With stars in my eyes......

It's been almost eighteen years since I obtained my first job relevant to my Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. And in that entire time, I considered myself extremely blessed to have remained gainfully employed in my field. Sure, I've suffered a layoff every now and then, but nothing that ever put me in serious jeopardy of financial ruin.

All that being said, I've never had a job where I woke up at 5:30 a.m., sprung out of bed and gleefully anticipated a day at work. Truth be told, I am quite envious of those who have such a vocation where they just can't wait to arrive at their workplace.

But for a span of about 48 hours, I thought I might become a valued member of that demographic.

On Friday afternoon, as I was wrapping up by far the most hectic week I've had at my current work assignment, the fetching Mrs. Carlson sent me a link to a job opening within Hubbard Broadcasting. The subject line of the e-mail she sent read "LOOK AT THIS!!" Sure enough, I clicked on the link for the job title "Show Host - 1500 ESPN." The opening was for the 9:00 am until Noon slot, Monday thru Friday.

And when I read the qualifications, it may as well have been my personal resumé.

• Previous radio or other media experience preferred
• Extensive knowledge and or passion about sports
• Ability to connect with people
• Ability to articulate, present opinions and be persuasive
• Sense of humor and appealing voice
• Ability to work other hours as needed including weekends and evenings

My first inclination was to send my resumé over immediately, so as to have my name in the hopper as soon as possible. But since this wasn't just any job (rather, my DREAM gig), I wanted to stand out as much as possible. In addition to my resumé, I drafted a brilliant cover letter which highlighted each of the aforementioned bullet points by indicating specifically how each fit perfectly with my skill set. I then proceeded to attain three references from acquaintances who are highly respected in the broadcast field.

As I got set to submit my credentials to Hubbard Broadcasting Monday morning, I couldn't help but think of how I was so close to fulfilling something I've thought about for literally 20+ years. Ever since Twin Cities sports station KFAN came on the air in the early 1990s, I've longed to be involved with such an environment as sports talk. And I'm not ashamed to say that way back when, I recorded mock radio shows (on cassette, no less) in an effort to hone my skills. And I can take heart in saying that such a regimen wasn't without its blessings. I don't believe it's an accident that I've landed a regular weekly show at AM 1280 The Patriot, for which I am incredibly grateful. But even the powers that be at Salem Communications wouldn't begrudge me the opportunity to land a full-time, paying gig like the one with Hubbard Broadcasting.

I no sooner completed the final masterpiece that was my application, when I saw a short press release via the 1500 ESPN website.

Another one of the Twin Cities' influential media members is joining the 1500 ESPN team.

After 22 years at the Star Tribune, Judd Zulgad is leaving to become host of 1500 ESPN's new show from 9 to noon weekdays and a columnist for 1500ESPN.com.

"The chance to host a three-hour show each weekday, talking about a variety of sports in the market in which I've spent most of my life, is an extremely exciting opportunity and something I'm really looking forward to," Zulgad said.

My heart sank. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was at least going to receive an interview for that position, only to see it vanish before my eyes. It was as if I had painted the Mona Lisa only to have someone draw a handlebar mustache above her lip.

Some of you may think I was naive for allowing myself to be so consumed by that job prospect that this conclusion was almost inevitable. But I can guarantee one thing. If a similar opportunity presents itself in the future, you better believe I will approach it with the same confidence and enthusiasm I displayed for the ESPN gig. And if I don't take that approach, I might as well not even bother inquiring.

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