Passion has never been a term that I have used to describe my feelings towards a career. As graduation approached this past spring, every student was asked: “What do you want to do after school ends?” Within this last year, my answer has changed from the vague idea that I wanted to “be on the business side of an industry that I like” to, “I am planning to be a future leader in the sports industry.” My newfound passion and drive to succeed in the sports business industry is a direct result of stumbling across the Manhattan Sports Business Academy’s website.
“This experience makes you feel empowered, the speakers help us think we can achieve anything, and the opportunities we are given allow us to remain humble and driven.”
It feels like just yesterday that I was pacing back and forth in my apartment getting ready for an interview with the people that run this crazy program. The only saving grace that kept my nerves down was a notebook I used to keep track of the meaningful messages I came across while reading previous MSBA Student Blog posts. These written testimonials gave me insight into an experience that I could have only dreamt of, but also reassured me of my potential and the countless opportunities that were in my future by pursuing this program.
As I sit here now reflecting on the past three weeks, I am honestly still in awe. There is nothing ordinary about this program, and they certainly didn’t tell me that there would be no easy way to put these priceless experiences into words. I came into MSBA 2016 ready to be taken out of my comfort zone and forced to think about what I want out of my career. With that being said, our speaker tonight had significant insight on what it is like to follow your passions, work hard, and not be afraid to take risks. Her name is Tammy Ross, and she is currently the Managing Director of Acclaim Sports & Entertainment. Tammy is an amazing business woman with the ability to make you feel comfortable the second she begins to speak. One thing she told us tonight was that if we take anything away from our college studies, take away the ability to think. This is an industry built on genuine relationships and an interest in sports. It sounds simple, but situations constantly change, opportunities will arise, and challenges may come. I am working to develop my own personal mindset that will allow me to truly take the time to think, whether that is about my goals, my career path, or even what I want to conquer tomorrow.
This experience makes you feel empowered, the speakers help us think we can achieve anything, and the opportunities we are given allow us to remain humble and driven. Although I am nearly half done with this program already, I know this is just the beginning.