SUMMARY_RESPONSE+PAPER

By interviewing Jeannie Krueger and Liz Coates, I have learned that working in the sport’s marketing industry is competitive, challenging, dynamic, stressful, and exciting. Both ladies discussed how they got interested in this field, what it took to get their job, and what they thought of the experience. Although Liz Coates works for the Colorado Rockies as their Coordinator of Promotions and Special Events, and Jeannie Krueger worked for the San Antonio Spurs as an accountant executive, their experiences were very similar. When asked what got them interested in marketing for a sport’s team, both discussed their love for sports and taking classes that fueled their passion. During college, Jeannie received an internship with the Spurs after an extensive process and then was hired full time after awhile. Similarly, Liz got an internship her senior year of college and worked her way up to her current position. They emphasized the importance of internships if one would want to pursue this type of career. When asked what they thought of the experience there were cons and pros. Jeannie Krueger expressed the disadvantage of working strenuous hours and how this takes away from the appeal of the job. This idea was confirmed by Liz Coates, she stated, “Many people in my department work about 70-75 hours a week.” Despite the long hours, both expressed how much the work was worth it. The ladies emphasized their love and passion for their jobs. Although they mentioned the challenges and “brick walls” that one can experience, both communicated that if you overcome them, you will be rewarded and will benefit from this enjoyable job. The interviews were overall very successful and helpful in broadening my knowledge of the sport’s marketing industry.

From interviewing both ladies, I have learned that working as a sports marketer is more stressful and challenging then I had previously thought. I was under the impression that the job was tons of fun and not very competitive. My views were quickly changed as the ladies began to talk about their internships, how much work they involved and how the process is very selective. Jeannie Krueger stated,” It is highly competitive and you have to be interested in sports to work in this profession.” Although this idea intimidates me a little, I am a very competitive person and I love sports. I know that if I want something enough, I go out and get it. I think that is why this profession fascinates me because it is sports related, it’s always changing and a new challenge arises all the time. From their interviews, I have decided that an internship is the best way to get involved in the system. Liz Coates explained, “I highly suggest you get an internship. They are a great way to test the waters to see if this is what you truly want to dedicate your life to.” I think this is a great point. I asked a lot of negative questions, such as what are the most stressful and difficult parts of their job, because I know the great parts, but wanted to know what I was getting myself into. Although the ladies gave me great insight, I feel I can only experience what it will be like first hand and really see if this is what I want to dedicate my life to. This is why I want to do an internship. I have also gotten insight on the long hours that this career demands and although they worry me, I don't think they would be too much of a problem since I am expecting to do this career while I am young. I was also surprised to find that even though both women were young when they got their job, they did not feel what they could do in their job was ever limited. I learned that although sports tend to be male-dominated, they give great opportunities for women to succeed as well. I realized through this process that if I want to go into this career, I need to give it my all because it takes your all to be successful in this field. I am so blessed to have gotten this opportunity and I think it gave me great insight into becoming a sports marketer. This project has widened my perspective on the job, but has also confirmed that this is the career I really want to go into to.   Works Cited:

Coates, Liz. "Career Interview." E-mail Interview. 30 Jan. 2009. Krueger, Jeannie. "Career Interview." Personal Interview. 16 Jan. 2009.