Significant Career Lesson from a Creative Manager Social Media at ESPN
Mitchell's significant career lesson emphasizes the importance of proximity to decision-makers; the choice to relocate to ESPN's headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut, despite preferring a location like Santa Barbara, "paved the way" for career advancement through strong personal relationships with key figures, ultimately leading to Mitchell's current role. The five years spent in Connecticut proved "transformative," highlighting the value of in-person networking for career growth.
Networking, Career Development, Relocation, Mentorship, Decision-Making
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Mitchell Clements
Creative Manager, Social Media
ESPN
University of California, Santa Barbara (2013)
UCLA Anderson School of Management (2026)
Political Science, American Studies
Arts, Entertainment & Media, Sports & Fitness
Creative
Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Relocating to headquarters can significantly advance your career by fostering strong relationships with key decision-makers.
2. Networking and building personal relationships with leaders in your field are crucial for career growth and advancement opportunities.
3. Early career choices, even seemingly small ones like location, can have a profound and lasting impact on future opportunities.
Transcript
What is one lesson you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
If you're willing to work at headquarters, it can open doors. I chose to take a job in Bristol, Connecticut, even though I loved living in Santa Barbara.
The reason for that move was because it was ESPN's headquarters. This decision paved the way for my current role and the investment management has put in me over the past few years. It allowed me to develop personal relationships with decision-makers at headquarters.
For example, I met the vice president of social media when she was a director. As she progressed in her career, she brought me along. I also met other talented decision-makers, including the president of our company.
I don't think I would have had those opportunities without face-to-face interaction and legitimate relationships with those individuals. While satellite offices are great, I'm not sure I would have had the same chances if my entire career had been in LA, with all the main decision-makers 3,000 miles away.
So, keep this in mind as you take your initial career steps. If you find a company you want to pursue long-term, I highly encourage you to "bite the bullet" and go to where the headquarters is, even if it's the "middle of nowhere."
Honestly, it has paid off in a huge way for me. The five years I spent in Connecticut were transformative. Looking back, the people and relationships in this job are probably the most important aspect.