Christopher Stock

Degree:    Bachelor of Science
Major:      Retail Merchandising

Years in the Field:   5
Current Job Title:    Publisher
Organization:          CanesTime

How did you find this job?
I contacted the company when I first moved to Miami and started writing for free, just as a hobby. I worked myself all the way to the top in just three years— currently I hold the highest position available within the company. I have 10 writers underneath me and handle the responsibilities of publishing the magazine as well as the website.

Please describe your job:
Every day is different. During the Miami football season, I attend press conferences, practices, and games throughout the week.  Before and after these events I make phone calls to prospective interviewees and I work on writing articles. Because I write for a number of companies, I have to stay on schedule, be organized, and communicate well to accommodate what each person wants. 

A benefit of working with CanesTime is that I choose what to write and when to write it.  During the season, I typically work over 70 hours per week, and when the season is over, there are still things to do. The magazine comes out monthly, and the website subscribers still want to read about their team. In addition to writing articles, I also take care of the customer service side of things. It can be a bit hectic at times.

In my position with CanesTime, I have been able to work for a number of companies including the Associated Press, ESPN, Tampa Tribune, Palm Beach Post, and Daytona Beach News-Journal.

What from your undergraduate educational experience was most helpful in preparing you for this career?
Obviously my career is in a different field than what I studied at the U of M, but there is no doubt in my mind that my education helped prepare me. I am not sure about specific courses, but a number of classes encouraged us to express our thoughts about a variety of subjects. Forcing a young person to identify differences, similarities, likes, and dislikes is instrumental in their growth.

The classes were a challenge for me, and I had to open up and be more expressive than I was used to. Although it made me a bit uncomfortable at times, I know it helped me tremendously in what I am doing today, not only with work, but in my development as an individual.

What is the biggest misconception about this occupation or field?
I don't think the general public realizes how much time and effort it takes to become a professional sports writer. There are a lot of sports fans out there and everyone has an opinion, but that doesn’t mean you can write about it. Or some people like writing, but can you write articles on a consistent basis? And most people underestimate the importance of people skills. You might be the best writer in your market, but how do you relate with players and coaches? There are all kinds of challenges within this industry and some people think it’s a great job (which it is), but it’s not right for everyone.

What advice do you have for current students?
Make yourself marketable and learn. Don't be good at just one thing. Because many student jobs don’t require a lot of responsibility, do whatever you can the gain marketable skills and learn more about the organization. You might not get paid more for it, but you will learn, which only helps in the long run. It’s all about marketability. You want to leave the U of M with as much experience, knowledge, and preparation as possible. Your time is limited in college, so make the most of it. 

Also, you have to understand the competition involved in graduating from college. The U of M is one of the largest universities in the country, so there is a lot of competition for jobs right there in the Twin Cities. But what about the rest of the country?  What is going to make you different or separate you from the rest?  Find something you are passionate about and work hard— there is no substitute for hard work.

Finally, don't be afraid to take on a challenge that is not the common road or a popular decision with your friends and family. It’s your life.

Is there anything else you would like to add that we didn't ask you?
Right now I am in the process of writing my first book, which will be published in December 2007.  I am very excited about it and have spent the last three months of my life in a different part of the country researching for the book.  I am very happy with the progress and passionate about the subject.  It never crossed my mind that I would be doing this so early in my career, but it is a reality.