The following story was submitted by Andrew White, a 2013 fellow of The Perfect Game Foundation.

Name: Andrew White

School: George C. Marshall High School, Falls Church, VA; Virginia Tech Pamplin College of Business: Double Major: Management and Business Information Technology

Job or Internship: Summer Intern at Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN) Baltimore Orioles

How did working with The Perfect Game Foundation help you?

Mr. Del Wilber and The Perfect Game Foundation have played an instrumental role in my life for two years now. When I was a junior in high school, I was fortunate enough to meet Del. Ever since our first meeting, Mr. Wilber has graciously offered me his assistance and I cannot thank him enough for the services he has provided. The Perfect Game Foundation has exposed me to the sporting industry at young age. Additionally, it has helped me to develop my future career aspirations and to find the business school that will put me in the best position to secure a job out of college. The foundation has also assisted me financially and has funded the costs that are associated with my summer internship. Without Mr. Wilber and The Perfect Game Foundation, I would not be nearly as educated about the industry as I am now. The networking and the professional contacts that I have been able to make through their help is astonishing. It is safe to that without Mr. Wilber’s help, I would not be in the position that I am in today.

What advice would you pass on (pay forward!) to others to aspire to work in sports?

My biggest piece of advice to others that aspire to work in sports is to get started as early as possible. Through my previous internships, I have been able to recognize the importance of networking in sports. It is not necessarily all about what you know, but rather who you know. Having a solid education is certainly important, but it is your professional contacts that will land you a job interview. For that reason, it is crucial to begin working and interning as early as possible. My other piece of advice is to never be discouraged and to have a positive view on things. In order to land jobs of great significance, it is essential to first get your foot in the door and to then work your way up. Plus, having a strong work ethic is a strong characteristic trait, and will surely make you more attractive to perspective employers in the future.