
Loving it is the key, because you really have to have a passion to do the job. Back in 1986, sports were only on TV during the weekend for the most part. Now, televised sports are a 24-7, global operation and there really is no down time for the people who do the work full time.
So here are some simple things to think about before pursuing your dream, if this IS your dream:
1. Start young before you have a spouse and children. Once you have kids, the pressure on you will be greater and greater because you will never be home.
2. Do not think you have to go to Broadcast Journalism school to get qualified for the work. What you learn in school bears little resemblance to what you will find in the work day of sports broadcasting. And it will not help you get a job. Legendary CBS Sports Golf Associate Director Chuck Will, in a 1998 Sports Illustrated interview, said, "There are so few jobs in television it's ridiculous. You can go through communications college, or you can come to me. Hang with me for a summer, you learn more than in four years of college." If you do not think this is true, just ask Lance Barrow who is now the producer for CBS Golf Coverage and started out as a runner-type worker for CBS way back when.

4. Be patient. As with a fine wine, everything takes time. As you spend more time working with the different crews, you will become a trusted asset. With that will come additional responsibility. You might end up doing research, statistics or more.
5. Don't be shy about approaching people for work. In 1986, I walked up to a production truck outside St. John Arena at The Ohio State University. I had worked exactly two football games in my career to that point as a runner, yet I asked for a job. Next thing you know, I was getting paid $25 to be the graphics coordinator for the game. Not a lot of money, but great experience. And you will be remembered. 10 years later I worked for that producer as the stage manager for the NCAA Men's Tennis Championships played at the University of Georgia. Last year, I worked for the director for a Fox Sports Network broadcast of a UGA football game.

So that is it for now. Stay tuned for more down the road.
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