Student Spotlight Emily Chittester

I chose WVU because it felt like a place where I could grow personally and professionally. Ever since I stepped on campus for my tour, I knew this is a place I would grow to love. I’ve always been passionate about the sports world and wanted a program that would let me turn that passion into a career. I love that the sport management major blends business, leadership, and real hands-on experience, giving me a clear path into the industry. It’s the perfect fit for me because it allows me to grow, connect with people, and build a future in a field I’m genuinely excited about.

My program has prepared me for my next chapter by helping me discover who I am both professionally and personally. The hands-on experiences, internships, and support from my professors have given me the confidence to step into the sports industry knowing I have real skills to offer. I’m leaving this program feeling ready, motivated, and excited for what comes next.

I believe this program is so special because all the professors are dedicated to their students and put so much effort into making sure they thrive.

My internships with the West Virginia Black Bears and the Pittsburgh Steelers gave me a true inside look at how the sports industry operates on a daily level. With the Black Bears, I learned how much teamwork, communication, and adaptability go into running community events and fan experiences. With the Steelers, I experienced the fast-paced, high-standard environment of a major professional organization, which strengthened my understanding of professionalism, brand representation, and what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Together, these experiences helped me see the sport industry from both a community-focused and professional perspective, shaping my confidence and career goals.

Through my internships, I got to work with fans, help run events, and see what really goes into creating a great game-day experience. I learned how to communicate, stay calm under pressure, and be someone my team could rely on, so much that I was praised for my work by achieving intern of the summer. That experience and achievement alone gives me an advantage because I’m entering my career already knowing what the job feels like and truly loving the work I’ll be doing.

One skill from my applied mathematics background that surprised me in its value was how naturally I used problem-solving during fast-paced situations in my sport roles. I also didn’t expect how helpful statistic based thinking would be, whether I'm analyzing fan engagement, improving event flow, or making small decisions that impact the overall experience.

A piece of advice I would give to my younger self is to trust the process and stop doubting your ability to grow into the person you want to become. So many things that felt intimidating back then ended up being opportunities that pushed me forward. I’d remind myself to be patient, stay confident, and believe that every experience, good or bad, is shaping something meaningful.

After graduation, I plan to continue my internship with the Steelers while pursuing an entry-level position in event management. I also intend to start my masters degree fall 2026.

I believe the best thing about being a Mountaineer is the way the university challenges me to grow and pushes me to explore opportunities I never imagined. It’s given me experiences that have shaped my skills, confidence, and goals, helping me become the person I am today. Every class, project, and internship has felt like a step toward building my future.