Ifshin Hall's Keller Room buzzed with energy on Wednesday, March 26th, as the Grossman School of Business (GSB) at the University of Vermont (UVM) hosted its highly anticipated "Business of Sports Career Panel." The event successfully transformed the room into a vibrant hub of sports business wisdom and networking, providing UVM students with invaluable insights into the dynamic landscape of the industry.
The panel, designed to explore the fast-evolving sports industry, showcased how strategic business approaches drive success in this competitive field. Students discovered diverse career paths, gained insights into the skills and experiences employers value, and learned how innovative business strategies are transforming the sports world.
The filled to capacity event featured a stellar lineup of industry experts, each sharing their unique perspectives and career journeys:
- Bill Carter: Founder of Student-Athlete Insights, currently provides NIL education and consulting to universities and brands, leveraging his extensive experience in sports marketing and athlete insights.
- Ben Stockman: A partner at Venable, serves as a labor and employment law expert, specializing in advising clients across various industries, including sports, on complex legal matters such as restrictive covenants and executive compensation
- Chris Waller: A freelance consultant specializing in sports, media, and entertainment projects, where he leverages over a decade of experience in advertising, creative strategy, sponsorship, and consulting to drive impactful initiatives for global businesses.
- Ali Kenney: Chief Strategy Officer at Burton Snowboards, she leads the company's strategic vision and transformation, focusing on brand purpose, consumer-centricity, and sustainability initiatives globally.
Engaging Discussion and Invaluable Advice
The afternoon began with an engaging panel discussion, followed by a dynamic networking session, allowing students to connect directly with the panelists and forge valuable connections.
The panelists' advice resonated deeply with the students. Bill Carter emphasized, “Getting into the sports business is just as competitive as working in finance, accounting etc. People will tell you that it’s competitive and impossible to get into, but don’t listen to them, if you have a passion for sports, there is always an opportunity to have a career that fits that passion.”
Chris Waller encouraged students to “Find that campfire of passion; regardless of it’s in the sports field, find that passion and let it drive your ambition and goals.” Ben Stockman added, “Have a medium to long term goals, let your experience give you expertise in a specific sector, whether its change making or sales, take a job or internship that will build your skills for that longer term career goal.”
The "Business of Sports Career Panel" proved to be more than just a discussion; it was a catalyst for students to expand their understanding of the sports business landscape and explore diverse career paths. The event reinforced the importance of networking and highlighted the potential for UVM graduates to make significant influences on the future pioneers of the industry. The event's impact is expected to resonate with attendees, empowering them to pursue their career aspirations with renewed focus and determination. This event continues to solidify the GSB's commitment to providing students with unparalleled access to industry leaders and fostering their professional development.
A big thank you goes out to Katy Reed for her dedication and moderation of this event - including the airhorn! Her efforts ensured a lively and informative discussion, and she truly brought an extra spark to the day. We hope this event can become a yearly event as it continues to solidify the GSB's commitment to providing students with unparalleled access to industry leaders and fostering their professional development
About the Author:
Sophie Ball-Dolan is a sophomore at the University of Vermont's Grossman School of Business, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a theme in sustainable business and a concentration in marketing. Complementing her business studies, she is also minoring in environmental studies. Her professional experience encompasses roles in multi-departmental leadership and associate positions at a local grocery store, co-founding Champlain Valley Union High School only Women in Business club, and her current position as a Marketing and Communications Intern at the Grossman School of Business. A native of Hinesburg, Vermont, her interests include reading, art, and spending time with family, friends, and pets.
