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SEPTEMBER 2023 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 39 business administration or eco- nomics degree also helps pro- vide a "well-rounded knowl- edge base." " S p o r t m a n a g e m e n t a s a major is fine, but for the person wanting to work in hockey, try to steer your projects, assign- m e n t s a n d p a p e r s t o w a r d hockey so you have them as part of a portfolio, even as a business major," Gress said. T h e N H L , N H L P l a y e r s Association and one of 32 fran- chises are all obvious potential workplaces. Equipment com- panies, stick manufacturers and hockey-related brands like Bauer are also options. Kevin Carmichael, partner at Prodigy Sports, said the minor leagues are "a great way to get your foot in the door if you aren't sure what you want to do specifi- cally." You can work across mul- tiple departments in a smaller team-setting and expose yourself to different career paths start- ing in the AHL or ECHL. Don't forget the junior teams in the USHL and NAHL and college ranks, too. "From there, you can decide what area you enjoy most, or are the best at, and pursue jobs that focus on that discipline," Carmichael said. Other suggestions for trying to advance toward a career in hockey include volunteering at major events like the Winter Classic, Stadium Series, All- Star Weekend, Fan Fests and the NHL Draft. Try to work at off-season hockey clinics or part-time at a local hockey r i n k d u r i n g t h e s u m m e r months. Consider attending the annual Sports Management Wo r l d w i d e H o c k e y C a r e e r Conference at the NHL Draft t o l e a r n f r o m k e y h o c k e y d e c i s i o n - m a k e r s a b o u t t h e inner-workings of the sport. N o t o n l y a r e t h e y g r e a t resumé builders for high school and college students, but they provide opportunities to meet hockey industry professionals and develop relationships. Most of all, don't be afraid to reach out to those in the hockey world via social media plat- forms. LinkedIn, the profes- sional networking platform, is a valuable resource to connect with current professionals who you can ask for advice, inquire about internship opportunities or volunteer positions to help get your foot in the door and keep you involved in the great- est sport in the world. P Remember, Officials are your neighbors RESPECT It's At The Core Of Our Game PLAYERS, COACHES, PARENTS, VOLUNTEERS, FANS: It's on us to respect our officials, our game and everyone in the sport. HOCKEY OPERATIONS MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS, DIGITAL/SOCIAL MEDIA SALES, PARTNERSHIP MARKETING GAME PRESENTATION, VIDEO PRODUCTION SCOUTING & ANALYTICS SPORTS JOURNALISM AND TELEVISION SPORTS MEDICINE/ PSYCHOLOGY FINANCE HUMAN RESOURCES & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Potential Hockey Careers To Consider Off The Ice: GOING PRO VIDEO: GETTING TO KNOW: AMANDA KESSEL p Amanda Kessel, a special assistant to the president of hockey operations and general manager for the Pittsburgh Penguins, discusses her career path off the ice.