Be Unique, Be Passionate: Sports Media Advice Today

By Ben Dickson

As a public relations major at the University of Maryland, I could have taken a bunch of different
angles towards my career path.

Now in my junior year at the school, I have used my expertise in communication and PR to focus
on a sports journalism/media career path. Regardless of what coursework you choose to take or
what your passion is, my one main piece of advice is to be yourself and take whatever
opportunities arise in a head-on manner.

There were times when I questioned why

I was a PR major instead of a journalism
major. But then, I thought a little bit
deeper. I am getting the same
opportunities as my peers in journalism,
and compared to them, my classes
looked pretty similar. News Writing for
Public Relations. News Editing for
Public Relations. The content is alike. Photo Credit: Playbook Public Relations

Currently, I am a women’s basketball beat

reporter for Testudo Times, the leading
publication for everything Maryland
athletics. Some of the pieces I am most
proud of include this one and this one. I
have been writing for the site for over one
year now, and not only the experience, but
the exposure that comes from it has been
sensational.

Quite frankly, the reason I have been able

to grow my brand and continue to make a
name for myself is because of my drive. Ever since I stepped on campus, I wanted to make an
impact in my passion, regardless of what I took in the classroom.

My skills have, without a doubt, been amplified because of my public relations courses. I
strongly recommend becoming a PR major because of its versatility. Public relations paves the
way for anyone to reach countless different outlets while molding the skills that are necessary for
every facet of life.