Coming into Syracuse University, I knew I had a passion for sports but was not sure where that passion would take me in terms of a career. From sports agent to broadcaster, I thought of numerous jobs that could turn into a lucrative career.
It wasn’t until Spring 2015 when I participated in the Los Angeles Immersion trip, that I found my passion for marketing and creating ideas that allow brands to reach new and existing audiences in unique ways. Whether for a team, league, brand or media publisher, I knew marketing was the lane I wanted to excel in.
My first job out of college was as a sales assistant. I learned about the media landscape, the relationships between publisher, agency and client, and advanced my technical skills. I knew it was not the exact career I wanted, yet the experience I gained and the opportunities I created led me into my first job in the lane I wanted, as an integrated marketing strategist at Bleacher Report. I created and executed marketing campaigns for some of the world’s biggest brands and most talked-about athletes in the United States.
Since Bleacher Report covers sports from a cultural perspective, I was able to tap into my other passion points of music, entertainment and community. These passions would extend into my personal life and challenge me to become a mentor, serve on university panels and overall become more than my job title.
In February 2020, I left Bleacher Report to take my current position at Genius, an online media company. I’m still growing in my lane, but allowing myself to explore and learn more about my passion for music.
My advice to students is this: You don’t have to have it all figured out! Be sure to capitalize on every opportunity presented to you. Even the smallest internships can give you the experience and build the connections that will last you a lifetime.