Today we’d like to introduce you to Tykera Carter.
Tykera, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I played Division 1 basketball at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT from 2014-2018. I knew the ball would not bounce forever, in knowing that I got involved in sports media. I started my career freelancing as a reporter. Most of the games I would go to and events I worked were not paid, but I was paid in experience. Everyone is not accustomed to doing that, but to me it was worth it. The experience I gained as a freelance sports reporter was and is invaluable. Learning how to conduct myself in professional locker rooms with teams such as the Washington Wizards and other WNBA personnel was one of a kind. I also took steps to continue to grow my platform by creating a podcast called Life After: With Tykera Carter where we discuss how to navigate life after college for former athletes and those getting ready to graduate.
Following all of my freelance roles, I applied to many jobs, turned a few down, didn’t hear back from a lot, and spent a lot of time wondering when I would experience a breakthrough. Finally, I got a job offer from the NBA working on the WNBA side of things as a Digital & Social Media Content Publisher. My story shows that patience is key and gaining experience is everything. Word of advice: your journey may not look the same as the person next to you and that is okay. Run your race. It’ll all work out.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Some of the struggles along the way were landing a full-time job and not just side hustle gigs or freelance opportunities but really doing something in a location in which I desired. When a job opportunity that you wanted doesn’t work out sometimes we think it’s our fault or we aren’t good enough, but sometimes it’s really just we were perfect for the job as individuals but not exactly what the company needs at that time and it’s okay. Being real with yourself is one of the things you will learn along the journey.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
As a former freelancer my work I am most proud of is creating my podcast Life After: With Tykera Carter. This project took a lot of thought, strategic planning, and the willing to go through with my idea and executing. I find at times, we think of things and have them on our hearts to do them, but a lot of people don’t go through with the ideas that are placed on our hearts.
So I am most proud of feeling as though I had an impact on people by creating this podcast. What sets me apart from others is my willingness to build from the ground up, and not think of what if I fail but more so what happens when you succeed?
My current job is as a Digital Content & Social Media Publisher for the WNBA. This job consists of doing all things social media for the WNBA and its affiliate leagues. I am most proud of the NBA and WNBA being firm and standing in the social justice movements that have been taking place.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My plans for the future are to be a full-time on-air reporter/sideline reporter/host for basketball games, specifically at the collegiate and professional level. I am looking forward to experiencing growth and honestly preparing for all that I will have to go through in order to reach the places I desire to go. The changes will be big as our world is constantly evolving as far as sports and media go, but I can’t wait to experience all that it will have to offer.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tykera.carter/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TyCarter___
Image Credit:
Kiana Ye credit for first photo submitted
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
