Episodes
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What if there was a way to use science to figure out the best career path for you? A way to narrow down the many options into a much more manageable choice. Well, Brian got a big hit of inspiration while watching Oppenheimer. He donned his lab coat and pocket protector, got out his calculator, and started testing. I picture Brian as more of a Bill Nye than an Einstein in the lab. Either way, he's giving you a new approach to finding what you are good at and what you will love and thrive in.
Like any good science experiment, you'll have to break a few eggs to make the omelet; you won't always nail your first hypothesis. Still, Brian's idea revolves around eliminating false positives on your way to finding a satisfying line of work. But I'll let Brian explain his stroke of genius and prove that he is no mad scientist.
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75% of resumes don't pass through ATS (applicant tracking systems). Recruiters spend an average of 7.6 seconds reading the ones that do. The sports industry is highly competitive because… well, sports.
You need to take every advantage offered, and AI is the quickest way to get your resume into the right hands.
Brian covers 21 ways —that's right, 21 ways—that you can ask Chat GPT, Gemini, Jasper, and all the other robots to not only make your job application materials shine but also do it faster than ever.
Don't want to analyze job descriptions for keywords to stuff into your resume? Copy and paste that thing into a chatbot and ask it to give you a tailored resume. Can't think of any good follow-up questions to ask at the end of an interview? Get the machines to analyze the job description and research the company. They'll even write the questions for you! Feeling stuck in your job search? Skynet can scan your resume and suggest career paths you may have never considered.
That's just a taste of the tips that Brian drops. He also covers how the need to use AI will continue after your job hunt; Brian's ideas will get you reps with the tools employers expect you to be comfortable with.
Now, don't go nuts and start firing off fully AI-generated resumes and cover letters; it isn't that good… yet. But these tools can take so much off your plate and get you very close to a finished product. AI might even be able to write a pretty good podcast description.
But not this one.
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Get your portfolios, reels, and certificates ready… As Gangstarr put it, this episode is all about "skills, skills, skills." R.I.P. Guru.
Skills-based hiring is trending in the sports industry, raising the question, "Do you really need a college degree to make it in the sports industry?"
Join Brian as he breaks down the shift happening in sports job hunting. Is it a temporary trend or here to stay? Brian shares tips for job seekers to take advantage of the change, helping you win with employers who value what you can do over your alma mater.
Don't assume that Brian is out here trashing associates and 4-year programs; he explores the advantages a degree can provide you, too. With the right approach, you can break into the sports industry in ways that weren't possible in the past.
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Whether you're just starting out or seeking a promotion in the sports industry, Brian Clapp shares the top strategies for advancing your career during this week's WorkInSports Podcast. Calling upon his journey from the video editing room all the way to the director's chair for a sports network, Brian can provide first-hand experience of how to lock down promotions.
It's not always a straight path in the sports biz, and there are simple steps you can take to get your foot in many doors without closing any behind you. From scripts you can use with your boss to general philosophies that put you on the path to advancement, Brian gives you everything you need to take your next step.
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Everyone knows that networking is one of the keys to career success. YOU know you have to do it... but, like... HOW DO YOU DO IT? For real, what are you supposed to say? Networking is scary and awkward for many job seekers. Anyone can hit the "connect" button on LinkedIn, but the task is daunting after that.
So Brian is laying out the exact blueprint for you to start building meaningful relationships. It's simple and repeatable, too! His tips aren't a magic pill to make networking suddenly easy, but he gives you exact instructions to make an immediate impact.
How many of your connections do you actually talk to? Hopefully, that number will increase after hearing Brian's strategy.
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Join Brian Clapp as he explores three indispensable attributes you need to develop for a thriving career in sports: curiosity, competitiveness, and coachability. Brian breaks down the significance of these traits in the sports industry and offers tips for job seekers aiming to showcase these qualities during the interview process. Discover how curiosity fuels continuous learning, why competitiveness shows employers that you will outwork others, and the pivotal role coachability plays in professional development.
Whether you're an aspiring athlete, sports professional, or someone seeking a career in the industry, Brian's expertise provides actionable insights to propel you toward success in the competitive world of sports.
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Sports internships are among the best ways to gain experience, connections, and skills as you build your career. In addition to providing an excellent training ground for you to apply your abilities, they also offer organic opportunities to build a network that can help you get a job. Getting varied experiences through multiple sports internships is one thing; taking advantage of the opportunities they present is another.
Today’s guest on the WorkInSports Podcast is Alana Meraz, MLB International Partnership Activation Coordinator. Meraz graduated from Arizona State University in 2019 with a Business Sports and Media degree. Meraz’s proactive embrace of sports internships and building her network played a big role in getting her a job in MLB within three years of earning her degree.
How to Get a Job in Professional SportsWith only four prominent leagues (MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL) comprising around 30 teams each, jobs in professional sports are highly competitive and, therefore, notoriously difficult to obtain. From 2017-20, Meraz took five internships to establish herself and form a community of professional advocates. Those experiences included:
• Phoenix Rising (Community Relations/Sponsorship Activation Intern)
• Arizona State Athletics (Game Day Intern)
• Arizona Public Services (Events Intern)
• Sports as a Job (Social Media Marketing Intern)
• ISL (Sponsorship and Tours Coordinator)
Additionally, Meraz spent a year as a part-time game operations assistant with the Arizona Diamondbacks. While the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 provided an obstacle to getting her career started in earnest due to canceled events, she founded Latinx in Sports to build a community of professionals looking to break into the industry, which she still runs today. Her efforts landed her a Fan Experience Coordinator position with the US Soccer Federation in 2021, and she has been with MLB since 2022. On today’s episode, Meraz and VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp discuss:
• How Meraz’s sports internships set her up to get where she is now
• What her day-to-day role as International Partnership Activation Coordinator consists of
• Why Meraz founded Latinx in Sport
• How important networking was for Meraz’s career growth
• What sports career advice she has for aspiring professionals looking to enter the industry
Enjoy the full episode to learn how to get a job in professional sports. Also, subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice, and catch additional content on our YouTube Channel!
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If you type “job search advice” into Google, you’ll come up with nearly endless results that cover the gamut. But there is one aspect of the job searching process that is often overlooked – the toll it takes on mental health. Brian not only provides practical tips for managing the stress and exhaustion of job hunting but also empathizes with long-term job seekers. Job search fatigue is a real challenge, and it is ok to feel lost. Whether you’re actively seeking employment or supporting someone in their job search, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the competitive landscape of the job market.
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Emerging sports outside the big four of football, basketball, baseball, and hockey can face an uphill climb in gaining participants and a fan base. Leagues such as Fan Controlled Football and the World Surf League must get creative to find their niche among sports fans in a market saturated with options.
However, when a sport catches on, it can grow rapidly. That’s the case with pickleball, which entered 2023 enjoying a three-year stretch as America’s fastest-growing sport. A 2022 survey by the Association of Pickleball Professionals estimates that there are 36.5 million pickleball players in the US, making it the third-most popular sport/activity in the country behind only biking and running and ahead of established stalwarts like basketball, baseball, and soccer. Moreover, the sport is popular across age brackets and even has a multi-year distribution deal with streaming giant Amazon Prime, which will broadcast four tournaments per year.
Today’s guest on the WorkInSports Podcast, USA Pickleball Director of Communications and Content Melissa Zhang, joined the organization in late 2022 and is channeling the sport’s explosive growth in popularity. Zhang specialized in growing Olympic sports through her time with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (stints in 2018– 19 and 2020– 21) and USA Handball (2019– 21). She also spent a year doing internal communications with PointsBet (2022) during its growth period after sports betting became legal in more states. On today’s episode, Zhang and WorkInSports VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp discuss:
• How Zhang got into the sports industry as a political science/psychology double major at UCLA
• How she approaches USA Pickleball’s content strategy to continue the sport’s growth
• How she has grown as a leader in her Director role
• How aspiring sports professionals can forge their path in the sports industry
Enjoy the full episode for all of Zhang’s sports career advice, and subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast to catch every episode when it gets published. You can also check out additional content on our YouTube channel!
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Daily fantasy sports is booming. More customers = more money = more JOBS. The best part is that the competition for jobs in the industry is less fierce than in traditional sports because there is so much untapped potential.
That's why we're speaking with our guest, Dylan Cooper, Senior VP of Revenue at PrizePicks, a rapidly growing daily fantasy platform. Dylan's unexpected journey into the industry started as a daily fantasy junkie, tracking every stat of every game like all good sports nerds do. While in college, he took on a side gig as a fantasy sportswriter that didn't break the bank, but it opened up relationships that helped steer his career.
Dylan's current (very full-time) gig is a far stretch from his days as a fan and daily fantasy player. He started at PrizePicks in 2017 as an analyst when it was a true start-up. Dylan worked his way up through various roles as the company needed him to grow, and now, he's able to share his wisdom and strategies that can help others break into the fantasy sports field.
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Travis Kelce has dominated the NFL on the field for nearly a decade, but he's exploded in the media over the past couple of years. Two big-time players in his growth are Aaron and Andre Eanes, the leaders of A&A Management Group. The Eanes twins aren't just financial guys; they are true day ones that have pushed their clients, like Travis, into life-changing opportunities.
While we've only mentioned Travis Kelce (and no T Swift mentions... at least 'til now), A&A represent other big-time athletes and provide top-tier management that makes clients feel like they are part of the Eanes family.
If you've dreamed of managing athletes, striking big money deals, or becoming an athlete, the Eanes are going to be so relatable. Aaron grew up playing Madden franchise mode with a career as a GM in mind. Andre carried his pro sports aspirations into college before discovering his passion for finance. As their vision evolved, they took well-informed and direct steps to achieve their goals. They are so down-to-earth as they share their stories, and you can glean actionable advice from listening to their experience.
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When looking for a job, especially your first one in the sports industry, salary negotiation can take a back seat to getting a foot in the door and starting your career. However, starting at a lower salary leads to lost earning potential that you have to make up later. A pair of WorkInSports Podcast listeners are dealing with the nuances of negotiating salary in the sports industry and are looking for guidance:
“Hey Brian, I’m a recent college grad who just got my first job offer! I’m stoked! The salary is a little lower than I had hoped. Should I negotiate or just accept and get cracking? I’m worried if I push too hard, they’ll move on to someone else and withdraw the offer.”
-Janice in Massachusetts
“Hey Brian, I’m a 33-year-old dude who has been working in the sports industry for the last 12 years. I had been at one team this entire time. Now, I’m making the jump to a sports marketing agency. I’m excited, the salary is good, not great, and I really want to negotiate...what is your take on negotiating? I’ve never done it before, but I want to push this time around as I feel I have more leverage than I did as a recent grad last time I was in the market.”
-Bill in Pennsylvania
Salary Negotiation in Sports
According to Fidelity Investments, 58% of Americans accepted their initial job offer without negotiating salary or benefits. However, 85% of candidates who countered an offer got at least some of what they asked for. Additionally, a 2021 XpertHR survey found that 89% of companies are open to negotiating salary for some or all positions once they make a job offer.
Here are a few keys to successfully negotiating salary in the sports industry:
• Mind your Tone: Don’t come off as entitled, demanding, or adversarial, or the employer may reject your counteroffer.
• Be Timely: Don’t ask for more than 48 hours to review an offer because hiring managers must move quickly to hire.
• Do Research: Make sure you know what you can expect to earn in your profession in the sports industry so you can make an informed counteroffer.
Catch the full episode for more salary negotiation tips, and subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice. You can also catch additional content on our YouTube channel!
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Fundraising is the lifeblood of competitive college athletics. While TV contracts, ticket sales, and sponsorships make up a sizable portion of an athletic department’s revenue stream, securing donations is the main catalyst for the capital projects, scholarship funding, and endowments that drive programs forward.
Getting these projects off the ground takes dedicated workers in development offices who can appeal to donors’ fandom and pride for their favorite programs. Today’s guest on the WorkInSports Podcast, Nebraska Assistant AD of Annual Giving Mattie Fowler Burkhardt, does this work for the Huskers Athletic Fund. A former softball player at Nebraska, Burkhardt now tries to pay it forward to build an even better environment for current and future student-athletes in Lincoln. She joins VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp to talk about:
How her experience as a student-athlete set her up for success in her current roleWhat drew her to a job with the Huskers Athletic FundThe importance of development/fundraising to becoming an athletic directorWhat skills are required to succeed in developmentEnjoy the full episode and subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice. You can also view additional content on our YouTube channel!
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Making it to the national stage in sports broadcasting is a tall order. WorkInSports Podcast host Brian Clapp made it far in his career behind the scenes with CNN/Sports Illustrated and Fox Sports Northwest. However, doing so on camera is even more competitive, with fewer available jobs. To climb the ladder on air takes a lot of repetition to create an opportunity in the spotlight, potentially a bit of luck for said opportunity to materialize, and nerves of steel to take advantage of what could be your only chance to move up.
Today’s guest on the WorkInSports Podcast, Fox Sports Reporter/Host Jenny Taft, capitalized on her shot, and that translated into a meteoric rise from sideline reporter for the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx to a fixture on national College Football (and BattleBots) broadcasts. On this episode, Clapp and Taft discuss:
• How her background as a standout athlete helps her connect with her interview guests
• Her first gig as one of the FSN Girls with Fox Sports North
• What working as a social media contributor for? the Minnesota Timberwolves, Twins, and Wild did to establish herself in the sports industry
• How she maintains work-life balance in the sports industry
• What advice she would give to a young woman looking to fill her shoes in sports broadcasting
Enjoy the full episode for Taft’s perspective and experience of telling sports stories to a national audience. Also, subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice and check out our YouTube channel for additional content!
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With employers facing a shortage of skilled candidates, learning in-demand skills is one way to stand out in a competitive job market. That is what our guest, Director of Partnership Sales for the Pittsburgh Penguins Luke Mohamed, did.
About the Pittsburgh Penguins’ Luke MohamedMohamed cut his teeth working for the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon for five years. He began as an intern, which required him to wear many hats on their small staff, and he learned to love the creative side of sales. That experience showed him a career path that interested him, and he decided his next step was grad school.
After earning his MBA at South Florida, Mohamed spent five years working in corporate partnerships with MLS’ DC United. He eventually became their Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships before landing his current position with the Penguins. Catch the full interview for some of Mohamed’s sports career advice on topics like:
• Why he decided to get a master’s degree.
• What working in sales entails.
• What the most important skills are for partnership sales.
Be sure to subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice. Also, subscribe to our YouTube channel for more content!
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Pulling off a career change requires preparation as you highlight how the skills you built transfer to a new field. Today’s question for the WorkInSports Podcast comes from Alex, an aspiring career changer looking to pivot into the sports industry:
“I’ve listened to a lot of episodes where people don’t know what they want to do in the sports industry, but I haven’t been able to find one where it’s someone with a lot of experience but none in sports who wants to change. I’ve owned a company and worked sales/key account management jobs. In December, I was laid off after working 100-hour weeks at a company and figured it was time for a change. I want to switch to either pro sports (maybe start in the minors) or go into college athletics and go online to get my master’s. How can I do that?”
Career Changes in SportsSuccessfully switching careers to the sports industry is an involved process, but it can be done by following these seven steps:
1. Do an HONEST Self-Assessment: Figure out what you like and dislike about your current job, do a SWOT analysis of yourself, and lean into the strengths and skills you bring to the table.
2. Explore the Possibilities: After you analyze yourself, take note of the career possibilities that emerge, then do your research (request informational interviews, attend conferences, read relevant articles, etc.).
3. Get Specific: Seek out the job titles that appeal to you and narrow your search to obtaining one of those positions.
4. Promote Transferable Skills: Show how the skills that made you valuable at your last job translate into a sports position.
5. Be Realistic: It is likely that you will start in an entry-level role to establish yourself all over again.
6. Paint a Picture for Employers: Storytelling is powerful, so think back to some of your top career moments and how you achieved your goals to give potential employers a chance to visualize you excelling in their organization.
7. Be Extra: Showcase your skills in the interview phase by adding something more, such as a sample report or a KPI analysis.
Enjoy the full episode of the WorkInSports Podcast for concrete ways to navigate a career change in sports. Also, subscribe to the show for more sports career advice and catch additional content on our YouTube channel.
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With technology like artificial intelligence emerging into the spotlight in 2023, making your resume stand out is becoming more difficult. In a 2023 survey, 78% of job seekers who used AI during their search landed an interview, and 59% got hired. As these advances creep into our office and job search, how important is your resume? That’s what Uriel in Pennsylvania wants answers to these questions three from the WorkInSports Podcast:
“Hi Brian, I am starting my junior year of college, studying sports management, and I feel my resume really needs some help. Three-part question: Are resumes still relevant, or has technology surpassed the need? Can I use Ai to generate my resume? And finally, what are some of the best practices to make sure I nail this?”
Resume Advice for the Sports Industry
The resume is still relevant, probably more than before. Nearly every job you apply for requires you to submit a resume, and most companies use an applicant tracking system to weed out resumes that don’t fit what the organization is looking for and ensure that only the most qualified candidates get their materials seen by a hiring manager. This is why you must put effort into crafting a resume tailored to the job you are applying for to ensure your application isn’t cast aside.
According to iHire's 2023 State of Online Recruiting Report, only 2.8% of job seekers used artificial intelligence during their search. Using AI to help polish your resume is acceptable, but you must be wary of letting a machine write it entirely. AI programs are best utilized as a starting point, not a final product.
As for the best practices, here are a few tips:
Make multiple versions of your resumePrioritize data and accomplishments over tasksHighlight the skills you bring to the tableEnjoy the full episode for more resume tips, and subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice. You can also catch additional content on our YouTube channel.
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While ‘Deflategate’ put the Patriots’ equipment staff under a microscope the profession tends to avoid, this overlooked aspect of football is of utmost importance to teams. An NFL team’s equipment staff has numerous responsibilities, such as inflating footballs (properly), repairing and ordering equipment for the full roster, storing and cleaning jerseys, and packing/setting up gear on road trips. Along with a roster of 53 players and the coaching and support staff, equipment managers also need a ‘customer service’ mentality to satisfy the needs of many people within their organization.
On today’s episode of the WorkInSports Podcast, VP of Content Brian Clapp chats with the Los Angeles Chargers’ Chad Jessop. Jessop is the Chargers’ Equipment Assistant and has spent 14 years handling football teams’ equipment and locker room needs. He and Clapp discuss:
How to become an equipment managerJessop’s rise from the high school ranks to a training camp gig with the Dallas CowboysThe biggest challenges of working in his fieldHow important building relationships is in an NFL locker room environment
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College is full of opportunities to form lasting memories and build the foundation of a fruitful career in the sports industry. Students have endless chances to create social bonds in all sorts of settings, but keeping your eye on why you are pursuing a degree in the first place is also important. Today's question for the WorkInSports Podcast comes from Jasmine, who is looking for strategies for launching her career after she graduates:
"Hey Brian – I'm headed into my junior year of college, what should be my biggest focus this year to set myself up for my sports career?"
Getting the right experience early on in college sets the tone for creating a dynamic sports resume upon graduating. If you wait until you are a junior to build that experience, you are already behind your peers for high-level internships and entry-level jobs. Your goal each college year is to build upon your credentials from the year before. Here are three things you should be doing each year to ensure you are a can't-miss candidate when you hit the job market:
Freshman
Focus on finding your specific fit in the sports industry.Plan out your academic schedule with intention.Volunteer and network within your school's athletic department.Sophomore
Build an internship strategy by learning what is available, the requirements, and the application deadline.Continue networking by contacting alums in areas you are interested in and building your LinkedIn profile.Narrow your gaze to a specific area of the sports industry that appeals to you.Junior
Refine what you want to do in sports and pivot as necessary. Ensure your courses and internships are helping you gain the experience you need.Create a top-10 list of organizations you want to work for and start networking with people in those organizations.Practice interviewing to prepare for the real deal. Informational interviews are great for this.Senior
Continue interning and volunteering to push your resume over the top when applying.Keep networking and forming connections in the industry.Begin applying to jobs three months before graduating.Listen to the full episode to hear details from VP of Marketing Brian Clapp on successfully executing each step of your college journey. Also, subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast to catch more sports career advice, and catch additional content on our YouTube channel!
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Despite the likelihood that you or your peers have claimed to be expert multitaskers, almost no one can multitask effectively. If you work in the sports industry, you WILL be asked to juggle many projects simultaneously, and managing time effectively will determine whether your career prospects sink or swim. Today's question for the WorkInSports Podcast comes from Justin in Atlanta, who wants to know how he can build his time management skills into an asset in his career:
"Hey Brian – I'm having major trouble with time management lately -- I feel unorganized, scattered and stressed. Working in sports is hard, but I really think if I got better at time management, I could enjoy this a lot more. Can you help?"
Time Management Skills in Sports
There are few better examples of time management skills at work than the day-to-day lives of collegiate student-athletes. Throughout their careers, student-athletes must manage the following:
• Physical training
• Practice
• Travel
• Competition
• Rehabbing injuries
• Classes
• Homework
• Exams
If a student-athlete falls behind significantly in those areas, their career can end instantly. It takes discipline and dedication to juggle their expectations, and any lapse in judgment or performance is costly.
Part of the thrill of working in the sports industry relative to others is that no two days are exactly alike. On a game day, you may be hosting a company party in corporate suites of an exciting home contest, and the next, you're catching up on emails about possible season ticket sales leads with no in-person interaction. The first part may be a lot of fun, but you won't last long if you can't buckle in and attend to the latter tasks and keep the revenue coming into the organization.
Time management is about prioritizing where you spend your effort on the job and why, then creating a system that allows you to accomplish tasks efficiently. For VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp, that comes in organized lists. Here's a look at how his mind works:
• Break down tasks into categories:
• A1: Must be done today
• A2: Finish these in 2-3 days
• B: Important, but not time sensitive
• C: Long-term goals (reading, skills exercises, and career development)
• Spend 30 minutes every day reviewing these tasks and goals
• Tackle the A1 list (no multitasking) in the first part of the day
• Reset with a quick break
• Visit the A2 list and start working on those tasks
• Evaluate the remaining tasks and re-order assignments as necessary
Enjoy the full episode of the WorkInSports Podcast to learn more time management skills to apply to your day-to-day work. Subscribe for more sports career advice and catch additional content on our YouTube channel!
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