Sport Business Field Trip Recap – Hawkeyes Invade Indianapolis
I just returned from leading 57 University of Iowa students on an educational and networking field trip to Indianapolis. The two-day program was open to any interested Iowa student and included panels and Q&A sessions with executives from the Indiana Pacers, NCAA, Indianapolis Colts, Indianapolis Indians and Hamilton County Sports Authority, as well as a networking lunch with 16 sport industry professionals and a tour of Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
A small sample of the exceptional advice and insight shared by the expert panelists includes (paraphrased):
You never know who is paying attention to the work you do, so never take an assignment lightly during an internship or job – David Worlock, NCAA Director of Media Coordination and Statistics
Handwritten notes make a great impression and get noticed – Ty Halpin, NCAA Associate Director of Playing Rules Administration
Identify your weaknesses and work on them while in college – Kelsey Cermak, NCAA Assistant Director for Championships and Alliances
Learn all you can about an organization and its operations during an internship; don’t limit yourself to the department you’re assigned to – Hannah Glaser, Indianapolis Colts Ticket Sales Account Manager
The path to where you want to get in the sport industry isn’t a straight upward trajectory; be prepared to zigzag in your career to reach your goals – Dana Thomas, NCAA Director of Web Communication
Never stop trying to improve as a writer; no matter what you do, writing will be important – Stacey Osburn, NCAA Director of Public and Media Relations
Be willing to take risks in your sport business career – Rachel Henton, Sports Coordinator at Hamilton County Sports Authority
Crisis management strategy depends on the crisis that you’re presented with – David Benner, Indiana Pacers Director of Media Relations
We’re a global brand but a local business – Jeff Tzucker, Indiana Pacers Director of Digital Marketing
I always wanted to do things better and faster than I was asked for early in my career, which helped lead to opportunities that I never could have predicted – Brad Beery, Indianapolis Colts Sponsorship Sales Account Manager
The field trip program is something I implemented during my first year of teaching to give Iowa students opportunities to explore careers in the sport industry and network to find internships, jobs and mentors in a variety of cities. I have led several trips to Indianapolis over the years, but I have also led groups to Chicago, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Kansas City and Des Moines. Interest in the trips grew quickly as word spread on campus, so I eventually expanded the program and now lead two trips to different cities each year.
I am especially thankful for the generosity of my many friends and colleagues in Indianapolis who shared their time and expertise with my students; the field trips would not exist if it were not for their participation. As a former NCAA employee who developed many lifelong friendships while living and working in Indianapolis, I consider it a privilege to expose my students to the vibrant Indianapolis sport scene and the many wonderful people there. It is special to see some of my former students who were once participants in the field trips now working in the Indianapolis sport industry and hosting us during field trips.
Next up will be a first-time field trip visit to Milwaukee during spring semester – stay tuned for future updates!