By Garrison McDaniel

Ohio State is a school unparalleled when it comes to opportunities in the sports industry--just ask Gabby Khodadad.

Khodadad maximized her time at Ohio State and through the experiences she had as part of the Sports and Society Initiative, earned a content internship with the NHL's St. Louis Blues.

Khodadad graduated in Spring of '24 with bachelors of arts degree in journalism and strategic communication. She said getting involved with as many opportunities as possible was a key to her success in the job hunt.

“You can get a lot of experience while you're at school. You just have to make an effort,” Khodadad said. “Jobs want you to have as much experience as possible and you can get a lot of experience while you're at Ohio State.”

One of Khodadad's most memorable experiences came through SSI, where she was traveled to Cleveland for the 2024 Women's Final Four where she worked in media relations for the NCAA.

“It showed what the job would look like in real life and we got to jump right in and help out,” she said.

Khodadad also wrote articles for Ohio State’s student newspaper, The Lantern, where she was the women’s basketball beat writer in the spring of 2022.

She credited Ohio State associate professor of practice Nicole Kraft, director of SSI, for helping with her journey, as it was in Kraft’s Sports Journalism class where Khodadad earned chances to write for many athletic programs for Ohio State

Through her connection with Kraft, Khodadad learned about the Empowered Program at Ohio State, this is where she met a mentor that helped her through the job hunt.

“I met my mentor, Kelly, she has helped me tremendously,” Khodadad said. "She helped with interviewing tips and just helped me land the internship.”

One piece of advice she had for other students is to meet as many people at Ohio State as possible. There is an extensive network of professors and professionals that will go through great lengths to assist you in your career.

“Networking is huge, I do not think I would be here without any of my mentors,” Khodadad said. “Really get to know people, because if they can help you, they will help you”