Home » RSI magazine » Ask the Experts » Becoming a racquet designer

Becoming a racquet designer

Q: I just graduated with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. I have been playing for more than 10 years and I also represented the university. I am now very keen on finding a job in manufacturing or research and development of new tennis racquets. I have checked major tennis manufacturers such as Babolat, Prince, and Wilson, however I cannot find employment information on their websites.

A: For starters, if you’re checking for tennis jobs on the web, you should start at WorkInTennis.com, rather than the individual manufacturer websites.

If there’s nothing there, you’ll need to contact each company. Judging by your list of manufacturers, it seems that you are willing to relocate. That being the case, call each manufacturer and get a hold of someone at the switchboard who can tell you either 1) whom to contact about racquet design, or 2) whom to contact in personnel/human resources. Be prepared to start at an entry-level position such as customer relations before being added to the design team.

While you’re going through that process, try to meet as many people as you can who are already in the industry. You need to start making contacts so that people in the industry know who you are and what you can do. If you know absolutely no one, you may also be able to gain some access through local sales reps. Contact the larger pro shops in your area to see when the reps will be in, and then see if you can’t get your foot in the door there. If you can, it might be worth your while to attend the 2008 GSS Racquet Stringers Symposium, October 11-14, in Orlando, FL, which is presented by the USRSA. One of the seminar leaders will be Ron Rocchi, Wilson Sporting Goods Principle Designer for Racquet Sports.

From the September 2008 issue
Permalink