Ep 44: Playing HR in the NFL

Guest Bio:

Brea Gulley leads recruiting and employee experience efforts for the Seattle Seahawks. She is a dedicated HR professional who finds joy in creating impactful relationships with local Universities and gameday staff. She is known for speaking with students about her career journey and how they can stand out during the application process. Brea has invested her time to showcase the importance of communication between an employer and it's candidate pool. During the Seahawks season she also works to find new opportunities to improve the employee experience at Lumen Field Stadium.

Follow Brea Gulley on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brea-gulley-2b89aa140

Episode Highlights:

Brea Gulley, a recruiter for the Seattle Seahawks, shares her inspiring career journey and offers valuable advice for those looking to break into the sports industry.

Brea's path to the NFL wasn't exactly what she envisioned. After playing basketball in college, she unexpectedly found herself working in retail during the pandemic. Instead of seeing this as a roadblock, she focused on developing valuable skills like leadership and teamwork. These skills, she realized, would be crucial for any career, including the one she ultimately desired in sports.

Brea gave four powerful suggestions to anyone trying to land a career in sports. 

1. Be involved socially and academically and highlight that in your resume.
2. Grow your LinkedIn to 500+ connections.
3. Intern. Intern. Intern. 
4. Ask questions and be constantly seeking to learn. 

Networking is huge. Interestingly enough, The Culture Profit co-host, Crista, connected with Brea on LinkedIn. Actively using LinkedIn can help create connections with professionals in the sports industry. Building relationships and learning from experienced individuals can significantly increase your chances of landing your dream job.

Brea is passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. She actively seeks to hire individuals from all backgrounds, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives and experiences. This commitment is reflected in her outreach efforts at Goodwill, where she sets up a booth to advertise job openings in multiple languages. It’s important for an organization’s demographics to reflect those of the surrounding area.

Brea's story is a testament to the importance of adaptability, perseverance, and a proactive approach to career development. Her advice, coupled with her own inspiring journey, provides valuable guidance for anyone navigating the exciting but challenging world of professional sports.

Additional Resources:

Check out the Seattle Seahawks careers page: seahawks.com/about/employment‍