A graduate assistantship position with the West Virginia University Athletics Department propelled Ray Booker, from rural Amelia County, Va., to transition as a student to launching his professional career in the sports field. Booker, WVU Sport Management M.S. graduate (2021), serves as the stadium and game operations coordinator for the College Football Playoff postseason event that determines college football’s national championship.
Booker says he was determined to make his dreams come true, even if it meant making sacrifices. He never imagined that one day he would have the opportunity to work for the College Football Playoffs. A typical work-day for Booker involves strategic planning and preparation for the annual CFP Championship game. His tasks include preparing manuals that effectively communicate the CFP policies to all participants, coordinating game operations and addressing potential risk management issues.
Booker, who earned his B.S. in Sport and Recreation Management from James Madison University (2019), credits his JMU mentors and professors for emphasizing the importance of planning ahead, establishing a good reputation in the athletic world through strategic networking, and encouraging him to establish his resume early by gaining hands-on experience in sports. Throughout his undergraduate career at JMU, he served as a student facilities athletic assistant for several years before he was promoted to serve as an assistant facilities manager.
During his senior year as an undergraduate at JMU, Booker formed a budding relationship with WVU Athletics Department staff while attending a conference. They encouraged Booker to investigate the CPASS sport management degree. His mentors at JMU echoed similar praises for the WVU master’s program. “It was an easy decision after seeing the curriculum and evaluating the additional opportunities.” Booker began the master’s program at WVU in the fall of 2019 and was awarded a two-year graduate assistantship position in facilities and events for the WVU Athletics Department.
Gary Lhotsky, CPASS Sport Management teaching associate professor, acted as Booker’s mentor. “From day one we could tell that Dr. Lhotsky wanted to see all CPASS students succeed. He was great with advice on how to maneuver once I started my career. That has helped me make a smooth transition from being a student to becoming a professional in the sports industry,” Booker said.
As Booker stepped into his new role at a D1-A institution, he learned to adapt quickly to overcome what he calls “initial growing pains.” Booker praises the WVU Athletics Department for their support and for giving him an unforgettable work experience. “Every day I was challenged with tasks that full-time staff would be asked to do at other universities or organizations,” he explained. “Working in facilities and events prepared me for my current role in many ways.”
Simultaneously, Booker worked for the Pittsburgh Steelers as a facilities assistant. “It wasn’t ideal working both jobs and being both a full-time student and graduate assistant. On various weekends I would have very little free time due to working home football games for WVU or the Steelers. However, the perspective and knowledge that I gained by sacrificing my free time was worth it in the end.”
Gaining experience while on campus is beneficial, Booker says. “My advice for current students is to establish a career path early, whether working directly with a team on campus or with security during an athletic event. Gaining experience while you are on campus can go a long way,” he said. “It shows hiring organizations that you really want to get into the industry and helps students gain connections following graduation.”
“I credit my early JMU mentors and professors on where I landed after graduating. They showed me that strategically planning your career is important,” he said. “Take advantage of being a student while you can. Professionals will be more receptive to talk with you because they were once in your position.”
Finally, Booker suggests that students engage with industry connections often. “By reaching out, you can inquire about what your contact does on a daily basis, how they got to where they are, and receive additional connections and networking opportunities.”