By Evan Manning
The second instalment of a series of talks, designed by the Ryerson Sports and Business Association (RSBA) focusing on how to break into the sports business industry, took place Monday evening at Ted Rogers School of Management.
Mark Atkins, the president of the Toronto-based executive recruiting firm Lighthouse Search, joined the RSBA and over 50 students from different majors within the Ted Rogers School to discuss the sports business and “what it takes.”
Atkins, a University of Western Ontario alum, is an excellent example of Canada-born success and a frequent speaker at business schools. According to his website, he has recruited hundreds of individuals within Fortune 500 companies.
He spent nearly an hour providing students with valuable information in hopes of helping with future careers.
“I know you’re still trying to figure out your professional life,” Atkins said. “But the faster you get there, and the clearer you are, the easier it is to find a job.”
When it comes to getting a job in the industry, Atkins stressed the importance of doing research before job interviews, saying an interviewee should “know the person who is interviewing them better than they know themselves.”
He also maintained that all the students had better be consistently focused and persistent in their efforts.
“How badly do you want to work? How badly do you want to work in the States, and how badly do you want to work for a great brand?” he said.
Atkins also had a few tidbits that would benefit more than just business students.
“I always say to everybody, just do what you love,” he said. “If you do what you love, you wake up every day and can’t wait to get to the office.”
After Atkins was finished speaking, a small raffle was held for students who chose to attend. The three lucky winners left with a baseball cap, a fleece jacket and a new soccer ball.
Students were then free to network and Atkins answered some additional questions.
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