When I Grow Up: Sports & Entertainment Industry Edition
Thank you so much for being open to sharing your story and giving back to the next gen of talent!
This interview series is for college students and recent grads who are passionate about sports and entertainment.
Working hard to break into the industry.
Actively searching for internships or first jobs, navigating school or work transitions, and looking for real-world advice and inspiration from someone like you.
They’ve joined the group to learn how others have made it, to connect with industry insiders, and to hear stories that rarely get told in a typical resume or LinkedIn bio.
Your insights could spark the confidence and momentum one of them needs to keep going or accelerate successfully.
Real people in the game. Real lessons learned. Real momentum.
So no pressure and no need to have it all polished.
Just bring your lived experience.
Still interested in contributing?
Here’s your options for how to share 👇🏽
Choose What Works Best for You
Reply by text or email (just scroll to the form below - most responses are under 250 words, and you only need to pick one question that resonates.)
Why Your Voice Matters to Us
Your experience isn’t going unnoticed.
Your advice isn’t disappearing into a void.
It’s in-demand and amplified within a strong, highly-engaged and growing audience.
Here’s who it reaches:
500+ students, recent grads and early-career professionals balancing school, work, and job hunts
5% weekly growth (through personal invites and peer referrals - all organic)
70% average weekly email newsletter open rate (top tier readership - significantly above industry benchmarks of 30-42%)
Top goals: career-driven (internships, fellowships, full-time roles, and clarity about which path fits)
Top reads / shares: first in their family to pursue a degree or this career track, hungry for real talk—not highlight reels, curious about the unseen pathways into S&E
Choose a Question (or Add Your Own!)
Pick one that speaks to your journey:
Career Beginnings & First Breaks
How did you land your first internship or job in sports/entertainment?
What did you say or do to get a role when your experience or degree didn’t line up?
What advice do you have for landing a role with no industry experience?
What kinds of starter opportunities should I look for to get my foot in the door?
Was your internship unpaid? If so, how did you manage that?
Networking & Referrals
Did you know someone to get in—or did you apply cold?
How do you reach out to people in the industry without feeling awkward or annoying?
Did someone open a door for you early on? How did that happen?
Should I message people at my dream team/company—or is that too much?
Education & Confidence
If your degree was in a different field, how did you pivot into this one?
If you didn’t go to a “top school,” how did you stay confident in this competitive industry?
Have you found certifications or grad school helpful in this field?
What would you do differently in college to set yourself up better?
Mindset & Motivation
Did you ever lose hope or feel stuck trying to break in? How’d you keep going?
What’s been your biggest surprise or detour along your career path?
What’s the most embarrassing or humbling moment you’ve had so far—and what did it teach you?
What advice would you give to students who are second-guessing themselves?
Industry Insights & Strategy
Where do you see the industry heading?
What skills or experiences do you think will matter most in the next 5 years?
What are some behind-the-scenes or niche roles in sports/entertainment that students should know about?
What was your biggest dream when you started—and how did you work toward it?
Stability, Pay & Burnout
How long did it take before your role felt “stable” or paid well?
What sacrifices did you have to make early on—and were they worth it?
How do you handle burnout or stay motivated in a competitive field?
Mental Health & Attention Management
What do you do when the job search or rejection feels overwhelming?
If you have ADHD, how have you adapted or even leveraged it in your career?
How do you protect your mental health in an intense industry?
Thanks again for considering this request!
It means more than you know,
Kim Izaguirre-Merlos, PCC
Host, When I Grow Up