September 8, 2023
Allie Snow — a broadcasting and journalism graduate with a minor in sports media and communications—is making strides in the sporting industry. Now working in the “Big Apple” at ESPN, Allie was recently awarded a spot in Front Office Sports Rising 25 Class of 2023 which recognizes the leading young professionals in sports. Using the skills she developed in the College of Journalism & Mass Communications, Allie has created the career path of her dreams.
Talk a bit about your current role and how you got there.
I’m currently a social media specialist at ESPN. I create content across various ESPN social platforms for more than 38M followers. This includes TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat and more. My path is a little unique. Social was never one of my interests but some of the most unexpected opportunities are the ones you start to fall in love with. I was a news reporter for a little over a year at KLKN-TV in Lincoln. I started to realize being on camera wasn’t the only way I wanted to tap into the sports world. One day, I messaged a girl I have never met on Twitter asking about the ESPN Next program. I gave her a quick rundown of my background and how I was feeling lost in my career. She gave me her phone number and the rest was history. In 2021, I got accepted into the program. My first rotation was through the ACC Network, and my second was through social. I grinded it out and fell in love with the social side of sports. They offered me a full-time position and I’ve been there for two years now.
What is your favorite part about your job?
My favorite part about my job is the creative side. Every day I come into work, and I decide what I want to work up. Nobody is telling me what I have to create. If I want to post a throwback of Nebraska Volleyball winning a national title, I can do that. If I have a great hype video execution for LeBron breaking the scoring title, I can pitch that to the group. No day is the same and there are so many opportunities to be creative.
You were recently named to Front Office Sports Rising 25 Class of 2023. What does this distinction mean to you?
To be named in Front Office Sports Rising 25 is a huge honor. I never pictured myself being considered one of the top young professionals in the world of sports. I’m so thankful for the mentors I have had throughout my career for pushing me to be the best and giving me opportunities to succeed. It’s only given me more motivation to keep growing and learning.
Talk about being a woman working in sports. What impact do you hope to have on this industry?
I have a sticker on my refrigerator that reads “It’s a great day to be a woman in sports,” because despite the challenges that come with it, at the end of the day we’re breaking barriers and making history. Every day we’re creating representation for future generations. That’s always the goal –to show women that they are capable of anything they set their mind to no matter their gender.
While a student at Nebraska, you were involved in KRNU and athletic commentating. How did these collegiate experiences prepare you for a future in the sports broadcasting industry?
Although I’m no longer on a broadcasting path, KRNU helped me tremendously in my career. I think having those experiences really helped instill confidence in me to speak up in front of large groups of people, pitch and share my ideas in corporate meetings and see sports through a different lens. In the broadcast booth, you never know what’s going to happen when watching a game. You just trust in all your ability and all the preparation you did beforehand. I’ve taken that mentality with me at ESPN, because you’re surrounded by so much talent and can be intimidating. Knowing what you can bring to the table is so important.
Who is your role model?
Cari Champion! I got to know her through a program she founded called “Brown Girls Dream.”
Was there someone at Nebraska that had a big impact on you?
I would say just all the professors in the COJMC. If you utilize their office hours and really get to know them outside of class, you realize how much they want you to succeed. That’s the best part of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. My professors made me feel like I wasn’t just a number in the class, but a person who could achieve big things. They really help boost my confidence.
Is there one thing you learned during your time at Nebraska that has, and will continue to stick with you?
“Be comfortable, being uncomfortable. It’s a small price to pay for living a dream.”
If you were to give current students advice on landing a job, they are passionate about, what would it be?
Never stop growing your network. That will be the key to getting you where you want to go. The job world is big, but it’s also small. Everyone knows someone who knows someone. The sports world is especially small. Also, don’t be afraid to start on a different path you never imagined yourself going down. Sometimes that’s the best way to go.