Favorite Course(s): My favorite SRM classes had to be anything having to do with events. Specifically, I remember a Sport Event Management class. It was that first ‘ah ha’ moment where I felt like I was on the right track and learning career applicable information. I will never forget it!  

Field Experience: My independent field experience interning with the University of Iowa Athletic Department truly influenced the success I have today but also the type of worker I am. It helped me build a strong foundation for my career. I constantly look back and recognize the skills I use on a day-to-day basis, I learned at Iowa! The biggest ones being an effective communicator and decision making in high pressure situations.

Supplemental Experiential Learning: To me, there was nothing better than guest speakers with industry professionals who have been through it! I always loved being able to ask questions straight to the source and hear their real honest answers.

Career Journey: I began the SRM Master’s program straight after graduation (which turned out to be the best decision because quarantine began in March 2020). During this time, I also went from Intern to working full time in the Event Management department of the Iowa Athletics Department overseeing the new intern class which was a full circle moment for me. From there, I was ready for a change, so I took a job at IMG Academy down in Bradenton, Florida as an Event Coordinator. During the 2 years I worked at IMGA, I managed all football, basketball, and lacrosse events we hosted on campus. This included not only the school’s teams but also third-party groups who would rent our facilities. I was able to work my way up from Coordinator to Assistant Events Manager, and the Events Manager where I managed an Assistant Events Manager and three Event Coordinators. Then, in November 2022, I accepted a position in the communications department at the National Basketball Association. I manage media credentials at all NBA tentpole events as well as WNBA, G League, and international events as well as the event logistics that go along with media attending our events. Traveling to all of the events has to be one of my favorite parts of the job.