I grew up as a die-hard Boston Bruins fan. And let me tell you, there is nothing better (or scarier) than being a Bruins fan at the Madison Square Garden. During the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs, I was lucky to be invited to a Bruins vs. Rangers match-up, where of course, I wore my Lucic jersey. I can still vividly picture when the lights went out before the Rangers came on the ice, and the crowd, waving their “Believe” hand towels, shook the building. I remember thinking to myself, although quickly pushing the thought out of my head, that there is something special about being a New York fan. After my experience this summer, I can say I know why.

” Although I’m not sure where I will end up after graduation, I do know that this is the type of place I want to be a part of “

When Lorne mentioned the possibility of working at the Madison Square Garden, I didn’t really know what that would mean. I knew it would be cool, but I didn’t realize the extent of the incredible opportunity I was being offered. Within the first week of work (and partially because the Bruins didn’t even make the playoffs), I found myself a full blown Rangers fan. After my first day, I was given free Rangers gear, and asked to work at Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against Tampa Bay. And if that wasn’t enough to convert me, it was impossible to ignore the free food that showed up on and between every game day. Unfortunately, the Rangers playoff run ended shortly after I started, and it was time to re-focus. While the fairy tale had ended, I found that I was still in a place where employees are passionate about what they do, and genuinely care about one another. Although I’m not sure where I will end up after graduation, I do know that this is the type of place I want to be a part of.

I’ve learned through our various MSBA Speaker Series that it’s crucial to build as many relationships as possible through your company. I’m lucky to be in an environment where I feel comfortable reaching out to anyone, whether they are a VP or entry level position, and asking if they want to grab lunch or coffee. Coming into the program, I had made it a goal to meet with at least one person a week. At first I thought this would be hard, but after my first lunch outing, I came back with an entire list of people I need to contact. As MSBA Alumni, Adam Blaier said, “You need a whole army behind you in this industry to be successful”. While the connections I’ve made thus far would hardly make up a platoon, I’m doing my best every day to expand my network.

During orientation, I received an ID that allows me to go into the Garden arena whenever I want. I was told by the VP of Sales that if I’m ever having a bad day to go into the arena, take a seat, and look around to remind myself of where I am. His advice made me realize that I can’t take one second of my time here for granted. I couldn’t have asked for a better place than Madison Square Garden to kick-start my sports career, or better program than MSBA to help me be successful here.