As a part of a continuing series, we turn the spotlight on members of the UConn Sport Management Program (SMP) Alumni Community, focusing on the diversity of experience and breadth of knowledge they have gained within the industry. Designed to help current and future SMP students learn to navigate and understand the real-world intricacies of sport management, we thank SMP alumni for their valuable contributions and insight. Today, the focus is on UConn alumnus Michael McGuire (UConn Sport Management Program, 2013).

UConn’s Sport Management Program is among the nation’s elite, offering an array of classes that give a comprehensive look at all areas of the industry. It was this wide-range focus that helped set me on my current career path.

Entering college, I intended to become a coach. I got involved early as an Equipment Manager for the Football Team. But as I spent more time in the athletic department and the SMP, I realized I had as much passion for team and event operations as I did for coaching. The perfect marriage of all three came in the form of an opportunity to volunteer at the NFL Scouting Combine. Gaining a contact through my network and with a little patience and persistence, I found myself in Indianapolis the February of my Senior Year. While I preformed various duties over the course of the camp, the crux of my position was ensuring that the event ran as smooth as possible and fostering the best interview environment for all participants.

The Combine helped prepare me for my next role as an Event Coordinator with Red Frog Events. Serving as my internship required for graduation, I wouldn’t have known about the organization had it not been for a report I’d done in one of my SMP classes. Red Frog is the parent company of events such as the Warrior Dash, a 5K Obstacle Mud Run Series and Firefly Music Festival. A smaller organization, this position gave me the opportunity to work on everything from customer service to event operations logistics. I would highly recommend that anyone looking for internships or apprenticeships spend time somewhere similar in size. There are more opportunities to learn all facets of the business. Should you capitalize, it will make you a more versatile candidate moving forward.

Following Red Frog and a brief stint volunteering with the Game Entertainment Team of the Delaware 87ers (Philadelphia 76ers D-League Affiliate), I became the seasonal intern for the Community Relations Department of the Washington Nationals. Through the Alumni Association, I made a connection in the organization. I can’t say if this helped, but it most certainly didn’t hurt. Coupled with lifelong experience directing volunteer service opportunities, the industry skills I developed working events helped me in my role as a face for the Nats in the community. My main responsibilities included managing the in-game military salute program and coordinating the distribution and fulfillment of donations. Through the course of the season, I met many extraordinary people, had amazing experiences and gained a lot of responsibility in the department. By the time the internship was over, much of the staff asked that I keep in touch.

Currently, I am Coordinator of VIP Services with the Nationals. Through checking in every-so-often and updating former colleagues on my career search, my intern manager informed me of the opening and suggested I apply. I now oversee the visit of all VIP Guests to the ballpark and ensure their experience is second to none. And to think; if it weren’t for an SMP class report, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’m still involved at the Combine too, for those wondering.

No two “SportsPaths” are the same. For every person who had to intern with five organizations before landing their first full time job, there’s someone out there who gained a manager position all from a chance meeting. It’s the nature of the beast. But the similarities between those who are successful regardless of career stops lie in the process. From listening to the paths of others and reflecting on my own, here’s what I would suggest: Get involved early and volunteer as much as you can. When you get those chances, really invest yourself. Stay late. Ask questions. Introduce yourself and talk to as many people as you can (for those frightened by the term, this is all networking is. Everyone in the industry knows how hard it is to break in. Most would be happy to speak with you). Be a little selfish when it comes to your professional development. Step outside of your comfort zone regularly. Most importantly, the only one who can make anything happen is you. There may be great contacts in your network who can put you in phenomenal places; you still have to be the one to follow through on the opportunity. Believe in yourself, dedicate yourself to what you want to achieve, and there’s no stopping you.

And don’t forget to pay attention in class.

Mike McGuire
SMP Class of 2013, Husky Forever

As a part of a continuing series, we turn the spotlight on members of the UConn Sport Management Program (SMP) Alumni Community, focusing on the diversity of experience and breadth of knowledge they have gained within the industry. Designed to help current and future SMP students learn to navigate and understand the real-world intricacies of sport management, we thank SMP alumni for their valuable contributions and insight. Today, the focus is on UConn alumnus Matt Ouimette (Sport Management, 2012).

As an incoming freshman to the University of Connecticut, I knew I wanted to get involved with the athletic department. While I was still in high school I emailed a former classmate working in athletics in the hopes of obtaining a position. After a few emails back and forth I found a home in the football equipment room- not what I had hoped for but I graciously accepted. Soon thereafter I was asked to fill a vacancy as a video assistant to the men’s basketball program. What started as a simple email resulted in working over 100 UConn basketball games all over the country.

Lesson 1: Maintain and utilize connections.

My position as video assistant required me to work home games and the occasional practice. Instead of limiting myself to the required duties, I tried to get as involved as possible. I attended as many practices as I could, assisted team managers when needed and completed each task I was given quickly and effectively. Due to my commitment I was given more responsibilities and was fortunate enough to work events such as the 2010 Preseason NIT, 2011 Maui Invitational and the now historic 2011 Big East Tournament.

Lesson 2: Take pride in your work no matter how small the task may be.

In the excitement following our victory over Louisville to take the Big East crown and complete “5 Games in 5 Days” I was approached by a stranger. He told me UConn had forgot to cut down the second net and the MSG staff were about to remove the basket. He provided me a ladder in exchange for a piece of net. Unbeknownst to me, the man was the CEO of the software company I had used the previous four years at UConn. He offered me an internship on the spot.

Three months later I was in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on the sidelines of Heinz Field testing Still Shot equipment for NFL use. Through the course of my internship I was exposed to numerous NFL, NBA and NCAA clients, creating valuable relationships in the process. I was also able to test instant replay software that was eventually adopted for the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournament.

Lesson 3: Network! Not just a simple exchange of contact information but tell your story and detail where you want to be. You may just find yourself in the right place at the right time!

During my sports career I have worked over 200 NCAA basketball, NCAA football, FCS football and NFL games from Connecticut to Hawaii- and it all started with an email.

Matt Ouimette
SMP Class of 2012

As a part of a continuing series, we turn the spotlight on members of the UConn Sport Management Program (SMP) Alumni Community, focusing on the diversity of experience and breadth of knowledge they have gained within the industry. Designed to help current and future SMP students learn to navigate and understand the real-world intricacies of sport management, we thank SMP alumni for their valuable contributions and insight. Today, the focus is on UConn alumnus Fernando Carrasquillo (Sport Management, 2013).

Growing up in Puerto Rico, I looked up to my grandfather, Jose Julian Alvarez, as he was involved in sports ever since I was young. He was heavily involved in developing the Little Leagues, knew many of Puerto Rico’s top athletes and was the Secretary General for the Puerto Rico Olympic. Trying to follow in his footsteps, I decided at a young age to study Sport Management at a school in the USA, and was blessed to have been given the opportunity to fulfill my dream starting at UConn.

I knew that working in sports was really competitive, so I did my best to getting as much experience as possible to continue in this journey, both during the semester and over the summers. During the four year stretch I worked for the UConn Men’s Soccer team and Athletic Marketing, the Central American & Caribbean Regional Games, renowned baseball agent Melvin Roman and Puerto Rico Islanders Football Club. During the winter break of 2012-2013, I formed part of a mission trip with Varsity Catholic, a subdivision of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), which focuses on combining sports and faith on college campuses around the nation. This mission trip set in Puerto Rico, and as a local I volunteered to serve as the bilingual leader for the trip, setting up volleyball and baseball clinics for underprivileged children in the “Barrios”. This last experience was the deal maker in determining to pursue a career in sports in the community outreach area. On my last semester, I heavily focused on obtaining that coveted internship required for graduation, applying to many opportunities but eventually being offered an opportunity to join the National Baseball Hall of Fame & the San Antonio Spurs. I thought I had to decide between the two but instead was blessed enough to have done both, first the Hall of Fame one and a week later, moving to San Antonio to work for who would eventually be the 2014 NBA Champions.

These experiences have been very special for me. First, the Hall of Fame one was a lifelong dream of mine to arrive at Cooperstown, NY and experience the Hall, but who knew that I would end up spending a summer working there! It was definitely a blessing to form part of the Hall of Fame team and able to share experiences with fellow baseball fans. Afterwards, working for the Community Responsibility Department at Spurs Sports & Entertainment was a great experience that just made me more passionate about serving the community and doing good to benefit those in need. Also, winning a championship ring as an intern isn’t bad either.

After spending a year in San Antonio, I worked my way into the Orlando Magic, as their Youth Foundation, in charge of the in-game fundraisers as well as contributing to all other fundraising events such as the Black Tie & Tennies Gala and Golf Tournament. The $1 million raised went to grants for Central Florida non-profits that benefit children.

These last three internships after graduation have been very valuable for me. Not only were they with prestigious organizations, but also it allowed me to garner the necessary 1-3 years of minimum experience for all those jobs out there in sports. I’ll be honest, I had a couple of interviews with a few sports teams, some going to the final round but did not end up going through. I wasn’t disappointed, as I relied on my faith to continue working hard and hopefully landing the job most fitting at this time. Therefore, I resorted to search for Community Relations opportunities more specifically within the non-profit field, and was granted an opportunity to serve the community of Central Florida. The doors opened up and I worked my way into my current role of Relay for Life Community Manager for the American Cancer Society in Winter Park, FL. Eventually I hope to work my way back into sports, but for the time being I’ll be focusing on helping out those in need, impacting the community and continue gaining experience that will prepare me for the dream job in sports soon enough.

A big piece of advice I have for current students is to be involved, and quickly get your foot in the door as soon as you enter UConn as a freshman. Also, be open to change; you might want to be a sports agent like I did when I went into the Sport Management program, but after different experiences you’ll realize your true passion is another, like Community Outreach for me. You might not get your dream job as soon as you graduate, but continue working hard and gaining experience and soon enough, you’ll land a job that will lead you in the right direction to your ideal career goal.

Fernando Carrasquillo
SMP Class of 2013