Finding your path: Big career lessons from former Brooklyn Nets director Michael Wisniewski

For those of you wondering what it takes to build a career in the fast-paced world of professional sports, here’s a special When I Grow Up sit down with Michael Wisniewski, former Director of Youth Basketball and Community Relations at BSE Global (the powerhouse behind the Brooklyn Nets). If you're currently navigating your own career path, wondering how to land that first role, making a pivot, or trying to stay true to your passions, get ready to feel more prepared and successful. Michael’s unique journey has taken him from asking the same questions you’re asking to becoming a hiring leader in the game. Now, he’s navigating a career transition himself. Check out his candid advice on networking, trusting your gut, and the turns that can shape a fulfilling professional life.

What made you say yes to sharing your story and message with our students today?

Michael Wisniewski: That's a good question. I think back to when I was in their shoes, trying to figure out how to really kickstart a career. I had a lot of questions growing up about how to do that. Now, with over 15 years of experience, I hope I can provide some knowledge and feedback that they can apply to their own job searches.

Thinking back to that time, what were the top three questions you had?

Michael Wisniewski: Well, it was a different time back then. I'm 40 now, so the whole application process has definitely changed. Back then, I was just learning the basics – what websites to use (if any!), whether I should just show up in person (that was actually a thing when I was in college and graduating!).

And then there was the whole "how to meet people" aspect. All this information wasn't readily available like it is now with online tools. Back then, it was more word-of-mouth, school announcements, or maybe a flyer in a store. It felt like a guerrilla marketing approach to finding opportunities. So, my main questions revolved around understanding the landscape: first, finding the opportunity, then how to apply, and finally, how to get my foot in the door.

With your experience as a hiring manager, has that changed your perspective now that you're navigating your own career transition? What advice would you give your younger self, having seen things from behind the scenes?

Michael Wisniewski: I would tell my younger self to be more confident. Even if you don't feel fully qualified for a position, let the company be the one to say no. You never know – it could be a perfect fit. You might not have every single skill they want, but your eagerness to learn and grow could be a major asset to them. So, definitely, be more confident and just go for it. The worst that can happen is they say no.

Does that still apply to you today?

Michael Wisniewski: Absolutely! I'm revisiting that now as I'm in that in-between stage of career change. I see positions online, and even if I only check 8 out of 10 boxes, I still think, "Let the organization be the one to say no." So, I go for it. Why not? You never know what they'll come back with.

So you're not just talking the talk. You're actively walking the walk right now. I thought that would be a really important perspective to share with our students because no one really tells you in school that you're going to have multiple roles, maybe even multiple career changes. So, it's really valuable to hear how you're navigating that now, with both industry and hiring experience. Is there anything else you'd share on that with our students – the journey of finding a new position?

Michael Wisniewski: Yeah, I think this time around I'm definitely networking more than I did when I was younger. Again, there are so many more tools now with LinkedIn and social media. The internet wasn't as robust back then. But networking has been key for me.

When applying for jobs, after sending in the application, the first thing I do is click on the organization's name. I look for people who work there. First, I see if I know anyone. If not, I look at the hiring manager or a higher-level recruiter in HR and see if I have any mutual connections. Then, I try to get my foot in the door that way. It's worked a few times already.

That's a big piece for me – for anyone, really – is figuring out different ways to get your foot in the door. For organizations where I don't have a direct path, I do that second-tier connection and work through my existing network. It sounds a little convoluted, but yes, it's all about connections right now. I've learned you can have the best resume and GPA, but without networking, it might not mean as much, unfortunately.

Were you prioritizing that beforehand?

Michael Wisniewski: It's more of a priority now, especially during my current search. Hearing other people's journeys and speaking with HR professionals in my network, they always emphasize that connections are the most important piece.

So, I'm really leveraging my connections and seeing what aligns with my goals. Hopefully, those two will combine into an opportunity to work for a new organization.

Circling back to roles you’re applying to, how do you know it's what you want to do? What do you listen to within yourself?

Michael Wisniewski: From a job perspective, I look at the listed duties and the overall mission of the organization to see if it fits my personal values. My career path has been a bit different, focusing on community relations, social responsibility, and youth sports. That's something I've always been passionate about. So, I want to ensure the organization I work for shares those values. I definitely review their mission statements and social media to make sure there's nothing that doesn't align with my beliefs. If everything looks good, I go ahead and apply. It's crucial for me that the company matches what I believe in.

What do you mean by “believe in?”

Michael Wisniewski: Just from a community standpoint, making sure underserved communities are supported is big for me. In my previous role in Brooklyn, there were many underserved communities, so we focused on food insecurity, shelter, clothing, and even holiday events to provide gifts for children.

My focus is on providing the needs that communities express they have. We always aimed to provide what they actually needed, not just random things we thought they needed. We wanted to hear directly from the community and provide the resources they were looking for.

Did you see yourself doing that work when you first got into the game?

Michael Wisniewski: I did volunteer work growing up, but I didn't realize it was an actual career path when I was younger. Luckily, I kind of stumbled upon it during my career journey. It didn't feel like work to me when I showed up. Of course, there were administrative tasks like databases and spreadsheets, but it all contributed to the greater good of improving the community and the lives of its members.

Wow! I hear that's where your target continues to be now. Thinking about how career paths might evolve over time – for you, almost two decades later – where have your interests and passions remained strong, and where have you seen them shift? Where do you still see yourself trying to go with this passion, and why?

Michael Wisniewski: Community work and non-profit work are still passions of mine, and so is youth sports. So, that's a primary focus. However, I also want to be flexible and not pigeonhole myself.

During my time at my previous employer, I had the opportunity to learn about other departments, like the sponsorship department and partner retention. That really stuck out to me. It's a two-fold benefit: working with sponsors who can help boost the organization, but also, in turn, they help the community through their give-back initiatives and financial support.

So, sponsorship and partnerships also interest me. That's where I'm at in terms of flexibility. I want to stay in the community or youth sports sector, but I also know I need to be open to my other interests, and sponsorships and partnerships are definitely one of those areas I'm exploring. I'm definitely applying for those roles as well.

Is it scary to apply for those if they feel outside of a lateral move?

Michael Wisniewski: Yeah, it's a little scary, I mean. But again, it's worth the shot. I actually applied for one partnership and sponsorship position recently and made it to the third round of interviews. Unfortunately, I didn't get to the final round, but the way I presented myself was by highlighting how much I worked with that department in my previous role, how it worked hand-in-hand with community relations, and that I technically know the ins and outs of how it functions, even if not every single aspect.

I think that's something else I would tell my younger self and people starting their careers: even if you're in one department, pay attention to what's happening in other departments. You never know when a position might open up there, or if you're looking for a new role elsewhere, that other knowledge can be valuable.

That's a great message to share, and one that not just students need to hear – I think everybody needs to hear it at some point.

Is there something that sparked for you in our conversation, a direction for a follow-up, or any closing words you want to make sure to get across to students, recent grads and early-career professionals?

Michael Wisniewski: Yeah, the heart of my message is definitely: network, network, network. That's key. I'm sure many young adults have heard that repeatedly, but it's so true. It's something I've been constantly doing.

And something I'm also learning during this process of finding a new career path is that you might get a thousand no's, but you're just waiting for that one yes. That's how you get in the door and start building your career. Once you have your foot in the door, definitely put your best foot forward and impress, because that's the way to climb the ladder. And also, continuously improve your resume so that if you want to explore different roles or seek higher promotions elsewhere, you have the foundation to do so.

Michael's story is a powerful reminder that career paths are rarely linear. His experiences, from navigating the early days of job searching to leading hiring teams and now embracing a new chapter, offer invaluable lessons and encouragement for not just students, but any stage of professional life.

Thank you Michael for sharing your wisdom with us and for taking us behind-the-scenes of current job search process!

Have thoughts on any of this for Michael? DM me. I’d love to share them with him the next time we chat.