Step One for your Job Search – Work In Sports Podcast - a podcast by Brian Clapp - Work in Sports

 Hi everybody, I’m Brian Clapp VP of Content and engaged Learning for WorkInSports.com and this is the Work In Sports podcast.We just recently passed a quarter of a million downloads. That is far beyond what I thought we would be able to do on this show, so I owe all of you a huge thank you. When we launched this concept, I had major concerns, even though it was my idea. I worried about being able to come up with enough content -- well, it turns out there is never a shortage of questions from you the fans, or just about career advice in general. And I worried about getting guests -- again, so many experts out there willing to share I am blown away by the level of guests we have had on the show. From super agent Leigh Steinberg to Vegas Golden Knights CMO Brian Killingsworth, to Boston Celtics VP Kara Walker -- we’ve had guests come in from everywhere and share their knowledge. 2 years on the air -- and we have a long way to go. So, on Mondays, I handle a fan question, and I’ll do that shortly. But I also want to have some fan feedback time…Where do you want me to go in year three?To hell - is not an applicable answer. No I mean - are there subjects you want me to hit harder? Types of guests? Should I change the format of the show? Do you want me to have more roundtable discussions? Do more video components? Do more live sessions? I want your feedback because I sincerely value your advice.Here is my personal email. Bclapp at workinsports.com - you can send me anything. I want to hear feedback from all of you. You are my market research, and you are the people I want to please. Seriously, say anything. There are no bad ideas.Ok, on to today’s question -- and I’m warning you, it may get a little sentimental. This question comes from Alan L in Colorado “Hi Brian, thank you so much for the podcast, I’ve learned more impactful things from you through this medium, than I have in my four years of college. I write today because I want to expand upon a subject you brought up lately regarding finding your fit in the sports industry. Outside of researching companies, what can I do to prepare myself to be successful in my career choices?”Alan, I like how you kept this question vague -- I think that was intentional so that I’d take it in whatever direction struck me. I like that. I like to have thought exercises that aren’t too constrained by the question -- so thank you, and thank you for the kind words. One thing I’d like to stress for everyone listening, or considering sharing with a friend… of course, I am consumed by the niche of sports, it is a love of mine, and where my personal experience lies. But I’d also like to state that so much of my advice isn’t just relevant to sports, it’s about life and about career...and those things fit anyone, not just sports fans.I bring this up because the way I’m going to answer Alan’s question - likely isn’t sporty at all.  What can you do to prepare yourself for success? Know yourself first.I’ve spent episodes talking through techniques, approaches, strategies, tactics… I love all of that stuff. But if you don’t start with internal knowledge, you are destined for failure. Let me repeat that -- if you don’t start your career with internal knowledge, you are destined for failure.No one can give you insight into yourself like you can, and until you know what makes you work at your best you won’t be happy in your career, life or relationships. Ok, so enough of the broad talk - let’s get into specifics. Well, let’s start with a story first. This concept of knowing yourself was something I struggled with for decades. For a very long time, I behaved in manners I was expected to, or I thought would garner me positive attention. But that action was not in concert with my true self, so I struggled through it. It wasn’t until I started managing others that I recognized this.

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