Welcome to the Neighborhood – New Sport Management Graduate Student Orientation

Just a few days before the 2015-2016 academic year kicks off, UConn Sport Management Program (SMP) faculty, current students and alumni put on an orientation event for new graduate students who are entering the SMP this semester.

Who could better provide insight to what it’s really like to be in the program than current and former SMP students? The event kicked off with a panel discussion featuring Ashley Combs (UConn SMP Master’s 2014), Emmanuel Omokaro (UConn SMP BS 2011, Master’s 2012), Danny Buzzell (UConn SMP Master’s 2014), Nellie Schafer (UConn SMP 2nd year Master’s student) and Danielle Upham (UConn SMP 2nd year Master’s student).

The panel participants discussed the strategies and best practices they had developed throughout their time in the SMP, with themes of “make the most of your opportunities”, “the value of networking” and “challenge yourself” ranking high amongst the discussions. Each also shared how they went about deciding to write a thesis, organize a capstone project or internship and take the comprehensive SMP exam.

Faculty also presented to the new graduate students, focusing on how they expect them to approach the program, the ways that courses have been designed to provide engaging learning experiences, and strategies for developing their own unique plan of study with the guidance of their advisor.

For more information on the UConn Sport Management graduate programs, please click here for more information or contact the department head, Dr. Jennifer Bruening (jennifer.bruening@uconn.edu).