In this episode of My First Job in Sports, Dr. G. and I spoke with Luca De laPena. Luca currently works for Austin FC of the MLS as a CRM specialist, providing data and analytics support to various business aspects of the team to help generate revenue and maintain their existing customer base. A graduate of the S3 Sports Management program at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, Luca noted that he has always been good with numbers and enjoys solving problems mathematically. He has turned this skill into a practical platform for his first job in sports with the Sacramento Kings and then with Austin FC. Luca also discussed the value of networking and establishing a relationship with a mentor in the pursuit of his first position and current role. Luca also describes himself an introvert and discussed how he was able to overcome his shyness and establish goals in pursuit of his first job and his current one.

My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.

It was sort of a homecoming for Dr. G. on Episode 34 of My First Job in Sports. Demarieh Wesley, who is currently working for the New Jersey Devils was our guest. It just so happens that Demarieh attended Hampton University, which is where Dr. G. was an under-grad. Needless to say there were a lot of inside Hampton references.

If there was any single message that came from the show is that Demarieh got involved. Throughout the interview he stressed the importance of getting involved on all sorts of things that were both academic and non-academic.

It’s easy to see why Demarieh has established himself in marketing and sales for the NJ Devils. Currently, Demarieh works as an Inside Sales Associate for the New Jersey Devils. Before joining the Devils, he completed internships with the Chicago Bulls as a Membership Service Associate, at Southern Methodist University as a Football Operations Intern, and at the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center as a Facility Operations Intern. He also worked with Position Sports, participating in the Dream Program, where he spent a week in Phoenix, Arizona, assisting at the NASCAR Championship.

My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.

For Episode 33 of My First Job in Sports, Dr. G. and I spoke with Carissa Sweigart, the Director of Culture & Wellbeing at Acushnet Company. This episode is part of our Special "Get in The Game" editions of MFJIS. For those who may not be familiar, Acushnet Brands is the parent company of several leading names in the golf industry, including Titleist, FootJoy, Pinnacle, Vokey Wedges, and Scotty Cameron Putters, to name a few.
At the beginning of the show, Dr. G. and I discussed the excellent opportunities available in the golf business, particularly in working with major brands in the industry. During our conversation, we covered topics such as finding a good mentor and the importance of focusing on one person at an event to make a strong impression. We also talked about the value of just getting involved at any level and being open to various potential opportunities. Carissa emphasized that you don’t have to love or even be familiar with a sport to carve out a successful career in this business.

My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.

For Episode 32 of My First Job in Sports, Dr G. and I spoke to Blake Fenn, who is currently an Account Manager for Club Services at Hard Rock Stadium. The stadium is a multi-function facility that has been able to expand out its offerings beyond The Miami Dolphins, The Miami Grand Prix, and the Miami Open Tennis events. Blake came to us via The S3 Sports Management program at Baylor University. For Blake, he always knew that he wanted to get into the sports business via the sales route. Blake has learned how to get out of his comfort zone and speak to people to learn how to establish relationships before getting into anything close to the sales or selling process. Blake loves the process of helping people reach their marketing goals via the various offerings available at Hard Rock Stadium.

My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.

The latest episode of My First Job in Sports from SBRnet features an in-depth discussion with Camryn Cook, Manager of Corporate Partnerships for Austin FC of Major League Soccer. Camryn graduated from Baylor University's S3 Sports Management program well prepared to take her place in the world of sports business. During the show, it was apparent that Camryn took a number of bold steps that were instrumental in helping her get that all-important first job in sports with Real Salt Lake, also of Major League Soccer.

My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.

In Episode 30, that’s right MFJIS fans, My First Job in Sports celebrated their 30th show with Annie Borovskiy. Most recently, Annie worked as an inside sales rep for BSE Global, the parent company of the Brooklyn Nets of the NBA, N.Y. Liberty of the WNBA, and owner/operators of the Barclays Center. Annie is a graduate of the Sports Management program at High Point University in North Carolina. Annie talked about the value of ensuring that you take the right classes and get as close as possible to members of the faculty while in school. Annie gravitated to the sales side of the business to give her the widest view of experiences to help her better understand the inner workings when it comes to the marketing aspects of a professional sports team.

My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.

In Episode 29 of My First Job in Sports, Gabby Mayo discussed her journey from working with the baseball program at Florida Atlantic University to her current role as a Baseball Operations Analyst for the Cincinnati Reds. In her current position, Gabby has been able to rely on both the knowledge gained from the classroom and her internship experiences with FAU Baseball. Gabby talked about how she overcame her own shyness and reluctance to reach out to others. Gabby charted her course in baseball and then set out to acquire the knowledge and experience that would make her an asset to the Reds.

My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.

In Episode 28 of My First Job in Sports, Dr. Gardiner and I spoke with Alex Halloran. Alex is a graduate of the Sports Management program at High Point University. He is currently working as an Account Executive for SportingJax, which operates professional soccer teams for both men and women. For Alex, sales has been a clear pathway to his first job and current role in sports. He discussed in detail how sales has suited him well, helping him set goals and establish a clear direction for his career in the sports industry. Before joining SportingJax, Alex held similar sales positions with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Duke University and worked on events like the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. As Dr. G effectively points out, sales may not be the most glamorous entry point into a sports career, but it can be exceptionally lucrative and educational.

My First Job in Sports is Presented by SBRnet.