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How to break into a job in the bike or trathlon industry
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Just like many of ST'ers out there, I don't work in the bike and triathlon industry, but as I get more and more uninterested in my regular job, I feel that I should do something I have a passion for. With a background in math/stats/insurance, I'm stumped as to how to get a job related to the bike and triathlon industry? I've visited the major US bike brands and they are looking for engineers, sales/marketing reps, product managers etc. What is your 2 cents on trying to get a foot in the door?
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Re: How to break into a job in the bike or trathlon industry [kwyyyy] [ In reply to ]
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Meet the reps first. To do that you might need to get a job in a shop. It's not glamorous by any means, but you'll meet the people behind the scenes in the industry.

Let the person know who interviews you at the shop that you're not just interested in a job, but in a career in the industry. You may find the flexible hours are good for you in retail, maybe not.
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Re: How to break into a job in the bike or trathlon industry [kwyyyy] [ In reply to ]
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You gotta know someone is usually the way to get in. No differenet than most industries but there are always openings. Bicycleretailer.com is a good source and there are a few industry recruiters.

Just know that it's a very tough business and most of us at the top level have been doing this a long time.
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Re: How to break into a job in the bike or trathlon industry [kwyyyy] [ In reply to ]
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I agree with the previous 2 posts. The best way to break in is to start at the bottom. Work at a shop and build a reputation. Get to know the reps, both inside and out.

If you look across the industry, the vast majority of the top guys spent time working at some shop and working there way to a rep position then finally inside.

Being knee deep in a shop will give you much more to offer than being from other industries. Cycling & triathlon is about relationships and your reputation within the industry. Most of the upper echelon at various companies (like Steve) and owners at shops want to deal day to day with people who have been on the sales floor or in wrenching in back.

Good luck in your search,

Jared Gell
Director of Triathlon Sales
Belmont Wheelworks
http://www.wheelworks.com
Last edited by: JGell: Jul 1, 10 5:25
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Re: How to break into a job in the bike or trathlon industry [kwyyyy] [ In reply to ]
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keep doing your fulltime job and start your own hobbie related to triathlon. Insurance and triathletes is something i haven't heard of before but I have been thinking of it for a few years now. Triathlon is risky. There must be a way triathletes can insure their bodies against accidents. The big professional sports teams have very good insurance.
i wouldn't start at the bottom looking for jobs if you are older than 30, intelligent and have money and/or expertise. Leap frog the others by specialising in some aspect you like of triathlon. If you like math, then there are plenty of avenues. Triathlon is relatively staright forward when compared to many sports, when it comes to measuring performance gains. The opportunities are endless. Build on your strengths and passions.
But remember there is not a whole lot of easy money in triathlon when dealing with individuals. some of the event organisers are reaping the benefits, but they are having to work hard at it(help the evnt organisers someway and there could well be some revenue for you:)


G.
www.triathlonShots.com

http://www.TriathlonShots.com
Full event coverage of triathlon/ironman in photos.


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