Last week, College AD had the opportunity to discuss the current state of collegiate sports information with one of the industries brightest young minds. Chris Yandle, entering his second year at Georgia Tech as the Yellow Jackets Assistant AD / Communications & Marketing was kind enough to share his thoughts on his profession. The 2014 CoSIDA Rising Star award winner touched on a wide array of topics including his journey from keeping stats at Southern Miss as an undergrad to running his own department at Georgia Tech, how the SID’s role has changed, his thoughts on the impact of social media and tips for young people looking to break into the business. You can check out a few of the highlights below, but make sure to listen to the entire interview. You won’t be disappointed.
Not Your Parents Sports Information Department
Chris highlighted the ever changing role of sports information departments and how it’s important for universities to keep up with the change. Today’s SID is responsible for much more than the yearly media guide, game stats and stories. While still putting out those publications, today’s fast paced world requires tech savvy, quick hits that fans can consume instantly and on the go. Additionally, sports information departments have taken over a much larger public relations role within college athletic departments. Social media presence and quality content have become a must for fans, and must for universities as they look to stay relevant in the 24 hour news cycle we now live in. As times have changed, the role of the SID has evolved too.
Social Media: Use It Correctly!
With so many people using social media, either Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and an assortment of other sites, Yandle stressed the importance of using these tools correctly. Social media is a great tool to reach your audience but you must be careful in how you use it. He emphasized to make sure every post, tweet or vine is relevant and not to let 140 characters define who you are. Too often we see people making poor choices on social media and those poor choices ultimately lead to real life consequences. With social media being such a big part of sports information departments, it’s import that the tools are used correctly.
Be True, Be You
Lastly, Yandle touched on what he looks for in young people looking to enter the athletics communication field. The most important trait he looks for in young candidates is someone who isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and work for what they want. Never think any task is too small or beneath you, put in the extra hours and go the extra miles because you never know who is watching. That quality work ethic along with a love for what you do, will allow anyone to succeed, no matter the career path they choose.
Click below to listen to the full interview.
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