Winter Meetings Job-Seeker Journals: Ian Fontenot, December 11, 2013
Throughout this year’s Winter Meetings in Orlando, four attendees of the PBEO Job Fair have agreed to keep a journal chronicling their employment-seeking experiences (meet them all HERE). In this installment, Ian Fontenot weighs his options, takes a calculated risk, and leaves Orlando on a high note.
Last, But Not Least
The final day of the Winter Meetings for job seekers was upon us. After a long night of enjoying what was left of my time at Walt Disney World, I was drained, but excited about my final interview of the week. This was the first full-time position I’d be interviewing for, so naturally I was pumped. What was more exciting was the fact that this job was in a BIG market (more about that later). The second that the team’s CEO described what he was looking for in the position, I knew I had to have it. My demeanor went from sluggish and dragging to elated instantly. This interview was the first time I’ve came right out and told the interviewer I was exactly what he was looking for…or so I hope. With a great offer from a great club already in my back pocket, I knew this would throw a new wrinkle into the equation. As per usual, my gut feeling was right. My previous offer needed a decision by the end of the week, while my new prospect wouldn’t be making an offer until after Christmas. Talk about a sticky situation, but if there’s one thing I learned this week, you have to take risks in this industry to get what you want. I’ve never been more positive that an interview went swimmingly, but what happens if I don’t get the job? I’ll go from being in a near perfect situation to having nothing. Challenge accepted!
Everything around the Job Fair was now winding down. New job postings came to a screeching halt, and interview schedules were slowly pulled down. Talking to several fellow job seekers, I got a mix of sentiments toward the process. While there were many who were excited about getting tons of interviews and accepting offers that will potentially alter their lives, there were also many who not only went the last few days without getting contacted by any clubs, but didn’t see an interview list for their positions altogether. According to PBEO [Professional Baseball Employment Opportunities], there were 503 jobs posted with 506 job seekers in attendance. In theory, there should be a job available for nearly every person here. However, it appeared that less than half of those postings came with an interview schedule. That’s most likely due to the fact that lots of clubs contacted interviewees directly, which was the case for me in a few instances. Regardless of my situation, I couldn’t help but feel bad for those who weren’t as fortunate as myself. Making the trip to the Winter Meetings and putting yourself out there is no small feat.
In closing, I have to say that this week has been the most rewarding and exciting experience ever. I’ve made friends and connections that will last a lifetime. I may not know what the future holds for me just yet, but that’s okay. I’m a firm believer in the saying, “Everything happens for a reason.” I’ve never been more positive that I’m pursuing the right thing, and I know I’ll end up where I’m meant to be. To all my fellow job seekers/new professional baseball employees, good luck! To all those who will be pursuing jobs in the industry in the future, work hard and prepare yourself for when opportunity knocks. And lastly, a HUGE thanks to Ben Hill for allowing me to share my experience with you all! I can’t wait to fill you guys in on where this journey takes me.
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As Ian intimated in the above paragraph, he will be contributing one final blog post once his new employment situation — whatever it may be — becomes final. In the meantime, a big thanks to Ian for contributing journal entries throughout the week.
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