Viable careers found in
sports management
By Alexis Kindig
On-line Forty-Niner
Current
and prospective students discussed career
options and the economic impact of sports
franchises during the graduate program in
sports management’s second annual luncheon
Tuesday.
A panel reviewed the economic impact of
sports franchises, venues and events on
communities.
On the panel were Tim Ryan, general manager
of the Arrowhead Pond; Tommy Hawkins, vice
president of communications for the Los
Angeles Dodgers; Beth White, manager of
the Home Depot Training Center at Cal State
Dominguez Hills; Michelle Himmelberg, a
sports writer for the Orange County Register;
and Rich Foster, president of the Long Beach
Sports Council. Bill Shumard, director of
athletics at Cal State Long Beach, moderated.
The panel discussed how sports events, venues
and teams are an integral part of the economy
of their communities. Hawkins cited the
fact that sports events provide jobs and
money from taxes. Ryan said sporting events
generate money for hotels and other businesses
that deal with visiting fans and athletes.
The members of the panel also offered encouragement
and advice for those seeking careers in
sports management.
Hawkins says that an internship is the best
way to get into the sports industry since
the majority of hiring is done from the
inside.
Ryan agreed, and added that when it comes
to an internship, students should “take
whatever you can get, and prove yourself.”
Roy Englebrecht, a member of the Advisory
Committee and president of his own promotions
company, implored students to intern for
at least six to eight months, “even if you
have to eat Little Caesar’s every night
and rent a room in someone’s house.”
The panel also agreed that their field is
an expanding one. Foster mentioned that
convention and vistors’ boards in many communities
are now hiring people to specialize in sports
venues and events. Ryan also said that sports
management jobs are paying much better now
than they were 20 years ago.
Alexis Barnagian, a graduate of Cal Poly
Pomona, attended the event as a prospective
student. She is currently working as an
athletic trainer, but she said the luncheon
inspired her to join the program and possibly
change careers.
“It really motivated me,” Barnagian said.
“I’m ready to go back to school.”
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