Newspaper sportswriting or sports information

[UNCGrad]

I've been a small-paper sports editor (10,000 circ.) for 12 years, but may have an opportunity to jump into an Asst. SID position at a university. Has anyone out there made this jump? Pros/Cons? Has the change been a revelation for you, or would you go back to newspapers first chance you got?

 

[Mizzougrad96]

Take the SID job.

 

[Dick Whitman]

I've never quite understood the appeal of sports information. Aren't the hours just as bad and the pay just as low? I suppose I can see it if you're young and want to climb the ladder into administration some day. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

That being said, I suppose that newspapers are dying, and team Web sites are one of the million reasons why. You're not just passing out stats and game notes on that job any more. You've become another media source. I'm sure sports PR is a lot more sophisticated and engaging than it was 10-20 years ago.

 

[Mizzougrad96]

You're choosing between bad and worse, but SIDs have better job security.

 

[Flip Wilson]

SIDs might have better job security, but there are a lot of other benefits, too. Depending on how the college operates, you may be able to take classes for free or at a greatly reduced rate. Take advantage of that as soon as you can. Find a master's program you like and get busy. I did that and got a job teaching college journalism right after I finished my master's, and, because of the college's discount, I spent less than $1,000 on my degree.

 

[Mizzougrad96]

SIDs might have better job security, but there are a lot of other benefits, too. Depending on how the college operates, you may be able to take classes for free or at a greatly reduced rate. Take advantage of that as soon as you can. Find a master's program you like and get busy. I did that and got a job teaching college journalism right after I finished my master's, and, because of the college's discount, I spent less than $1,000 on my degree.

Excellent points. Also, if it's a state university, you probably get one hell of a benefits package.

 

[Ace]

I would much rather deal with a handful of coaches and administrators than dozens of Little League parents.

Take the SID job.

 

[SixToe]

Take the SID job, no doubt.

 

[WolvEagle]

Take it. Better job security. The hours stink at either job.

 

[Baron Scicluna]

Another vote for the SID job.

As long as the school has athletics, they'll need you, as opposed to a newspaper that is more concerned about its profit margins.

 

[Stitch]

It doesn't hurt to apply. Be prepared to compete against unpaid interns who have handed out keychains at games, though.

 

[jrw]

Another vote for the SID job.

As long as the school has athletics, they'll need you, as opposed to a newspaper that is more concerned about its profit margins.

That right there is all you need to know. I'd take the SID position.

 

[steveu]

And not every SID position has low pay. Check out CoSIDA for some examples... be prepared to know a lot more about stat and web programs, however.

 

[lone star scribe]

Definitely take the SID job. Beyond job security, there is opportunity for advancement. I know conference commissioners and ADs who began in sports information.

 

[Clerk Typist]

What's the money like? What's the benefit package like? What are the hours like? What are the co-workers like?

What do you want to be doing 3-5-10 years from now?

Answer those questions, and you'll know what you want to do.

 

[UNCGrad]

Thanks for the response. The job is a small state university, but the suggested pay, albeit a tad less than I make now, is comparable (and possibly negotiable). There would be a commute involved though. Anybody have experience as a state employee? I just feel like there's more room to advance in this field than the one I'm in now.

 

[novelist_wannabe]

If it's asst SID, to me that says there's a boss SID, which to me says there is a division of labor. A lot of small colleges have one SID who may or may not have some student workers to help out. If that's the case, those hours are never ending. If there are multiple staff in the SID office, it will likely be much more manageable for you.

 

[Mark2010]

Done both. It really depends on where you're at in life (marriage, family, etc.) and what you enjoy doing.

As an SID it bothered me a little how much time I invested in the "minor" sports that received next to no attention in the mainstream. And the money was about the same as what I made in newspapers. Hours were pretty awkward, especially during the seasonal overlaps. But the slower summer months were a nice break and at least I usually had Sundays off. And, as others have said, the benefits are better, especially if it's a state university.

In newspapers, I have more control over my schedule and what events I cover. But the daily deadlines never go away and there's no such thing as "I'll go out and have a nice dinner and finish this tomorrow".

 

[UNCGrad]

Been interviewed. Been offered. Leaning that way. Worried a tad about feeling like a sellout, but then again, I'm more interested in providing better for my family. And I believe there are more avenues to move up going this route.

 

[OnTheRiver]

Worried a tad about feeling like a sellout, but then again, I'm more interested in providing better for my family.

Look out for you and your family first.

The sellout line is bull**** in this age.