Adam Amin got aggressive in his job search and landed his first post-college, full time sports broadcasting gig. Amin, an STAA client and 2009 All-American, has been named Sports Director at KUQQ in Spirit Lake, IA.
2009 has been a big year for Amin, who graduated from Valparaiso University at the beginning of summer. In June, Amin was named one of the top five collegiate sports broadcasters in the U.S. on STAA's inaugural All-America list. Amin also worked as the No. 2 broadcaster and media relations administrator at a summer baseball job with the Gary Southshore Railcats. When baseball season ended it was time to look for a permanent sports broadcasting spot.
Amin began the application process with KUQQ by sending his Talent Page to the Program Director via email, following up with a hard copy. When the phone call for an interview came, Amin drove 10-hours round trip to visit the station. Amin says he walked out impressed with station operations, “It is a casual but professional atmosphere. Everybody is friendly and welcoming. They sold me on the place when I walked in. After they told me what the position entailed, I was even more excited.”
Amin will host a show, produce and deliver sports coverage, and broadcast play-by-play for different sports. “I’m looking forward to the amount of reps that will come during the winter time especially. I’m getting in at tail end of football season but there will be 35-50 basketball games thru the end of March. I’m really excited to get the chance to improve and keep getting better.”
Amin says he learned some important lessons about being aggressive in the job market.
“Networking is more than just calling someone and sending something to someone. It’s trying to maintain a relationship with them. I recently got some great advice from a buddy of mine. He said I wasn’t being aggressive enough. He suggested that I use all the resources, including my Talent Page, that I have. He said to be aggressive enough to the point where someone is going to remember you. Write letters when you have to. Send emails. If you’re really serious about it, put in the effort. When I started being aggressive and following up, they (employers) were more willing to give me consideration.”
“I really appreciate everything you (STAA) have done for me. All the advice you have given me since Day 1, I have taken to heart.”
