The School of Business recently hosted its first Sports Business Symposium, featuring College of Charleston alumni and moderated by Patrick Moeller, Jr., president of the Sports Business Circle and senior marketing major. Students had the opportunity to explore local internship options and participate in one-on-one breakout sessions with experienced alumni for personalized advice:
- Tanner Clay ‘15 – Director, Business Development at Charleston Battery
- Christian Jablonski ‘17 – Manager, Luxe Partnership Development at Houston Texans
- Brian Plexico ‘95 – Vice President, Baseball Systems at Tampa Bay Rays
- Alison Boyd ’09 (Masters, Acct) – Director of Finance at Atlanta Falcons
- Lauren Taylor ‘14 – Director, Partnerships at Carolina Panthers
The Q&A session gave students a valuable chance to ask questions and learn from panelists who were once in their exact shoes and now hold management positions with major and minor teams in the sports industry. They emphasized the power of partnerships, sales, and data’s role in the industry, but their biggest piece of advice is to get your name out there and network!
Students were able to ask each of the alumni panelists questions.
Even if that’s scanning tickets into a game, you are still working under executives who can help you land a better role. A huge part of that is also staying engaged with that network, and connecting on LinkedIn isn’t always enough. Consistently engaging with posts and finding new ways to interact and show interest is key.
Tampa Bay Rays VP of Baseball Systems, Brian Plexico ’95, shared a story about a candidate he once interviewed who kept in touch by occasionally sending useful technology articles. Over time, the roles reversed, and Plexico found himself reaching out to that candidate for insights. This simple gesture of staying engaged and sharing useful information turned the dynamic around. What started as a candidate reaching out, became a panelist seeking his input, proving that genuine effort and curiosity can open unexpected doors.
“The more you give, the more you get,” said Plexico. “It’s about how much you want it, and how much you’ll work for it.”
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A student asked if there was anything the panelists initially stressed about when starting their careers but, in hindsight, wasn’t as much of a concern. One response came from Lauren Taylor ‘14 with the Carolina Panthers & Charlotte FC.
“Every job you get, you learn a little bit more about yourself and what you want. So even though you might not land exactly where you want, understand why you’re there and take away as much from that opportunity as you can,” said Taylor. “I wouldn’t be where I am today if I thought I had all the answers and made a whole plan. Go with the flow.”
Taylor’s advice resonates with students and young professionals who often feel pressure to have everything figured out, reminding them that growth comes from embracing each opportunity.
The Sports Business Symposium was more than just an event; it was an eye-opening chance for eager students to get transparent advice about breaking into the industry. With invaluable insights from alumni who have navigated their own paths to success, students left with a deeper understanding of the importance of networking, adaptability, and seizing every opportunity, no matter how small.
The message was clear: the sports industry is built on relationships, persistence, and a willingness to learn. Whether it’s scanning tickets or sending a thoughtful follow-up, every action can open doors. Just as the panelists mentioned, success in sports management comes not from having all the answers or opportunities right away, but from staying engaged, putting in the work, and trusting the journey.
