possible so I could broaden my skill set. I knew production wasn’t what I was majoring in, but still, lots of important things to learn!
Junior Year
No longer an underclassman, I was finally in the thick of my major’s curriculum and doing radio hits, print journalism, PR classes, covering local high school sports, you name - it was on my calendar. I also had the chance to audition for a sports anchor spot for the J-School’s live 5pm show - which I got! Since there were many people who auditioned and got the role too, we got assigned the day that worked best for our schedule then we rotated between anchor and producer with a partner. So my second semester of junior year, I was working my Thursday sports anchor/producer shift. Plus working with ESPN Gainesville on radio and digital.
Senior Year (+1 more fall)
Final year of college (plus an extra fall to finish my Spanish minor) and my schedule was stacked every single day. Between sports anchor shifts for WUFT, ESPN shifts, homework, and sorority commitments, I was spread thin but I wouldn’t have changed a thing. I loved being involved and soaking up every opportunity that came my way. During my last three semesters I covered: Florida volleyball, Florida baseball, and Florida football. Being on those team beats included covering media availabilities, games, pressers, and practices. Plus I was also covering high school sports and Juco teams in the area for my anchor shift. It wasn’t schoolwork, it was a job. Our Sports Director always told us, “this is your first market.”
Internships
During college I landed two internships: MLB Network - Features (2017) and with the CBS affiliate station in Orlando - News 6 (2018). To say I learned a lot during my time with both companies would be an understatement. I was able to take the skills UF taught me and then develop them even more by learning from some of the most talented people in the industry. So my tips for securing an internship:
Do your research and scour job boards
Check with your professors, teachers, mentors, etc. to see if they know of any internship opportunities
Always, always, ALWAYS apply with both a resume and cover letter
If a station or network needs you to do both news and sports, go for it! At News 6, I split my time between the two worlds and thoroughly enjoyed the news side. At least you gave it a shot.
And once you get the internship, don’t be afraid to go above and beyond if that’s the career path you want to follow. Ask to come in early to shadow, ask to stay late to shadow, ask to get involved. Initiative is key!
Ask questions. Anchors, reporters, producers, directors… they were all in your shoes once and want to help see you succeed. So be genuine, ask questions, and soak up the information!
My Career Timeline
With two internships under my belt, graduation just a few months away it was time to start applying for jobs. I knew in order to get my foot in the door, I needed to apply all over and see what came back. No matter how hectic my news journey got and how stressful some of the tasks could be, I wouldn’t trade my experiences for anything. They all got me here and to this life I love so much.
Applying for Jobs
It was always my goal to have a job lined up for after I graduated. And since I was a December 2018 grad, my job needed to start just after the New Year. So with four months to go, I started the job hunt and application process not long after my final fall began. I sent out my first round of resumes, cover letters, and references October 1st. After interviewing with three different stations, and receiving offers from two of them, I made my decision early November - I was heading to Rochester, MN!
ABC 6 News - Rochester, MN
Going from Florida to Minnesota in the dead of winter was definitely one for the books. Two weeks after arriving in Rochester, we were hit with a polar vortex and the temps dipped as low as -60°F. However, I learned so much about myself, the industry, and sports during my two years in Rochester. I made my mistakes, I learned from some wonder people who I still talk to today, and was able to grow as a person and an on-air talent. Not only did I anchor and report on sports, I also had to dabble with news and weather since it’s a small market and we worked through the pandemic.
News 3 Now - Madison, WI
After two years in Rochester, MN, I wanted to challenge myself and see if I could make the market jump. So I started applying late winter 2021 and after six weeks of sending out resumes, cover letters and reels, I finally heard back from the Sports Director at News 3 Now in Madison, WI. Little did I know this move was going to change my life forever (this is where my fiancé and I met)!
In Madison, I learned how to juggle more responsibility, how to cover larger sporting events and how to master my on-air approach. Again, I anchored, reported, produced and helped with our digital media footprint. However, my true calling was to tell stories on a bigger and longer scale. So, it was time to make a call.
Segment Producer - MLB Network
One thing I will continually stress about this industry is to make sure you keep up with your contacts. Be sure to stay in touch, network when you can and foster those relationships. So, early fall 2022, I reached out to my former boss at MLB Network and after many months of going back and forth via phone and email, an opportunity arose. I was offered a position as a freelance Associate Producer in the Features Department. At this point in my life, and in my career, I needed to take the risk of moving to New Jersey to finally pursue my dream at my dream network.
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