My First Job In Sports

What if the fastest way into sports partnerships is not chasing a dream job, but learning how to make yourself impossible to ignore? Houston Texans partnership development manager Isaiah Fung breaks down the real path from Temple student to NFL dealmaker, and it starts long before the first full-time offer. Neil Schwartz and Dr. Ashley Gardner sit down with Isaiah Phuong for a conversation that connects the classroom to the front office. Isaiah shares how growing up in Houston shaped his love for the Rockets, Astros, and Texans, why Temple University became the launchpad for his career, and how a single internship turned into a full-time path through Vanderbilt, the Florida Panthers, and back home to Houston. You'll discover: Why Isaiah chose partnerships early, even when he had no clear roadmap How he used cold email, follow-up, and relationship-building to get on the radar of industry leaders What Temple's alumni network and sports business pipeline can really do when you know how to use it The three traits he says matter most in sports business: work hungry, remain humble, stay coachable Why public speaking, research, and understanding revenue are essential if you want to work in partnerships My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.

For Episode 48 of My First Job in Sports, Dr. G. and I spoke with J.J. Zykan, Senior Content Strategist for the Colorado Avalanche. Now in her fifth season with the team, J.J. helps lead social media strategy and develops campaigns across the Avalanche’s platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, X, and more. We interviewed J.J. on the afternoon before Game 4 of the NHL Western Conference Final. She shared how authentic player stories and natural, fun moments keep fans engaged, win or lose. Fans want authenticity and behind-the-scenes access, not just highlight clips. Her advice: read the room, stay confident in your team, and keep content relatable—even after a tough loss. It’s a strong reminder that while sports fans are emotional, they respond to honesty, passion, and storytelling that feels real.My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.