University Hosts Inaugural Sport Management Career Fair

Jake Bronson '23, '24 M.S. hopes to pursue a career in athletics administration. He's excited about the myriad opportunities in the sport industry in the New Haven area, and he recently had the opportunity to learn more about them at the University's inaugural sports industry career fair.

Bronson, who will begin pursuing a master's degree in sport management at the University this fall, was among the many Chargers who attended the recent career fair. He already has secured a summer position with Yale Campus Recreation and an internship with Yale Athletics, and he was interested in further exploring opportunities in the field.

"Being in New Haven, we have a lot of opportunities to work in the surrounding areas, since there's so much nearby," he said. "This career expo was great for students who are hoping to get into the industry."

Hosted by the Sport Management Program in collaboration with the University's Career Development Center, the event enabled undergraduate and graduate students at various points in their academic careers to network with representatives from a variety of employers in the field.

A former marine biology major, Corrine Bartos '26 was eager to focus on networking at the career fair. A first-year student, Bartos, who connected with Yale Athletics at the event, was encouraged by the many opportunities available and eager to begin networking with potential employers and industry professionals.

"They want us to keep in touch so they get to know us," said Bartos, now a sport management major. "That way, when younger students are older, we're good candidates, and we won't have to wait to get a foot in the door."

More than a dozen employers visited the University to meet with students and make connections that could lead to possible internships and part- or full-time positions. They included the University's own Athletics Department, as well as local university athletics departments and professional sports teams in the area.

"I sense a lot of excitement from the students I've interacted with," said Brendan O'Halloran, ticket revenue and community manager for Oak View Group, representing the XL Center and Hartford Wolf Pack Business Operations. "I've had lots of great conversations with them. There's been great diversity among the students I've met and their interests. They've asked good questions, and it's been exciting to connect with them."

The career fair, which also included representatives from the Connecticut Sun, the New York Mets, and Firecracker Sports, also drew many University of New Haven professors who offered their support to students. J.W. Stewart, a practitioner in residence in the University's Sport Management Department who helped organize the event, was excited about what it would create for students.

"The opportunities are huge," he said. "It's all about connecting students with employers. Networking is so important. The sooner they can do it, the better."

For Bronson, the sport management graduate student, this event was an important step in helping him to reach his career goals. He hopes to work in high school or college athletics administration, and he's grateful for the opportunity to make connections.

"The fact that all these employers came here to talk to us shows the impact of the University of New Haven," he said. "I came here for sport management, and this event lives up to the University's reputation."