Coaches,
athletes, sports broadcasters and analysts often say the greatest growth for an
collegiate athlete comes following their freshman season. A year’s worth of
experience, quality coaching and more than a little adversity serve as the
foundation for long-term development. Business and education mirror the
development model of collegiate sports. A great initial investment of effort
and time during the early stages of the learning process speed up the
maturation of both students and interns.
The Sport
Management Program at the University of San Francisco is no different.
Opening up the
program with a Leadership and Critical Thinking class taught by Dr. Cellini,
students are taught professionalism and methods to succeed in the sport
industry. Students are also required to conduct informational interview with
respected leaders in their field of interest, while making weekly presentations to class members. When asking students from both
Southern California and San Francisco campuses about their experience in the
program’s first class, they spoke passionately about the growth they made in
just 8 weeks. The newest cohorts started this past July and are now info their third class.
With that I turn
it over to Cohort 37 of San Francisco and Cohort 14 of Southern California…
How are you different from 8 weeks ago?
“I think I am more confident in myself and willing to take more chances.
I am also happier because I love everything and everyone involved with
this program. I have an EXCELLENT cohort.” – Annie Gavett (Cohort 37)
“Today, I am more confident and less shy of meeting people. Before
it would take me a while to introduce myself to someone (at times, I would do
it after a conversation); today, I make sure I introduce myself and not be afraid of having a conversation with this person.” - Katrina
Delen-Briones (Cohort 37)
Eight weeks ago, I was just a recent college graduate, working a summer
job, and figuring out what the next few years of my life would be like. Now, I
am still all of those, but with a lot more direction and clarity, as well as opportunities
coming up. I also was able to meet 33 other people who are going to be sharing
the next two years of journeys with me!” – Lucy Tseng (Cohort 14S)
How has your understanding of what it takes to be
successful changed?
“I see now that it takes more than just hard work and savvy to be
successful, it requires the appropriate attitude and approach. Without a
positive attitude and the ability to think critically, one is not truly
equipped to be a leader in the sport industry or elsewhere.” - Brandon Fleshman
(Cohort 37)
“I really want to dedicate what ever it takes to get a job here. I don't
want to go back bare-handed. I think for international
students, it takes a very outgoing personality. Through that way, you build
mature social circles which is the most important thing to find yourself a
position here.” – Jeremy Gao (Cohort 37).
“Today, I've found more ways to be successful, on top of what I already
know, such as how far a person goes beyond the norm. For example, I have
heard stories of people flying and driving thousands of miles to meet with
someone for about 15 minutes and resulted to job offers. It is not just
traveling far but also little things such as giving more than what was asked at
all times. You always have to differentiate yourself amongst others and
to do so, you must give and do more than the average person.” - Katrina Delen-Briones
(Cohort 37)
What opportunities have you pursued since joining
the program?
“I am currently working for the Bay School of San Francisco in the
Athletic Department, at the San Francisco Bulls on the Promotions Team and at
the University of San Francisco as an Athletic Event Manager. I have also
volunteered for a Youth Football Clinic for Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl and I will
be volunteering at the Olympic Club this Monday for a charity golf tournament
in conjunction with Saint Mary's Hospital.” - Annie Gavett (Cohort 37)
“Completing the Career Prospectus paper project has given me the opportunity
to network and build connections with people of all backgrounds. I will be
working at UCLA Athletics as an Academic & Student Services Intern
beginning Fall 2012.” – Lucy Tseng (Cohort 14S)
What insights did you gain from going through the
informational interview process?
“Most importantly, I've learned that many professionals whom I admire have
had similarly difficult paths to their 'dream jobs'. They faced
several obstacles that made them question what they were doing, but in the end
they were able to rise above those challenges and achieve their goals.” - Brandon
Fleshman (Cohort 37)
“I learned the ins and outs of the industry I am interested in (PGA golf
tournaments). I learned that one of the biggest sacrifices I might have
to make is family, since there is great amount of traveling and the possibility
of working far away from home. This made me think of my decision to work
in this industry.” - Katrina Delen-Briones (Cohort 37)
