For the 20th consecutive year, professional sports teams converged at Rocket Arena for the TeamWork Online Sports Sales Workshop & Job Fair (SSWJF). Delivered in partnership with the Cleveland Cavaliers, it is considered by many as the premier hiring event for entry-level positions in pro sports revenue generation. The event features organizations representing North America’s top five professional leagues.
UISRM’s #SalesHawks have arrived annually at the SSWJF ready to demonstrate their industry-ready knowledge, skills, and abilities to sales managers for over a decade. The program’s sales curriculum, faculty coaching, and alumni encouragement contribute to attendees’ readiness. On her preparation for success in Cleveland, Katie Letz (ex. BS 2028) had this to say:
UISRM prepared me by not only giving me a strong foundation within my course work, but also constantly pushing me to grow professionally. My professors Packy Moran, Anna Jensen, and Jeremy Parrish really invested in me as well as all the other #SalesHawks. They were always there to support, challenge, and guide me before, during, and after Cleveland. Because of all their guidance and support, I went into Cleveland feeling confident in my abilities and comfortable stepping into the workshop right away.
The event unlocks several benefits for attendees. First, attendees learn from professionals through panel discussions and presentations. Next, the SSWJF facilitates networking opportunities, allowing attendees to connect with sports sales pros and others aiming to enter the industry. Finally, attendees interview for open positions at teams in each of the professional leagues. On what the learning and networking taught him, Ethan Stout (ex. BS 2026) shared:
Going to Cleveland as both a junior and a senior showed me how important relationships are in this industry. When I first went as a junior, I focused on meeting as many people as I could. By staying in touch and maintaining those relationships, I returned as a senior and, instead of introducing myself to everyone, I was reconnecting with managers and building on the reputation I had already created. It reminded me how small this industry really is and how valuable it is to make yourself known through strong relationships.
As is often the case, several #SalesHawks secured employment after graduation or as a capstone internship. Notable announcements include:
- Joe Korpalski (ex. BS 2026) accepted the position of Inside Sales Representative with the Washington Nationals.
- Ethan Stout (ex. BS 2026) accepted the position of Membership Associate with the Atlanta Hawks.
- Katie Letz (ex. BS 2028) accepted the position of Junior Sales Associate Intern with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Thank you to faculty advisors Anna Jensen (Director, UISRM Office of Field Experience), Jeremy Parrish (Assistant Professor of Instruction), and Packy Moran (Assistant Professor of Instruction) for your leadership and mentorship of the #SalesHawks on this experience. Also, special thank you to supporters of UISRM through the UI Center for Advancement to reduce student fees associated with the TeamWork Online Sports Sales Workshop & Job Fair.
