Alfred Santasiere III, Executive Director of Publications for the New York Yankees, joins Seth Levit and Jamie Carrig to share the journey that took him from a college student trying to break into sports to more than two decades with one of the most recognizable franchises in professional sports.

Al’s path wasn’t immediate. After sending resumes to nearly 100 teams, he collected plenty of rejection letters before finding his first opportunity. That experience led to internships with organizations including the New Jersey Cardinals, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles and Miami Dolphins before he ultimately landed an entry-level position with the Yankees.

In this episode, Al explains why aspiring sports professionals shouldn’t limit themselves to their favorite team or even their favorite sport, why an internship should be treated like one long job interview, and how effort, attention to detail and professionalism can separate a young candidate from the competition.

He also takes listeners inside his role with the Yankees, from overseeing Yankees Magazine and the organization’s publications business to storytelling, digital content and the Yankees’ official podcast. Al shares some unforgettable experiences writing about Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Aaron Judge, Joe Torre, Dan Marino and others—and explains why adapting to changes in how fans consume sports content has been essential to his longevity.

Finally, drawing on his experience as an adjunct professor at St. John’s University, Al offers practical advice for the next generation: meet deadlines, learn to communicate professionally, improve your writing and take advantage of every opportunity to gain real-world experience.

Whether you’re a student, recent graduate or young professional trying to break into sports, this episode is packed with lessons from someone who has built a lasting career at the highest level of the industry.

The Sports Careers Coach is hosted by Seth Levit, Executive Director of the Jason Taylor Foundation, and Jamie Carrig, Senior Associate Athletic Director at Barry University.

Follow for more real-world advice, career strategies and conversations with professionals working across the sports industry.

Jamie earned a master’s degree in sports administration. Seth entered the sports industry with a bachelor’s degree and immediately began gaining experience with organizations including the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Dolphins. More than 30 years later, both have built successful careers in sports—and both believe their decision was right for them.

So how do you decide what's right for you?

Seth and Jamie make the case for both paths, discussing when a graduate degree can open doors, when experience may be more valuable, and the questions you should ask yourself before committing another two years—and potentially significant money—to school.

In this episode:

• When a master’s degree may be required for the career you want
• Why graduate school can build credibility, skills and your professional network
• Careers in collegiate athletics where an advanced degree can be especially valuable
• Why real-world sports experience can sometimes outweigh another degree
• The value of internships and getting your foot in the door
• The financial realities of graduate school
• Graduate assistantships and opportunities to have an employer help pay for your degree
• Whether aspiring coaches and professional sports employees need a master’s
• The questions to ask yourself before choosing school vs. experience

The biggest takeaway? There isn't one correct path into the sports industry. A master’s degree can create opportunities and remove potential career ceilings—but it won't create your career for you. Your experience, relationships, work ethic and what you do when an opportunity arrives still matter.

If you're a college student, recent graduate or young professional trying to build a career in sports, this episode can help you make one of your most important early-career decisions.

In Episode 2 of The Sports Careers Coach Podcast, Seth Levit and Jamie Carrig introduce the TNT philosophy: Takes No Talent—five things completely within your control that can help you break into the sports industry and build a career that lasts.

Inspired by the “Takes No Talent” philosophy Seth first encountered at Miami Dolphins training camp, Seth and Jamie explain how the same principles used to build successful athletes can apply to aspiring sports professionals.

Their five TNT principles:

EFFORT — Outwork the competition.

ENERGY — Bring enthusiasm and a positive attitude every day.

SELFLESSNESS — Understand that you're part of something bigger than yourself.

RESPONSIVENESS — Return the call. Answer the email. Be accessible.

FIRST ONE IN, LAST ONE OUT — Show up early, stay until the job is done, and make your dedication impossible to miss.

Drawing on decades of experience in professional and collegiate sports, Seth and Jamie share stories from the Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Cavaliers, Barry University and more to explain why these seemingly simple habits can make such a big impression on the people who hire, promote and recommend young professionals.

You may not control how much experience you have. You may not have attended the “right” school. You may not know the right people yet.

But these five things? You control every one of them.

If you're a high school or college student, intern, recent graduate or young professional trying to break into sports, grab your playbook and get ready to be coached up.

Follow The Sports Careers Coach for practical advice designed to help you break into the sports industry, stand out once you're there, and build a career that lasts.

In the first episode of The Sports Careers Coach Podcast, Seth Levit and Jamie Carrig share the very different paths that turned their passion for sports into careers spanning more than three decades.

Seth traces his journey from a sports-obsessed kid attending Miami Dolphins training camp to volunteering in the University of Florida sports information department, landing internships with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Dolphins, and eventually building a career that has included professional sports, nonprofit leadership, media, broadcasting and podcasting.

Jamie shares how a childhood spent keeping score of baseball games eventually led him from playing college sports to internships, collegiate athletics and a 35+ year career in the industry.

Along the way, they reveal some of the lessons that will become cornerstones of The Sports Careers Coach—including the importance of internships, volunteering, networking, mentors, taking chances and simply finding a way to get your foot in the door.

If you're a high school or college student, recent graduate, young professional, or anyone trying to turn a love of sports into a career, this is where your journey starts.

In this episode:

• How Seth and Jamie first discovered careers behind the scenes in sports

• Why your first internship can change everything

• The importance of networking and mentors

• Why athletes should start thinking about life beyond playing

• How volunteering can become a career opportunity

• Why there isn't just one path into the sports industry

• What to expect from The Sports Careers Coach Podcast

Huddle up, take a knee and grab your playbook. It's time to get coached up.

Subscribe to The Sports Careers Coach for practical advice, lessons and stories designed to help you break into the sports industry and build a career that lasts.