Today we’d like to introduce you to Jocelyn Thomas.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
That is a great question, how did my journey into the sports world begin? It is hard to put a date on it because I have been in love with the game of basketball for as long as I can remember. But if I had to guess, I would say my love for the game developed at the age of five. I often remember asking my mother to stay up late to watch some of the west coast games, back when I was in elementary school. So, I guess you could even say I was predestined to be in the sports industry. Because who else do you know that was reviewing game footage at that age? I physically played basketball from the ages of 5 to 15. But once I started to play Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball, I knew I did not have what it takes to be an elite athlete. I again picked up basketball early in my Army career when I played for the Army Team for a year. But due to my busy schedule as an active-duty Soldier, I put the basketball down again. Now fast-forward to today, I work as a Sports Event Manager for a well-known sports corporation. And that opportunity came in large part to a professional internship I was able to acquire via my military background and my passion for sports.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course not, lol. But I would not have it any other way. My toughness and ability to navigate challenges are what have made me successful in any and every career field that I have chosen to work. First things first, I had to wait until I completed 20 years of successful military service to even pursue a career in the sports industry. So, when I say I am behind the power curve, experience wise, that is a huge understatement. Originally, I thought I wanted to pursue a career in the fitness industry after military retirement. As I am sure some of you who are familiar with my story may remember me as a certified personal trainer and wellness coach (I still am). But, after working in the industry for two years I discovered that although training was still a passion of mine, it was not the career field for me. So that caused me to pivot from one industry to another, in a short window of time. Which was not necessarily an easy choice for me to make. Considering how much time and money I spent to be properly credentialed and accredited in the fitness industry. Now once I made the decision to invest in myself and truly chase my passion for sports. The road got even bumpier as I could not find anyone or any resources to get a foot in the door. That was until I ran into an old friend who introduced me to a guy, who introduced me to another guy, then fast forward to five interviews later, and there I was. I was able to get the break I needed to get one foot in the door of the sports industry. That goes to show you just how far networking and building relationships can take you in life.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a lover of sports, and I am currently working as a sports events manager. I specialize in women’s sports, with an emphasis on women’s basketball at the WNBA level and the Women’s College Basketball level. I am most proud of my adaptability and love of learning when it comes to my passion for sports. I have been able to learn and operate in remarkably diverse lanes of sports: golf, soccer, various athletic tournaments, and marathons/races. I am no one trick pony so being able to display that diversity in the sports industry is particularly important to me. I love ALL sports! I am just in love with basketball a little more. Something that I feel as though sets me apart from others is my willingness to take risks when it comes to venturing out and trying something new. I may not know how to do something or what the level of expectation for that something may be. But if given the opportunity, I will become proficient within 72 hours. I would also say, I am not afraid to ask for help. A lot of people are too proud to admit when they do not know something. Where I would rather be viewed as inquisitive versus stubborn and set in my ways.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Be obsessed with achieving your goal, no matter what it is! Your belief in yourself must be stronger than anyone else’s doubt in you. Because there will be many naysayers along the way, do not ever allow yourself to be one of them. One of my favorite scriptures is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I recite it to myself daily, it is my mantra in life! Also, as I previously alluded to, networking and building relationships. And I cannot express more, the importance of how truly important those two things are. There is not a time in the past three years that I can remember being presented with an opportunity that was not because of someone I met or someone I know saying my name in a room I was not present in. Your personality sometimes is your resume, so always be cognizant of the way you treat others in the moment. You never know when and where you may see them again or what the circumstances may be. Something I wish I knew before I started out on my journey is to reach out to people in your industry for mentorship, advice, or just create that dialogue before applying or asking for a job. No one wants to feel used, so try to avoid asking for help before you ask for advice or how to even get started. Most people starting out lack experience and most industry veterans will help you figure out ways to gain that experience to help bolster your resume. Trust me, it will do wonders for your career, because remember your network is often your net worth.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram/jocelynthomas_lhnf/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/jocelyn.j.thomas
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jocelyn-thomas1/
- Twitter: htpp://twitter.com/legendaryhnf
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@1lifeofalegend
Image Credits
Jordan Chavez – iykondesigns@gmail.com – IG: iykonmultimediapros
