Title:GEMA Externship: Where Are They Now? Amanda Christovich (C’19)

Amanda Christovich (C’19) is the lead college sports reporter at national sports business news outlet Front Office Sports. She writes news, features, and investigations about the business of the college sports industry and runs their coverage for major tentpole events like March Madness and the College Football Playoff.

What was your first “big break” into your industry? Or, what is the most significant experience you have had that has made your success possible?

My first big break was a summer internship as a sports reporter at USA Today the summer between my junior and senior year. I got the internship by applying to a program through the Association for Women in Sports Media. I don’t think I would have a career in sports without that organization. The internship itself allowed me to cover countless events in person—I was in the Nationals locker room, on the ground at the Caps Stanley Cup championship parade, etc. I also got a chance to learn how to do breaking news shifts and I was able to write a few of my first published features.

What was your first job?

My first full-time job was actually the role I’m currently in at Front Office Sports. I went straight from Georgetown to Columbia Journalism School and finished that degree in May 2020 (the middle of the pandemic). After a few months of unemployment, I was able to land this role as a reporter at FOS. Though I will say the role has grown, evolved, and changed significantly over the past five years. 

What do you do in your job now? What is your favorite part of your current position?

I write about all the business angles in the ever-changing college sports industry from NIL deals and the pending revenue-sharing era to the role the Trump administration plays in the future of college sports. I also cover major events like Final Fours, the College Football Playoff, etc. in person—and have appeared on radio shows, podcasts, and television to discuss my reporting. 

My favorite part of my role is the investigative work I get to do, especially for stories at the intersection of sports and politics. 

What was the externship experience like for you? Did it have an influence on your career/help kickstart your career?

The externship was an amazing (and fun) for me to dip my toe into networking—a key skill that I didn’t have a ton of experience with beforehand. And that’s not just with the people who I met through externship meetings. The folks running the Georgetown externship program have been as helpful to me in my career as those they introduced me to.

What part(s) of the Externship did you find most valuable?

I knew I wanted to build a career in New York, and I met so many Georgetown alums who worked in media, sports, and marketing that could serve as examples of how. Plus, they were all generous with their time, friendly, and supportive. 

What was your experience like attending Georgetown? Were there any particularly formative experiences that were special to you?

I honestly loved every minute of my time at Georgetown, and look enviously upon anyone who is still on the Hilltop! I’d say from a professional standpoint, one of my most formative experiences was actually working in the athletic department. During my senior year in 2018-19, the then-marketing director gave me the reigns to plan and run the entire department’s social media strategy. I worked long hours, often juggling the job with schoolwork, job hunting, and even my commitment to 99 Days at The Tombs. But I learned so much not just about storytelling and the craft of sports social media, but also how to build and execute a creative strategy in a business setting. Even though my job now as a journalist is slightly different, I still use those skills.

What’s your advice for an undergraduate trying to break into your industry? Is there anything you would tell your younger self now?

My biggest piece of advice: Don’t be afraid to go for what you really want. And that’s not just about your dream job. Where do you want to live? What kind of hours do you want? Do you want to travel for work? Think about your dream life, not just your dream job…and work towards that goal.

Name someone in your career who has been a valuable mentor or role model to you and why?

I have an editor who I’ve worked with closely for about 4 1/2 years at FOS. He’s one of the smartest people I’ve ever worked with—but he’s also gone above and beyond to invest time in improving my writing and working with me on a daily basis on my short-term and long-term goals. Over time, he’s also become one of my best friends.

In the media industry, you need to have friends and allies—people you can trust and lean on, and who genuinely care about your well-being. They’re rare, but invaluable!

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