For 43 years I have been asked for career advice by students looking for their first opportunity and by alumni looking for a change. I have recently tried to simplify the advice and condense it to a series of rules or suggestions. I offer these rules and suggestions for the Class of 2025 and beyond, as well as the universe of young professionals looking for their next opportunity — and even for a few old dogs looking to learn new tricks.
No. 1 — Figure out what you want to do.
Some people know exactly what they want to do. Others have it narrowed down to a few options, and still others are totally in the dark. Thinking about a lifelong career is intimidating and possibly out of date. We live in a world that is rapidly changing, and a world economy that affects the job market and its prospects. Find what you are most passionate about and pursue that, no matter how likely or unlikely it might look. A person in their 20s should try things, experiment and even fail, but they should pursue their dream. While there might be a need to find a Plan B, exhaust Plan A before moving on.
No. 2 — Determine what makes you happy.
Pursue the opportunity that makes YOU happy, and don’t get caught up in what others may think about your choice. In the sports industry, the number of hours we work can be overwhelming, but being happy is essential. As my friend Mike Veeck said, FUN IS GOOD, and he even wrote a book about it.
No. 3 — Solicit information and recommendations.
You are the CEO of your life. Solicit all the data and information you need, but you’re making THE decision. Remember — it’s an opinion based upon someone’s impression and interpretation of you.
No. 4 — Investigate and identify the best people to work for.
Don’t prioritize leagues or teams/organizations. Finding a great person to work with/for should be your priority. The first boss will either promote you or recommend you for your second job. You are investing your talent and effort — find someone willing to invest in you.
No. 5 — Analyze the validity of your self-imposed restrictions.
Being around family and friends in a place where you are familiar and comfortable would be the preference for most of us. But when it comes to finding that first opportunity, or leaving to accept a better opportunity in a new market, sometimes moving can be short-term discomfort for long-term satisfaction and happiness.
No. 6 — What factors are most important to you?
What are you looking for in your day-to-day? Do you want to be a generalist working on a variety of projects, or do you prefer being a specialist, focusing on one role in the organization? Do you prefer coming into the office and the social interaction — or do you prefer working from home? Do you prefer a larger salary, or a smaller salary with the opportunity to earn more in the form of a commission?
No. 7 — Manage your fear of the unknown.
Everyone has a level of fear or concern about something new. It could be a fear of being in a new place, living on your own or leaving family. It could also be concern about whether you will be successful, or how you will manage your finances. All of these concerns and fears are natural and normal and part of adulting.
No. 8 — Learn how to cope with the traffic signals in your life.
You will have traffic signals (stop something or go forward or proceed cautiously) in your life (work and personal). The common traffic signals also include: turn signals (going in a different direction); detours (going in a new direction); or even traffic citations (difficulty at work resulting in a performance plan or even termination). The highways are crowded and full of potholes. Navigate them carefully. (Read “Greenlights” by Matthew McConaughey.)
No. 9 — Learn networking and find a mentor.
The importance of networking and having a mentor is key — regardless of where you are in your career. Seeking advice and input from people who have been on the same path that you are pursuing can be extremely valuable, particularly if there are hazards on the road (See No. 8). Networking and mentoring is most effective when both parties are able to benefit from the relationship. Ongoing communication is the key to making that happen. (Read “The Power of Who” by Bob Beaudine.)
No. 10 — Bet on yourself.
At the end of the day, after considering all of these suggestions, one must make the decision, set a course of action and ultimately bet on one’s self that the decision that has been made is the best one. Betting on oneself requires a certain level of self-confidence and comfort in proceeding along the chosen path.
It’s not a perfect world, and the sports industry in 2025 is chaotic and evolving rapidly. The best intentions and plans are subject to outside forces, and might need to be modified or replaced by another opportunity and subsequent decision. My hope is that if and when disruption, or better yet, new opportunity knocks — that you, dear reader — are in a position to adapt and move on confidently and happily.
Bill Sutton (billsuttonandassociates@gmail.com) is a professor of practice at the University of South Carolina, director emeritus of the Vinik Graduate Sport Business Program at USF and principal of Bill Sutton & Associates. Follow him on social media at @suttonimpact.bsky.social.
