EXECUTIVE SPORT MANAGEMENT M.S.

"If you are looking at a sport management program, WVU offers one of the best you can find online."

Dave Benedict chose WVU Online because it had the best Sport Management master’s program that would fit his busy schedule.

"Because of WVU’s Master of Science in Executive Sport Management program, I was able to graduate with all the administrative certifications that school systems are now looking for when hiring athletic directors," he says.

"I was already in the role of an assistant athletic director when I started the Executive Sport Management program. The classes and material I learned helped to re-enforce what I already knew and was doing."

Dave knew that he didn't want to find himself sitting in a classroom at night and on weekends, so being able to do everything online was great.

"Completing the whole master’s program in 21 months sounds like a long time, but it goes by so quickly that before you know it, you're finished," he says.

"I wish I could have gotten my B.S. degree online!"

"Have fun, enjoy the ride! Sport is competitive and fun… managing it takes a certain skill set, but if you love sports you are on the right path."

As for what those skills are, Jennifer mentions the need for personal drive – a motivation to get what you want from the field.

"Choose something you love so that learning and growing in the field is the easy part. In sport, it is all about making the plays and connecting the dots’, managing sport is not much different."

Jennifer has always been an athlete and interested in sports; however, she never really knew her calling until she went through some personal adversity and the need to "find" herself.

"I wish I had known my path at a younger age but for those entering the field, the opportunities are endless."

As a single mother it was important for Jennifer to be able to complete class work during her downtime. The structured course schedule of online learning allowed her to complete her degree while still managing a busy lifestyle.

"I’ve made great connections. My professors were great and even though everything was online, and I’ve made some forever connections within my field."

In terms of the future and where she sees the field going, Jennifer had this to say.

"Where I am, at youth sports, it’s still a growing market plus we have minor league sports that are at the top of their game. I only see the field opening and having more opportunities in the future."

As Jennifer looks forward to graduation, and the opportunity to celebrate her personal accomplishment with her family, she reflects on when she started this journey.

"That version of me is no longer; but looking back, I’d tell myself not to be afraid to do something good for yourself. Making the decision to better myself was the best decision I’ve made as an adult."

According to MaKynna, entering the sports industry demands a blend of essential qualities that include:

• A genuine passion for sports.
• Resilience in navigating the industry's competitive and often unpredictable nature.
• Adaptability, given the ever-evolving landscape of sports, requiring individuals to embrace change and stay relevant.
• Effective communication skills, facilitating interactions with athletes, sponsors, and fans alike.
• A strong spirit of teamwork to foster collaboration, essential for success, both on and off the field.
• Leadership abilities are invaluable for guiding teams and initiatives toward common objectives.
• Understanding the business aspects of sports, including marketing and finance, is fundamental for making informed decisions.
• A willingness to build a robust network within the industry providing opportunities for growth and support.
• Finally, the capacity to perform under pressure and a commitment to continuous learning.

As a full-time teacher working 40-hour weeks, MaKynna needed the flexibility of online education. Online learning allowed her to integrate her studies seamlessly into an already busy schedule, advancing both her teaching career and her aspirations in the sports sector. Her passion for the sports industry motivated her to leverage her teaching experience with opportunities within sports management or similar fields.

"Ever since I was a kid, I've knew I wanted to be a teacher, and sports have always been a big part of my life. That's why I became a PE/Health teacher – I wanted to pass on my love for sports to my students. Every day in class, I teach them about staying fit and healthy, and I try to show them how much fun sports can be. Being a PE/Health teacher is more than just a job to me – it's a chance to share my passion and make a positive impact on young lives. I want my students to leave my class feeling excited about being active and understanding the importance of taking care of their bodies."

As for her advice to new students, MaKynna had the following tips to shar:

• Entering the sports industry requires a strategic approach. Start by gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level roles to familiarize yourself with industry dynamics.
• Networking is key—attend industry events and connect with professionals to expand your contacts and opportunities.
• Consider specializing in a specific aspect of the industry to develop expertise and stand out in the job market.
• Stay informed about industry trends and developments to remain competitive.
• Cultivate soft skills like communication and adaptability, as they are highly valued in the industry.
• Persistence is crucial; be prepared to face challenges and setbacks along the way.
• Showcase your genuine passion for sports in all your interactions, as enthusiasm can be a distinguishing factor.

"I promise all my students that I will see them successfully through my courses, provided they are determined to put in the work and effort."

"Possessing the "heart of a teacher" requires my students to understand the needs of those they teach in the K-12 setting and to find ways to inspire and reach those they serve in the school setting."

James Wyant decided to pursue a career in teaching because he finds it a very enriching experience to help individuals acquire the skills and knowledge they need to be successful.

"I value the teacher’s role as positive change agents in schools and communities," he says. "Now, as a faculty member, my primary responsibility is to help prepare the next generation of educators."

"In addition, the opportunity to teach and research issues related to teaching allows me to contribute positively to the betterment of the field."

As a faculty member, he says, one of his fundamental responsibilities is to train future teachers.

"I take this responsibility seriously because teachers are critical to society. Therefore, in my classes, I always tout the importance of possessing ‘the heart of a teacher.’"

"In working with future teachers, I help them see the value of being supportive, empathetic, and patient with K-12 students. To this end, possessing a heart of a teacher requires my students to understand the needs of those they teach in the K-12 setting and to find ways to inspire and reach those they serve in the school setting."