On Deck for Success: How the Atlanta Braves’ Talent Programs Develop Future Stars

In a time when HR professionals are grappling with the dual challenges of hiring and engagement, there is a pressing need for sustainable programs that foster growth and create a robust pipeline for talent. At the Atlanta Braves, we are no exception. In our effort to find and keep great talent, we launched a pair of programs over the past decade: our Trainee Program and our Fellows Program.

The Trainee Program, initiated in 2015, has already produced several of our current leaders, including our senior vice presidents of operations and ticket operations. Meanwhile, the Fellows Program has seen participants move on to successful careers, with two of our Fellows now working at other Major League Baseball clubs.

These programs are designed for people who are passionate about starting a career in professional sports. Each year, we recruit candidates from across the U.S., offering them valuable experience in the day-to-day operations of a professional sports franchise.

Participants in these programs gain firsthand experience in both front-office and baseball operations environments. Plus, it also helps them build a network within the sports industry, providing expert advice and potential connections to job opportunities upon completion of the programs. The only prerequisites are a genuine passion for baseball and a strong desire to learn.

These programs provide a unique platform for people to launch their careers, coached by seasoned leaders. Participants develop an understanding of the business side of baseball and develop communication and brand skills, allowing them to apply their learnings in a future career in baseball or any other sports. 

Each participant is paired with a leader in their respective department who is fully vested in the success of their assigned trainee. These leaders offer coaching, feedback, and support, removing barriers and fostering a trusting environment.

The competency-building curriculum focuses on developing relationships, prioritizing inclusion and collaboration, and fostering a growth mindset and innovation. The learning experience is further enriched with professional development opportunities, an Executive Speaker series, volunteer activities, networking events, and participation in college and university panel discussions.

The positive impact of the Trainee and Fellows programs is highlighted in our alumni data: 49% of the people who have participated in these programs are still in the sports industry (13% in marketing, 15% in ticket sales, and 21% in other areas), and 39% transitioned into full-time positions with the Braves. The two programs have also become a key driver in our ability to attract candidates who have a love of sports and keen interest in working for the Braves.

As HR leaders, each of us faces the challenge of crafting strategies that attract and retain top talent. While these Trainee and Fellows programs come from a sports organization, their frameworks can be adapted to organizations in any industry. The key lies in innovating programs that educate talent about your business and help them integrate seamlessly into the organization.

DeRetta Rhodes, Ph.D., is the Executive Vice President & Chief Culture Officer of the Atlanta Braves, overseeing people capital initiatives, communications and community affairs for the Major Leage Baseball team.