It is not enough to know all about one team, or even one sport. Sports analysts have to possess a thorough knowledge of all the most sports, including football, basketball, baseball, soccer, hockey, golf, boxing and even Olympic and extreme sports. [2] X Research source
There is far more use of mathematical principles in sports analysis than most people realize. Taking a formal statistics course or two will help further your understanding of how these principles come into play.
Holding a degree, along with the right experience, can give you an advantage over those without an education when it comes to getting hired. Many online programs can be completed in less time than a full term at a university, and include all the most relevant courses, such as news reporting, media ethics, sports psychology and broadcasting. [4] X Research source
A graduate degree will require you to significantly narrow your area of focus, which may not help you get your first job but can make you a commodity for special positions later on.
If you’re not a student and don’t have the option of trying out for a school team, look into joining a community league in your area. Quite a few well-known sportscasters got their start as players rather than educated journalists.
A lot of writing goes into sports reporting, even if you’re working in broadcasting. The better you’re able to write, the better you’ll be at doing your job. [9] X Research source Devise a system for interviewing players, coaches and other personnel. Know how to make the best use of a short interview segment, and which questions to ask to receive the information you’re after. [10] X Research source
Don’t be shy about asking for advice. Most sports reporters are very comfortable talking to people and will be happy to share the secrets of their success with you.
Don’t be discouraged if you have trouble landing a job at first. Sports analytics is one of the most competitive professions in the nation, and the market is constantly saturated with hopefuls. However, this also means that the demand for hardworking people is very high. No one begins their career with one of the major sports news networks like ESPN. In all likelihood, working your way up will require you to travel and even move to new cities to work for different press agencies and gather the experience needed to make you an asset to the bigger companies. [12] X Research source
Always verify a piece of information before you relay it to the public. Aim to construct a network of dependable sources that will give you an inside line on developing updates.
Talking for the radio or TV cameras can be intimidating, but will become easier the more you do it. It may also be a good idea to know how to work with teleprompters, research databases, word processing programs and other technology utilized by professionals. [14] X Research source
Your daily workload as a sports journalist will vary depending on where you work and what your exact job description is, but will more often than not include extensive paperwork that has to be submitted in a timely manner in order to support the information included in broadcasts.
In addition to your own research, you should know where to turn for credible, up-to-the-minute sports reporting. Follow the major news outlets like SportsCenter and ESPN to catch the big stories as they unfold. Make use of your professional sources for exclusive inside information. [18] X Research source
