A vision of boundless opportunities within the sports industry has inspired a sport management master’s program student at the College to create an organization to support student networking and career objectives.
Lauren Burchfield, a sport management master’s program major with emphasis in comprehensive sport industry management, says she formed the Sports Leadership and Development Association for graduate students and other individuals with a keen interest in establishing a solid career pathway.
“I created the concept from my personal research as I sought to learn more about the industry. By attending sports conferences, seminars, requesting informational interviews and volunteering, I realized that the opportunities within the sports industry are endless,” Burchfield said. “The insight and knowledge that I gained allowed me to see the opportunities from a different perspective.”
Justin Wartella, sport management teaching assistant professor, says the new student-run association is an opportunity for the program to build upon the community of online learners within virtual classrooms. “It allows our students to relate with their peers and feel more connected to WVU, their professor and our program. It will provide a chance for our online graduate students to take part in more professional development and experiential learning opportunities,” Wartella added.
“The Sport Leadership and Development Association would not be in existence without the vision and hard work of Lauren Burchfield, who came to me in the summer inquiring about the potential of such an association. Lauren took the initiative to lead; she is the ‘founding mother’ of the group. She has shown her passion for it every day, working diligently with Dr. Sean Bulger and the group to get it approved and up and running. She has also recruited graduate students Aidan Nelson, Sarah Ghaffoor and Jesse Cruz to help her in leadership roles.”
Burchfield will serve as president. Jesse Cruz will serve as vice president, Sarah Ghaffoor as secretary and Aidan Nelson as treasurer and social media officer. Wartella will act as club advisor. “Lauren did a great job in defining and creating this association. I’m glad to be part of the initial planning team. This is a wonderful opportunity for other graduate students to expand their networking," Ghaffoor said.
The Berkeley, Ill., native says the purpose of group is to share knowledge and support other graduate students. “The expectations of a graduate student are higher than first- or second-year students. We are expected to be leaders based on our knowledge,” Burchfield said. “Our career pursuit should not be aimed for the ‘low hanging fruit’ careers, but rather an executive role within the sports industry. Our efforts should provide a positive influence on others and positively impact the communities around us.”
The group intends to create networking opportunities with sports business executives and career-minded individuals to provide career guidance for members. “Through informational interviews, career combined networking opportunities and leadership development, members will gain an understanding of the hiring managers’ expectations in support of career objectives and skills required to meet those expectations,” Burchfield said.
Club officers will remain current of sports industry shifts through market research. The association will offer members supplemental resources to help in their personal and career development. “The sole purpose of the association is to provide members with the knowledge and leadership capabilities that will set them apart from other candidates,” Burchfield added.
Regular gatherings will feature Sports Talk, monthly meetings based on a structured six-month plan. The informational collaboration will include interviews of sports executives as guest panelists with open-ended questions relating to their career path, leadership qualities and industry suggestions. Additionally, the group will offer a follow-up gathering, Sports Chat and Coffee, designed for members to connect, discuss and build an industry-related network.
Members can expect a semiannual industry-related career event, Future Sports Leaders Combine, based on dedicated topics related to current trends in sports. The event will offer an opportunity to virtually network with sports-business executives through collaborative sessions in Zoom breakout rooms.
Burchfield says that the fall Future Sports Leaders Combine will be available to members only. The group will open the spring version to all WVU students. The association plans to offer the Future Sports Leaders Combine nationwide. “Individuals with an interest in the sports industry should have the opportunity to be a part of an impactful networking and collaboration session without the limitations of location,” Burchfield said. “The possibility of offering a hybrid event, with WVU hosting such a conference and offering a virtual setting, will create a stream of endless opportunities for students, guest panelists and the program.”