The Pan Am and Parapan Am Games are here! Toronto is hosting the biggest sporting event in the world, next to the Olympics.

While many dispute the real economic value of a large sporting event like the Pan Am Games, there is no denying that live sporting events are becoming a huge growth industry. Recently, when Canadian cities were host to The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015 Canada it shattered records for television audiences in key markets around the world. At its peak, 21.86 million U.S. viewers tuned in to watch the final game in Vancouver between the United States and Japan. FIFA’s YouTube channel reached ten million views for content from Canada.

You can be sure that in the future, TV will focus even more attention on live events to benefit from extra advertising dollars. All over the world, broadcasters are looking at how to ‘eventize’ their lineup, move people away from wanting to PVR their shows and make more attractive on-demand content. Sports programming such as the Pan Am Games can help achieve this end.

Why is this important for you, the job seeker? For years, career experts have told us to go where the jobs are. This industry may be one of them. Whether you watch the Pan Am Games on TV, or attend the various venues and festivities in person, think about how this event can change your perspective on the job search. Use the Games to open your mind to new opportunities.

Here are five ways job seekers can benefit from the Pan Am Games:

Be Exposed to a New Industry: Maybe you’d like to work for a company that produces live sporting events in the future? There are many types of positions such as event supervisor, sound technician, project manager, marketing coordinator, camera operator, and ticket operations manager to name just a few. New opportunities are cropping up all the time in this exciting field.

Gain Valuable Skills: Look to other events in your city that may offer the chance to gain valuable skills. It may be a charity run, a festival, or a concert in your neighborhood. Whether it’s a volunteer position, or a paid full-time job, you’ll gain skills working in such a fast paced, exciting environment. Gain amazing people skills and try your hand at something new.

Network with Others: People come from all over the world to be part of an event like the Pan Am Games. Meet international athletes, officials and sport association leaders. Don’t miss the opportunity to schmooze with others. You’ll meet lots of great people just like yourself who are inspired by the Games.

Gain Ambition and Self-Confidence: The Pan Am Games offer a great opportunity to show your pride, gain ambition and improve your self-confidence. People unite for the purpose of sport. It is the perfect time to feel good about you and re-energize your job search. Maybe you’ll come away from the Games with a new sense of purpose.

Be Inspired: Watching elite athletes compete is always awe-inspiring for me. Their dedication, drive and determination are something we could all learn from and apply to our daily lives. Use the Pan Am Games to help inspire you to achieve greater heights.

Vince Lombardi, one of the greatest football coaches of all time, said “It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up.” Use the Pan Am Games to refocus your drive in the job search and open doors for the future. Whether it’s a potential new career on your horizon, or regaining a sense of purpose in your current job search, unlock your potential – in essence exactly what sport is all about.

Go Canada!