How to be an Athletic Director
By: Andria Merkle
Introduction
steps to becoming an Athletic Director
Day to day life
Athletic Directors are just like us they wake up eat then go to work and then they work till around 5:00 and that's pretty much the life of an athletic director
5:00 am-6:30 am wake up and eat breakfast
7:00 am-9:00 am go to work
9:00 am-4:00 pm has meetings has to deal with coaches
4:00 pm- 7:00 pm will go to sporting events
8:00 pm-4:30 pm goes home/leaves workAn Athletic Director spends about 70 to 75 hours a week on the job and they are on the jobs 7 days a week that is a lot of work and then they have to go to sorting events and football games can last a long time. Athletic Directors do get to spend time with there family though they aren't like doctors were you are always on call and you may not to see your family that much no you get to see your family in this profession.
Professionals in the feild
I interviewed Tom Michael about being an athletic director because he is the athletic director at eastern Illinois university. I asked him a few questions and he answers the questions. One of the questions I asked was what were some of the struggles you had to go through to become an athletic director? He said: You have to be willing to “pay your dues” in this profession. It is a very competitive field and getting your foot in the door can be challenging at times. Finding the correct fit is critical piece as well.
The fourth question i asked him was: how important is communication in your job? His reply was:It is most likely the most important of what we do. Weather that is communicating with student-athletes,coaches,staff,university administration or donors, it is critical to make sure everyone is aware of what we are doing and how we are going to accomplish our goals. The 5th question I asked him was: How many hours do you spend on your job a week? He answered: It depends on the week. This profession requires you to love what you are doing. I can't watch the clock or worry about how many days I work. I often am spending time with the job 7 days a week weather that is attending events or working to find solutions to problems.
The 6th question I asked Tommy was:what characteristics do you look for in hiring a coach? Tommy's reply was: When we interview coaches, we have already determined they can teach and coach. what I am looking for when I interview individuals is weather not they are good people and will treat people with respect and make the student athletes better people and better athletes.How are they going to develop them each day to be better. The last question I asked him was: How did you get to the level you are at now? Tommy replied: I have been part of college athletics for 24 years.through being a student athlete myself to working in administration for many years,it has prepared me for my role as an athletic director. I believe in working hard and treating people well no matter what the situation. being able to lead with passion,energy and enthusiasm is what excites me each day that I get to interact act with all the individuals at EIU