Sport Management Club goes virtual

Thursday, November 12, 2020

Although many West Virginia University students are in a virtual learning environment this semester, CPASS Sport Management Club members continue to participate in especially engaging virtual sessions with industry professionals to develop connections in the field they love.

“My goal is to help students learn from industry professionals and to guide them in understanding that everyone’s path is different. Everyone has diverse experiences. We want to take advantage of the opportunity offered through the SM Club to speak with these individuals,” Natalie Gerber, SM Club president, explained.

The meetings are designed as informational interviews with a conversational tone, hosted by Gerber. Students submit questions for the speaker beforehand and they’re answered during the meeting. The industry experts highlight their experiences and offer career advice.

“We are meeting weekly via Zoom. We occasionally have a second meeting if we have an extra speaker for that week,” Gerber said. “Students are benefiting from meetings by engaging and listening to the speaker’s knowledge and advice about the sports industry. If we have time, we encourage students to ask additional questions.”

In the past, the club has invited guest speakers from WVU Athletics. This year, they expanded their outreach to also include professionals from management positions at top sports organizations around the country. “I think it'sgreat for students to learn from a mix of people. It gives those who don't know what they want to do an idea or a better understanding of various positions. Students can use this opportunity to make connections and network with these professionals,” Gerber added.