𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄 𝙂𝙧𝙤𝙬 𝙐𝙥: 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙮 𝙀𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗶𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆. 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲!

Want to break into the sports industry?

Here’s what Xing Huang has learned so far and wants to pass on to you:

When you think of sports, you might just see the game.

But what’s happening off the court or field?

That’s where he believes the real impact happens.

At a recent conference in New York, he realized that sports is no longer just sports.

The game is evolving.

And how you help merge industries is your edge.

Sports and fashion?

Big money.

Sports and entertainment?

Even bigger.

Think about the NBA’s collaboration with:

• music

• film / tv

• international cultures

That’s winning.

Plus becoming a brand that people live and breathe.

And then there’s the storytelling.

Fans no longer care about what their favorite players are doing just during the game.

They want to know what happens behind the scenes.

Who are they in the locker room?

What drives their personality?

That connection makes fans stick around for more than just the final score.

Xing also wants you to know that networking is KEY.

When he first moved to California from China for an exchange program at UC Irvine, he sent out 150 emails to people in the game.

Got 20 responses.

And those 20 people are now his foundation.

Yes, there’s the numbers.

And then there’s the quality connections.

Whether you’re grabbing coffee with industry leaders or hopping on ZOOM, put in the effort to add value.

People will remember you if you bring something to the table.

Another thing: Be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Early in his career, Xing treated every task like he was already a full-time manager.

That shift in mindset—seeing the bigger picture—helped him build confidence.

And contribute beyond just his role.

Lastly, don’t limit yourself to one path.

Sports ties into media, culture, fashion, and community.

Whether you’re like him, and it’s:

• getting involved with the street team at USL OC County SC

• or running 12-hour days doing operations work for USC Athletics

• or interning at Disney / ESPN

Every experience can help you learn, grow, and evolve.

So, if you’re aiming to make your mark in sports, remember his main advice:

1. Combine industries for new opportunities.

2. Build real relationships, not just networks.

3. Always add value.

4. Think bigger than your job title.

Because your time in the game starts NOW.

***

Know a rising undergraduate or graduate student looking to kickstart their career in sports?

Xing’s story is an inspiring must read for THIS generation of professionals.

Flag this post and send it to them today.

And thank you for the lively discussion Xing!

We appreciate you helping students level up their skills by sharing your real world experiences.

Follow Xing: LinkedIn