Friday, April 13, 2012

Wonderful experience at the Prudential Center

Sports Career Fair at the Prudential Center. Photo courtesy of  devilsarmyblog.com


The annual Sport Career Fair took place Tuesday night at the Prudential Center in Newark, attracting aspiring workers in the field of sports.

All brought resumes, dressed to impress and made sure they had their best "why I am worth it" speeches prepared.

Photo courtesy of mckeeoffice.com
Organizations such as the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New Jersey Devils, New York Red Bulls and NBA were there to endorse their products as well as searching for possible future employers.

I promoted myself as a multidimensional worker, capable of working in different areas with a determined mindset.  Making sure that they knew what my number one goal was, I confidently emphasized my dreams of becoming a reporter, whether it'd be in sports or news.

Once the career fair had ended, I felt satisfied with the job I had done, ready to relax and enjoy a Sixers victory.  However, I felt the urge to do more, so I did something that I would never forget.

It was one of those life-changing moments where a rare opportunity turned accessible.  The prey was right in front of me, and all I needed to do was make a move and pounce.  A switch turned on in my head to pursue the advantages I would probably not see again.

Photo courtesy of phillyburbs.csnphilly.com

The voice of the Philadelphia 76ers, Marc Zumoff, was waiting patiently on the Sixers' bench during pre-game warm-ups.  I took the initiative, shouting out his name and telling him that his work inspires me; he graciously came over and held a conversation with me, giving me tips on how the world of media works.

He actually runs his own mentoring program too, helping aspiring broadcasters/reporters with their reels as well as offering personal assistance in career development.

It was such an honor meeting such a prominent figure like Zumoff to the sports world.  Those words, "Aaron McKie, for three" will always ring through my ears.  He is truly the best voice in Sixers history.

CSN sports reporter Dei Lynam was there as well.  We both spoke on what it takes to get where she is and my daily readings of her articles.    

I was also blessed to meet newly presented Sixers' owner Adam Aron; we shared thoughts on the season thus far, both agreeing that wins during the end-of-the-season stretch was imperative.
Photo courtesy of abasketballjones.com

Brian James, the assistant coach for the Sixers, also gave me words of advice and an autograph, while I wished him luck against the Nets.  I complemented Malik Rose as well for the job he has done in his first year as the other Sixers TV announcer, telling me that Zumoff was the brains of this operation.

Last but not least, I can't forget the autographs I received from Sixers players Lou Williams, Thaddeus Young and Evan Turner.  They all have had tremendous seasons.

And to top it off, the Sixers came out of Newark with a much-needed victory.  Playoff push starts now!