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| The Mentoring Program is a season-long partnership beginning in September and culminating in June at the Annual Convention. Mentors and Mentees will be encouraged to communicate at least once a month and meet during the Convention. |
The National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA) has developed a mentoring program designed to assist all members of NACMA by matching them with a veteran administrator who will provide guidance and serve as a resource for ideas.
We all know the struggles of balancing life while continuing to excel in this industry; and by spending a little time with a mentor or mentee, you could make a huge impact on someone’s career simply by sharing your knowledge and experiences. In addition, the Mentoring Program will provide you an opportunity to increase your network, learn from veterans in the industry, share ideas and serve as a resource for young professionals.
We had to answer some questions so they can pair us up easier (answers below).I am excited to see who they pair me up with. I am also excited to learn better ways in which I can be a better mentor to the student-athletes and my student workers.
I hope this is the start of a great mentorship!
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What is your proudest athletics
moment?
Our head men’s
basketball coach is named Ryan Looney. Ryan mentioned at his last school they
used to refer to his office as the Looney Bin. I then thought we would be fun
to have a student section for the games called “The Looney Bin”. Before the
game and Looney Bin debut, students where lining up to be a part of the Looney
Bin! We even ran out of shirts for the students which I didn’t think were
possible since getting students was a rare occurrence at some games. The proud
moment was during a timeout the first half, I looked over at all the students
cheering loudly, wearing the shirts and representing SPU. It was a simple
moment, but the feeling of accomplishment and pride was overwhelming.
What is your career goal?
This is a tough
question for me and one I hope to fine tune this year and with the help of my
mentor. When I first realized I wanted to get into sports administration I
thought that I had to have the goal of becoming a big time athletic director.
Even during grad school when people would ask I automatically mentioned
athletic director because I thought that was the career goal I had to attain. However,
throughout grad school, many informational interviews, experience, networking
and major self discovery, I have learned that it is OK not to want to be an AD
in this field. There are so many other areas in which I can grow, become
successful and fulfilled! I truly love
what I am doing with marketing/promotions and events and can see this as an
area I can grow into later in my career. Ultimately, I want to make the most
impact on the student-athletes and their lives and I feel this area of
marketing/events and because of the DII culture, I can have a role in the lives
of the SA’s.
What do you hope to gain from the
Mentoring Program this year?
I think having a
mentor is very important for a career and in life. I hope to grow in my
knowledge and understanding of my role in athletic administration. It would be
nice to know that I am not alone in my struggles with my job, life and my
balance. Networking is also huge in this industry to gain ideas and perspective
on the ever changing athletic culture. Therefore, anytime I have the
opportunity to learn how to be better at my job I will jump at it!
What is your favorite thing to do when not at work?
The great thing
about our career field is that it is not just a job, it is a lifestyle. I love
being around the sporting events. I am passionate about SPU athletics and the
student-athletes. I thrive off the competition and the fan atmosphere. However,
one of the hardest things about this field is the time commitment. Most of my
days/weekends are full of my work. I put in a lot of time into my job, not only
so that I can be successful, make more money, etc., but to also invest in the
student-athletes. Though this question is supposed to be a simple answer, I
drew a complete blank on how to answer this question. What DO I do when I am not at work?
It was so easy for
me to get caught up in having my job define me that I almost forgot I do have
other interests! I like to read, hangout with my family and friends, workout, multiple
daily visits to Starbucks J Now, I am extremely blessed that
I have a job I am so passionate about however, my job is not what defines me. Through this novel of an
answer, I will say that my favorite,
most fulfilling activity to do
outside of work is to grow deeper in my relationship with Christ. Whether I am
volunteering for children’s charities, advising my students for St. Jude
fundraiser, fellowship with others or simply reading the Word, I want to know
God better and grow more into the person He has created me to be. He is who
defines me and my relationship with him. Thankfully, I have a job that gives me
a platform to share those interests as well and encourages me to be a role
model for those around me.
OK, off my soap
box, I bet you didn’t think you would be getting that long of an answer! J
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I would love to hear how you are enjoying your journey!