Emily Carlson BS '19, Sport Management

Emily Carlson BS '19, Sport Management

"I learned a lot about myself and I discovered that the sports sales world is something I want to take head-on in my career."

Emily is a recent graduate of the Sport Management program. After suffering a sports ending injury in high school, she pursued a degree that fulfilled her passion for athletics. Through the Sport Management program at UCCS, she was able to secure a competitive internship with the San Antonio Spurs, which helped her narrow her career path to the world of sports ticketing and sales.

 

Learn More About Sport Management

  • Why did you choose UCCS?
    Why did you choose UCCS?

    I chose UCCS because the Sport Management Program has plenty of opportunities to explore in collegiate sports and the Olympic bodies. Also, I really love the city. There is so much to do, especially the hundreds of hiking trails to explore.

  • Why did choose to study Sport Management?
    Why did choose to study Sport Management?

    I choose to study Sport Management because when I was a freshman in high school, I tore my MCL and a partial tear on my ACL and I couldn’t play. So, if I couldn’t play, I was going to do anything in my power to be involved in sports. There is so much growth in sports marketing and what brings fans into an event, which has always sparked my interest.

  • What do you like best about the College of Business?
    What do you like best about the College of Business?

    The AACSB accreditation is a really important touch. The accreditation allows for smaller classroom sizes, in many cases. I do better when I have less distractions in the classroom, meaning less students. Also, the ability to go to the Career Development Center is a great resource that the College of Business provides. I have used it to look into internships and jobs opportunities.

  • Tell us about your internship with the San Antonio Spurs.
    Tell us about your internship with the San Antonio Spurs.

    I interviewed with Spurs Sports and Entertainment at the Mount Union Sports Sales Conference in Colorado. I accepted the position and moved to San Antonio for the summer. Since I had never visited the city, it was definitely a new and different experience. I focused on group ticket and season tickets sales. I was able to complete all of my appointments and sales. I learned a lot about myself and I discovered that the sports sales world is something I want to take head-on in my career. I enjoy the competitive atmosphere and I always shoot higher than my goals.

  • What are your career aspirations?
    What are your career aspirations?

    My career goal is to be a Sales Manager of a professional sports team in the next 5 years. My Spurs internship helped me narrow my career path. I always knew I liked communicating and building relationships with others, but I didn’t know it was going to be through sales until this summer. 

  • How is UCCS helping to make those aspirations a reality?
    How is UCCS helping to make those aspirations a reality?

    I am on track to be graduating early. UCCS's class schedule helps me to balance a full course schedule, work, and an internship throughout the year. The Sport Management program helped me with my current internship as a lead intern for the Air Force Academy. Having teachers and advisors rooting for my success motivates me to do more than just succeed. 

  • What do you like about Colorado Springs?
    What do you like about Colorado Springs?

    I love how we are only 20 minutes from the mountains and about an hour from Denver. So of course, it’s not too far to catch a Broncos or Avalanche game. Having the city and the mountains so close to each other, you truly get the best of both worlds. 

  • When you are not in class or interning, what do you do for fun?
    When you are not in class or interning, what do you do for fun?

    I love doing yoga, hiking, camping, hanging with my friends, and anything revolving around water. I got into yoga with my roommates last year and really enjoyed doing it.  My goal this fall is to complete some yoga sessions while paddle boarding. If I am not outside, I am either hitting the gym or with my family. I am a family person, so being around them truly makes me happy. 

  • What would you tell someone who is considering UCCS for college?
    What would you tell someone who is considering UCCS for college?

    UCCS is a great mix of a good size university, but I am still able to commute without the full university experience. I didn’t live on campus my freshman year, so getting involved in Sport Management and clubs on campus helped me make relationships with my peers.  Also, I would take advantage of the Career Development Center. The world is very competitive, so making yourself stand out among job applicants is essential.