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The first thing I impart to those interested in this career path is that there are no set qualifications, degree requirements, or certifications necessary to obtain the position of athletic director. However, a school district might advertise for requirements such as principal certification desired, certified athletic administrator designation preferred, or previous experience as an athletic director necessary.

When giving advice to those who ask, I try to focus on the following five areas:

1. Get Your Foot in the Door.
I highly recommend interning in the high school setting to garner experience and gain an understanding of the time and skill requirements of the position. Becoming familiar with the budgeting process, building an athletic schedule, assigning the use of facilities, and other related tasks in the athletic department are important aspects to learn about.

2. Find a Mentor.
There is a lot of truth to the saying, "It is not what you know, it's who you know." When we get a job because of a connection, we are satisfied. However, when someone else is chosen over us because they had an in, we tend to cry foul. I think that having a mentor--someone who believes in you, who will go to great lengths to inform you of openings, and make attempts to gain you an interview--is vital.

3. Be Willing to Persevere.
Read the resume of a coach in the National Football League. They have been a graduate assistant, a part time assistant, and often have moved from one end of the country to another with their families to achieve their dream of coaching at the highest level. Going back to your high school and volunteering time in the office during the day and working events in the evening puts you in better position to achieve your goal. It also provides you the opportunity to network with other schools, and to sell yourself as someone who has the right stuff.

4. Go Where There is a Need.
College graduates may have a desire to stay home or return home to work in the area they grew up in. However, finding a job may require a willingness to relocate to a state where new schools are being built and more opportunities exist. In some states there is a more pressing need for teachers and administrators, which may not be the case in your home state or region.

5. Get On With it, and then Get Back In on It.
It is natural for a sports-minded person to want their avocation (hobby) to be their vocation (job). However, it does not always happen that way, or right away. If that is the case, my advice is to go get a job--even if that means working in a different field. By doing so, you are building a resume, and gaining experience. Perhaps your work is sports related, and that puts you within reach of your dream job.

It took me 17 years to achieve my goal of becoming a high school athletic administrator. While I did not have prior experience, serving as a teacher and coach during those years helped prepare me for the job I have now. Also, when an opportunity presented itself, I was not afraid to move to another area. As a young coach, I assisted the athletic director by working events, and I never said no when asked. There have been mentors along the way, and if not for them I would not have been able to reach my goals. So if you want to be an AD, get started now. There's no time like the present to chase your dreams.