How do you turn a short-term opportunity into a long-term career?

In sports, many professionals start by volunteering. They work events, help with logistics, or take on unpaid internships just to be around the game. These roles may not come with a paycheck at first, but they come with something more valuable — access.

Make Yourself Indispensable

When you volunteer, approach it like a full-time job. Be reliable. Communicate well. Take initiative. The people around you are paying attention, and your professionalism will stand out.

Treat Every Opportunity Like an Audition

Every task is a chance to show how you think, how you problem-solve, and how you work with others. The small things — being early, staying organized, asking good questions — create a reputation that follows you.

Build Relationships

Get to know the staff, not just the people above you. The intern sitting next to you might be a hiring manager in a few years. Stay connected. Follow up. Thank people for letting you learn from them.

The truth is, many full-time roles start from short-term experiences. When people know they can trust you, they look for ways to keep you around.

So the next time you volunteer, remember this: you may not be getting paid, but you are always getting noticed.

— Dr. Lynn Lashbrook President, Sports Management Worldwide