Everything on the line – Part 2: Gina Mühlfeld from the German Football Association talks career goals and top tips from a junior production manager’s perspective

Gina Mühlfeld, junior manager in TV production at the German Football Association (DFB)

Junior manager in TV production at the German Football Association (DFB), Gina Mühlfeld is a mine of information for those looking to move into sports broadcasting. Split into two parts, Part 2 of this Stepping Stones interview explores Mühlfeld’s career goals and advice for others. Mühlfeld is being featured in Stepping Stones as one of our upcoming talents for International Women’s Day.

Where job would you like to be in in five or 10 years time? What are your career goals?

In the next five to ten years, I would love to take on increasingly larger productions as I continue to grow in my career. One of my main goals is to eventually work as a broadcast venue manager for a Euro event. The experience I had at Euro 2024 was truly inspiring, and I’d love to be part of that level of production, contributing to the event from this side of things.

Freelancing is something I’m considering as a long-term option down the road. It would be amazing to have the flexibility to choose the productions I want to work on, giving me more control over the projects I take on. While my focus is on growing within sports broadcasting, I’m also open to exploring different opportunities in the future. I’m curious about branching out into other areas of broadcast production outside of sports and do some productions there, though that’s just an idea at this stage, and my interests may evolve over time.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned so far, it’s that while having a plan is important, it’s just as crucial to remain flexible and open to new opportunities as they come along. For now, I’m happy where I am, continuing to settle into my current role and grow with the responsibilities I’m being given. I’m excited to see where my career takes me and to keep learning and developing within the industry.

Can you give us some top tips that really helped you get where you are today? 

Building a Broad Knowledge Base: One of the most important things that’s helped me in my career is building a solid understanding of all the departments involved in a production. Even though my ultimate goal is to be a production manager, having knowledge about other areas – especially the technical side – has been invaluable. Understanding what each department does and where potential issues may arise allows me to manage productions more effectively. It helps with things like creating realistic time schedules, understanding what resources and personnel are needed, and being able to communicate more clearly when discussing issues with technical teams like the EIC or vision engineers.

Learning to Organise Different Types of Productions: It’s crucial to understand that different types of productions require different approaches. Whether it’s a live event, a music festival, or a sports broadcast, each has unique demands. Gaining experience in a variety of productions allows me to draw from a broader range of ideas and solutions. Even unconventional ideas can work if they’re executed well.

Being Open to Change and New Opportunities: One thing I’ve learned throughout my career so far is that being flexible and open to change is essential. My career path hasn’t always been linear, and I’m glad I didn’t stick too rigidly to one plan. From shifting my focus from music production to TV broadcasting to taking on new and challenging roles like production manager at a music festival, I’ve embraced change and have been open to exploring new paths. This willingness to adapt has led me to amazing opportunities, like working at Euro 2024 and now with the DFB. I’ve tried some things along the way that I didn’t end up enjoying like working in film. It didn’t work out for me, but I now I can say for sure that my current path is the right one.

Believe in Yourself and Trust Your Abilities: Confidence in my own abilities is key. I was much younger than many of my colleagues in similar roles, especially during my work at the Euro, but I didn’t let that hold me back. Even while I was still studying, I applied for paid jobs and internships. A lot of my peers also had the necessary skills but were held back by the idea that they were “still students.”

Gain Hands-On Experience: Theory is essential, but the ability to apply what I’ve learned in practice was even more important. Throughout my studies, I gained hands-on experience through various productions, which taught me not only technical skills but also soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These are skills I couldn’t have learned in a classroom. Real-world experience is vital, so I made the most of any opportunities to get involved in projects, even if they seemed outside my comfort zone.

Gina Mühlfeld, junior manager in TV production at the German Football Association (DFB), during her internship at Sky Deutschland in 2023, at the FC Bayern Campus for a Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga match

Can you give us some tips on things not to do or to avoid when trying to get a role you really want?

Don’t Be Shy: One of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen is not reaching out to people because you’re afraid of bothering them. If you want a job, use the contacts you have, but don’t hesitate to look up companies or people on LinkedIn or online and send them an email or message. You may think nothing will come from it, but so what? The worst case scenario is that they don’t respond—but you won’t lose anything. At the very least, you’ve taken action.

Don’t Downplay Your Skills: Don’t be shy about what you bring to the table. If you believe in your skills, others are much more likely to believe in them too. It’s important to confidently communicate your abilities and show that you can deliver. People will appreciate your confidence and it will set you apart from others who might downplay their talents out of fear of coming off as too bold.

Don’t Be Too Professional: Of course, professionalism is important, but you don’t want to come across as robotic or too distant. People want to see who you really are. If you hide behind a wall of “professionalism” during an interview, the interviewer might not feel like they’re meeting the real you. And the same goes for you; if you get hired based on a version of you that’s all business and no personality, neither you nor the employer will truly benefit. The days can be long in broadcasting, and you need to be able to get along personally too. Don’t be afraid to show a little of who you really are.

What would you say are the barriers to getting a job in the broadcast industry?

One of the biggest barriers in the broadcast industry, especially early on, is that it’s still a male-dominated field. This can sometimes make it harder for women or underrepresented groups, especially the ones younger of age to find mentors or feel like they belong in certain spaces. It’s harder to make yourself seen and heard and not be overlooked and disrespected. While this is gradually changing, it’s still something that needs to be addressed.

Another major barrier is that many jobs are filled through connections. Getting your foot in the door is often about who you know, which can be intimidating and very difficult if you’re new to the industry. But the first step is always building those contacts and connections.

Once you start meeting people and working on projects, it gets easier to navigate the industry, but breaking in initially can be tough if you don’t have that network established.

In many ways, it’s about getting the right introduction or knowing the right person to open a door for you. It’s important to focus on building genuine relationships, reaching out proactively, and making the most of any opportunity that allows you to meet people in the field.

What would you recommend to other people thinking of working in the broadcast industry?

If you’re thinking about working in the broadcast industry, my first piece of advice is to stay openminded. Don’t feel like you need to stick rigidly to a specific career path or goal. For instance, you don’t need to have studied sport management to work as a production manager in broadcast for sports. Having a plan is important, but it’s also essential to remain flexible. Your objectives might shift as you gain experience, and that’s completely okay; embrace the journey and let your experiences guide you.

Secondly, especially in the early stages, say “yes” to every opportunity that comes your way. Even if you’re uncertain about something, give it a shot. You can always reevaluate later, but saying “yes” will give you valuable insight and might lead to unexpected yet exciting paths.

Be willing to break conventions and step outside your comfort zone. Innovation often comes from taking risks, and exploring unconventional routes can set you apart. Don’t be afraid to try something new and challenge the status quo.

Lastly, networking is absolutely key. In broadcasting, relationships are everything. Every connection you make could open new doors. So, be proactive in meeting people, building relationships, and cultivating a strong professional network. The more people know you and what you bring to the table, the more opportunities you’ll create for yourself.