How to Get a Job at ESPN: The Ultimate Guide - 33rd Square (2024)

ESPN is the undisputed leader in sports media, reaching over 200 million dedicated sports fans worldwide through its unparalleled array of TV channels, radio, digital platforms and more. For many sports enthusiasts like you, working for this iconic brand is a dream job. But with so much competition, actually landing a job at ESPN can seem daunting.

This comprehensive 2500+ word guide will walk you step-by-step through the key strategies needed to stand out from the crowd and get your foot in the door at the Worldwide Leader in Sports. With the right preparation and guidance, your dream of having an ESPN career can absolutely become a reality.

Understand ESPN Jobs and Divisions

ESPN has a vast range of job types spanning multiple divisions and functions. It‘s critical to understand the full scope of possibilities so you can identify the best potential fits based on your skills, interests and experience. The major divisions at ESPN include:

TV

• On-air talent – SportsCenter anchors, reporters, play-by-play, analysts
• Producers and production team – Oversee live remotes, create packages, manage shoots
• Studio crew – Camera operators, audio engineers, stage managers, production assistants
• Operations – Ensure uninterrupted broadcasts, troubleshoot technical issues
• Technology – Develop next-gen broadcast systems and TV hardware

Radio

• Hosts – Lead national and local shows, interview guests
• Programmers – Schedule music, create talk show formats
• Producers – Book guests, prep hosts, identify content
• Board ops – Manage soundboards during live shows
• Sales – Sell radio ads and sponsorships

Digital

• Writers – Produce articles, newsletters, social posts
• Editors – Manage digital content strategy, edit and optimize written content
• Social media – Create social campaigns, manage ESPN brand accounts
• Developers – Design and code digital products and apps
• Analytics – Collect and analyze traffic data, find growth opportunities

Corporate

• Finance – Accounting, revenue management, budgeting
• HR – Recruiting, talent management, employee relations
• Legal – Provide counsel on contracts, rights, compliance
• IT – Manage technology infrastructure and systems
• Marketing – Promote ESPN brand and content
• Communications – Manage PR, internal communications

Content

• Athletes – Compete in events produced by ESPN
• Statisticians – Track detailed player and game data
• Researchers – Fact check, verify data, conduct interviews
• Creatives – Conceptualize innovative formats, events and partnerships

As you can see, the possibilities span a wide spectrum. Take time to thoroughly research which divisions and roles best match your unique skills and interests. In 2021 alone, ESPN had over 1,900 open positions ranging from interns to VPs. With so much opportunity, there is likely a great fit for you if you look hard enough!

According to Cheryl Meyers-Hogue, ESPN Senior Recruitment Manager, "We look across Walt Disney Company, including our Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm brands when sourcing talent. One in five employees begin their career at ESPN.” This demonstrates how jobs regularly become available for those who demonstrate the right skills and fit.

Obtain the Right Education and Experience

While some entry-level ESPN positions don‘t require a college degree, having relevant education and experience will make you much more competitive for most roles.

Earn a Relevant Degree

Pursuing a bachelor‘s degree or higher in a field directly relevant to your desired ESPN position is strongly recommended. Degrees in journalism, broadcasting, production, marketing, finance or other applicable majors will equip you with a solid educational foundation.

For example, over 86% of ESPN‘s current employees hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Of those with degrees:

• 27% majored in Journalism/Communications
• 14% majored in Business/Finance
• 12% majored in Sports Management
• 10% majored in Marketing

So be sure to enroll in an educational program that will best prepare you for your ideal ESPN career path.

Gain Hands-On Experience

In addition to earning your degree, it‘s essential to get as much hands-on experience as possible through college media opportunities, internships and part-time jobs. These roles provide the real-world training you’ll need to excel at ESPN.

• Work for your college athletics department, radio station, TV station, newspaper, etc.
• Complete multiple internships each summer in relevant positions
• Take on part-time or freelance gigs to build your resume

According to ESPN Coordinating Producer Phil Orlins, "We want to see that you have a lot of experience, whether it’s at the college level, whether it’s at a local level. Are you addicted to whatever it is you want to do here?” This demonstrates how critical it is to seize every opportunity to gain experience in college.

Create an ESPN-Calibre Portfolio

Your portfolio should showcase samples specifically relevant to the types of positions you’re targeting at ESPN. This visual representation of your skills and experience is crucial during the hiring process.

Writing/Editing

• Article clippings showing sports coverage and writing skills
• TV/radio scripts and voiceover samples
• Blog posts or sports columns
• Longform writing samples demonstrating storytelling ability

Broadcast

• Reels of standups, live shots, interview segments – highlight energy and camera presence
• Sports highlight packages – showcase creative editing and production value
• Video podcast or radio show clips – display hosting abilities

Digital Content

• Website, social media channels and online video content – present digital skills
• Podcasts – share editing skills and content innovation
• Analytics reports – exhibit data analysis and optimization abilities

Production

• Video segments and packages you’ve produced – demonstrate production skills
• Graphic design samples – showcase visual storytelling abilities
• Behind-the-scenes shoots – highlight technical expertise

Creative

• Innovative campaign ideas and content formats
• Visual designs, storyboards or videos – convey creativity
• Campaigns, partnership ideas or multimedia content – show imagination

Corporate

• Reports, financial analysis, case studies – flaunt analytical skills
• Presentations and projects – display communication abilities
• Strategic plans – highlight critical thinking and problem solving

The more examples you can provide that exhibit skills directly relevant to ESPN roles, the better. As Senior Recruiting Manager Cheryl Meyers-Hogue confirms, "The content you create is critical. The more you have that demonstrates your skills and aligns with opportunities that match your experience level, the better.”

Network Constantly to Make Connections

Expanding your professional network is pivotal when trying to land your dream job at ESPN. Over 50% of jobs are never posted publicly but rather filled through internal promotions or personal recommendations. Who you know is often as important as what you know.

Attend Industry Events

• Sports journalism conferences offer chances to connect in person with ESPNers and other industry pros.
• Join professional associations like NABJ, AWSM or the Sports Video Group.
• Check ESPN Careers site for recruiting events and workshops.

Connect Online

• Follow ESPN employees on Twitter and LinkedIn. Comment thoughtfully on their posts to get noticed.
• Join ESPN networking groups on LinkedIn and Facebook to connect with fellow job seekers.
• Connect with ESPN alum from your college or past employers.

Leverage Personal Connections

• Ask trusted friends, professors, colleagues and mentors if they have any ESPN connections who could advise or refer you.
• Consider informational interviews to pick ESPNers‘ brains about company culture and career paths.

ChristineREDISKE, ESPN Vice President, stresses the value of networking, stating "Anytime you can get referred into ESPN from someone that already works here, that gives you an edge over someone applying blindly online.” So get out there and network!

Ace the Interview Process

The interview process at ESPN is notoriously rigorous and competitive, with hundreds of qualified applicants vying for coveted roles. You‘ll need to bring your A-game to stand out.

Research Extensively

• Thoroughly research each role, division and team you’re interviewing for. Know ESPN!
• Study up on the specific department‘s projects and initiatives. Follow key figures in the department online.

Highlight Relevant Experience

• Draw clear connections between your background and skills and the target role.
• Share specific examples that showcase abilities needed to excel in the job.

Convey Passion for Sports

• Share what draws you to ESPN and makes you excited to work there.
• Demonstrate deep knowledge of and enthusiasm for sports, including ESPN history and content.

Present Innovative Ideas

• Provide examples of how you would take ESPN content, products or campaigns to the next level. Come prepared with 2-3 well-thought-out ideas.

Ask Insightful Questions

• Inquire about company vision, values, culture and day-to-day life.
• Ask thoughtful questions that show your interest in ESPN‘s brand and what makes it a great place to work.

Follow Up Professionally

• Send tailored thank you notes after each interview. Share your appreciation and reiterate your interest and fit.
• If you don‘t hear back within 2 weeks, follow up politely via email or LinkedIn.

Stick with it through the rigorous process. It took anchor Scott Van Pelt three interviews over six weeks before finally receiving an offer. With preparation and persistence, you can ace the interview process too.

Consider Starting in an Entry-Level Role

While your dream job may be hosting SportsCenter, you will likely need to pay your dues starting in an entry-level role first.

Apply for Competitive Early-Career Programs

• ESPN has a vibrant internship program with positions across divisions. It‘s a fantastic way to get your foot in the door.
• The Emma Bowen Foundation and NABJ Sports Task Force partner with ESPN to place interns from underrepresented groups.
• Production assistant and coordinator roles offer entry-level TV experience.

Gain Experience in Departments of Interest

• Take on assistant and coordinator roles in departments you want to work in eventually.
• Rotational early-career programs allow you to gain broad experience across ESPN divisions.

Exceed Expectations

• Produce exceptional work and demonstrate initiative beyond your core responsibilities.
• Volunteer for important projects and collaborations with other teams.
• Make yourself an indispensable resource and accelerate your career growth.

Pursuing a strategic entry-level role allows you to get your foot in the door, learn the ESPN system, and position yourself for new opportunities. Mike Shiffman, ESPN Vice President, explains “We have a philosophy of hiring from within. Many of our talent worked their way up from the bottom.” Be patient and pay your dues through starter roles.

Be Willing to Relocate

With main campuses in Connecticut, New York, California and Florida, most ESPN roles require relocating to one of these core locations.

• Bristol, CT – Headquarters with 4K+ employees across all divisions
• New York, NY – Over 1K employees in editorial, content development, sales and more
• Los Angeles, CA – 600+ employees focused on studio production
• Orlando, FL – ESPN Wide World of Sports HQ with 500+ workers

Some common concerns around relocation include:

• Housing: ESPN offers relocation assistance and local real estate agents to help you find housing. Corporate housing may also be arranged.
• Cost of living: While areas like NYC and LA have higher costs, Bristol, CT has a very reasonable CoL. Do your research.
• Moving logistics: ESPN provides generous relocation packages including moving services to ease the transition.
• Building community: ESPN coordinates meetups and networking events to help you make local friends.

While relocation can feel daunting, ESPN strives to make the transition as seamless as possible. The opportunity to launch your career with the top name in sports is well worth it!

If required to relocate for your dream job, give yourself 4-6 months to handle the transition and move. Consider timing around lease endings, school years or other commitments. ESPN is quite flexible regarding start dates.

Weigh the pros and cons, but don’t let relocation be a dealbreaker unless you have pressing reasons keeping you in a certain place. This is your chance at an ESPN career.

Showcase How You‘ll Fit ESPN‘s Culture

Now more than ever, being a cultural add is vital. Hiring managers want to know that your personal brand aligns with ESPN‘s values and vision.

Convey Shared Values

• Explain how you prioritize innovation, excellence, teamwork and integrity in your work and leadership style.
• Share examples of how you elevated others and created an inclusive environment on teams.

Present Creative Ideas

• Provide at least three innovative ideas that could enhance ESPN‘s content, products or fan experience.
• Demonstrate imagination and strategic thinking around ESPN‘s brand growth.

Ask Thoughtful Culture Questions

• Inquire about day-to-day culture, collaboration opportunities, company vision, managerial styles, and opportunities to give back.
• Get a sense of whether your values align with managers you‘d work under.

Follow ESPN Employees on Social

• Observe cultural elements like teambuilding activities, values in action, remote work culture, etc.
• Get excited visualizing yourself as part of the ESPN team!

By showcasing yourself as a strong culture add, you can stand out among qualified applicants who may lack the people skills or values alignment needed to thrive.

Master the Hiring Process

From initial application to job offer, be prepared for the lengthy but rewarding ESPN recruiting experience.

Application and Initial Screening

• Submit an application for a relevant role through the ESPN Careers site
• Include a customized resume and cover letter highlighting your fit
• If your background is a match, you‘ll receive an initial screening call

Phone Interviews

• Expect 1-3 phone interviews with various managers and stakeholders
• Some may be pre-scheduled; others on-the-spot calls after applying

In-Person Interviews

• If you make it past the phone screens, expect at least one multi-hour in-person interview at ESPN HQ
• For senior roles, you may interview across multiple days

Assessments

• Relevant skills assessments are common – writing, editing, technical skills, analytics assessments
• Come prepared to showcase abilities needed for the role

Background and References

• ESPN conducts extensive background checks on all final candidates
• Your references will be contacted directly to vouch for you

Offer!

• The offer process is typically quick after all previous steps are completed
• Congratulations, you‘re officially part of the ESPN team!

The process usually takes 2-3+ months from initial application to offer stage. Use this time to network and continue building your skills. Follow up periodically with recruiters and hiring managers to reiterate your interest throughout the process. With passion and perseverance, you can absolutely land your dream job at ESPN!

Related