Breaking into the sports world can be more difficult than it may seem, as more than knowledge is necessary. Some people try to get started after they graduate from college, but truly breaking into the industry takes building connections. Academic organizations generate time for undergraduates to meet new people and grow more acquainted with a person or group. Winona State University students can learn to network in the sports world through the Sports Business Association, a club that creates opportunities to talk to figures in different aspects of the sports world.
The group is led by a pair of co-presidents who organize, and coordinate activates for the organization. Shaina Christensen, a fourth-year student who majors in Marketing with a minor in sports business. She also is the vice president of Beta Gamma Sigma and on the Dean’s Advisory Board. Celia Turner is a third-year student with a major in Sports Leadership and a double minor in statistics and sports business. She also participates on the Winona State women’s golf team and on the Dean’s Advisory Board as well.
Turner found that she got started with the organization because of more than just interest in the sports business, but also for the enjoyment of the organization.
“In my freshman year, I went and talked to our then former president, sent a couple emails back and forth, and went to one of the meetings and decided that I really liked it and stuck with it,” Turner said.
The association meets every other Tuesday at 5 p.m. with organized meetings for students to talk with guest speakers from varying career fields. With these meetings, students can learn to network towards specific parts of the sports industry by meeting different people. Connections can range from teams like the Chicago Bears to the Minnesota Twins. These meet-ups also consist of social events and resume building activities for members of the club. In these events, members can improve skills that will directly contribute to them improving their employability.
Christensen was also able to outline the objective for the Sports Business Association meetings.
“The goal for every meeting, like, get a guest speaker, talk to somebody who can get you more connected to what you want to do a lot of the time,” Christensen said.
The market can take a lot of twists and turns, but gaining experience through networking helps students grow into the future positions they want to pursue. The different career fields that sports can direct towards can make a big difference in taking the next step of building your profession. Guest speakers range from marketers to equipment managers of professional sports teams. Networking alone can help open new windows and opportunities for people who are passionate about athletics, but this club assists in improving a student’s skills and capabilities for the future.
Christensen found that there are many different fields that the Sports Business Association can look toward building connections with.
“If you work for a sports team, if you’re in the marketing department, that could be really applicable to anyone, or if you’re in sales or even equipment, it’s all valuable,” Christensen said.
In any club, individuals often look for what they can gain from joining. Business dips into many fields, let alone the athletics department. This organization grants undergraduates moments to grow, connect and advance their future careers. If you are a student at Winona State and looking for opportunities to learn how to be a part of your favorite sport, the Sports Business Association is the place to be.
