A question-and-answer session with Sports Marketing Student Association President Alex Menoni:
The Sports Marketing Student Association is a Registered Student Organization (RSO) that provides students interested in sports related marketing or management careers the opportunity to begin networking and learning more about job opportunities in the world of athletics. This organization sponsors speakers and social activities that help students expand their knowledge of sports marketing and management.
Q: What is the focus of the Sports Marketing Student Association (SMSA)?
A: Our focus is to educate and inform students interested in working in the sports industry about career fairs, job opportunities and volunteer opportunities. Additionally, we provide information about how to land their dream job and what it will take to get there through firsthand experience provided by student members and guest speakers from the sports industry.
Q: What leadership opportunities does SMSA have?
A: Each year we select an executive board that includes a president, vice president, social chair, membership chair, treasurer, and secretary. Being able to put an executive board position on your resume from a club that relates to a job you’re applying for is a huge selling point in the eyes of an employer.
Q: What other opportunities and benefits are there of being a member of SMSA?
A: We try as much as possible to get members valuable experience and insight that can be put on their resume. So far this year we have had several members land positions with the Bloomington Blaze professional hockey team. The information provided by our guest speakers is invaluable. If someone at ISU wants to work in sports, it would be a huge advantage to be a part of this organization. Additionally, we attend sporting events in the area and arrange fundraisers and other social events throughout the year.
Q: What kind of community can one expect in SMSA?
A: We are a group of people that enjoy sports and the business of sports. We are driven individuals looking to seek out information on how to land our dream job in sports.
Q: What is your favorite part about SMSA?
A: Every year we take a trip to Chicago; last year we went to U.S. Cellular Field and met with some of the White Sox sales staff for a group discussion and Q&As. We were then able to go to the White Sox game as a group after the presentation. It was some of the best information we could have received in relation to working in sports and it was inspiring because three out of the four individuals we spoke with were actually ISU graduates.
Q: When and where does SMSA meet?
A: We meet one Wednesday per month. Time, location and date are usually to be announced. Members stay updated through Facebook and SMSA’s email list.
For more information on how to get involved in the Sports Marketing Student Association, email the president, Alex Menoni, at admenon@ilstu.edu.
