People told me I was crazy. Why would a California kid leave the beautiful weather to go to school in snow-ridden Syracuse? It was certainly a big risk, especially considering I never visited the campus before transferring to finish my degree. I was taking an enormous chance, but boy did it pay off.
The SPM program was relatively young when I transferred in 2008. Along with my move from the west coast, I was also taking a chance on this program. Would it offer me the opportunity to find a career in the sports industry like I had hoped? My first “welcome to SPM” meeting quickly answered my question. Professor Michael Veley addressed a group of students, telling us how difficult it is to break into the sports industry. He harped on the importance of internships, relationship building, professionalism, leadership, and academic excellence as key factors in securing a job after graduation. He was right. I jumped right in to the SPM Club, the SU BCM church, and interned with the First Tee of Syracuse to pursue my passion for golf. In due part to this dedication, I was chosen as the first SPM student to receive the Remembrance Scholarship.
After graduation, I secured a position with the Northern California Golf Association in Pebble Beach. I am currently the director of events and travel, responsible for increasing participation and revenue while managing a growing budget and staff. I run a variety of golf events to promote the game and increase NCGA members’ enjoyment of golf. I oversee our travel department, taking groups to the world’s best golf destinations, including St. Andrews, Ireland, Bandon Dunes, and Pinehurst, among others. It has afforded me the chance to see and learn about the world outside of which I live.
My advice? Take chances, get out of your comfort zone, meet new people, and experience different cultures. The more you know about the things you don’t know, the better equipped you will be when opportunity knocks.
