Freshman Files: Kevis Pinto

Name: Kevis Georgakopoulos Pinto

Current Year: Junior

First Year Dorm: Caneris

Internships: Comcast SportsNet - Marketing

Area of interest: Sports Marketing, Sponsorship, and Coaching

What is your favorite memory from your first year at Drexel?

I didn't start off at Drexel as a freshman, I studies for a year and a half at a University in Rio de Janeiro. My first year here I really enjoyed being able to make new friends while playing intramural and club sports.

What is the most important thing that you learned about sport management and the sports industry?

That networking is key. The industry is smaller than it seems and all the people know each other. To get into sport business you need to be willing to sacrifice a lot of hours for not a very high pay. 

What advice would you give to the freshman based on your experience?

Start networking now, and if possible start looking at some internships or volunteer experience to build up a strong resume.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do different?

I would've gotten involved earlier, volunteering and interning since freshman year. The more experience you can get, the better!

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Freshman Files: Kevin Rossi

Name: Kevin Rossi

Current Year: Pre-Junior

Freshman Dorm: Myers

Co-Ops: Comcast-Spectacor (Wells Fargo Center)

Area of Interest: Public Relations, Media Relations, Digital Marketing, Social Media

What is your favorite memory from freshman year?

My favorite memory aside from meeting a whole new group of friends may actually be realizing that sport management is right for me.  Many people are scared away by the fact that the industry doesn’t immediately pay well, but it is true when people say that you’ll love what you do.  I worked very hard my freshmen year, but I barely felt like I did any “work” because I loved every second of what I was doing.  It has already paid off for me and looking back at that memory of satisfaction keeps me moving forward to where I want to be.

What is the most important thing that you learned about sport management and the sports industry?

I think it’s close to impossible to pick just one thing, to be honest.  First, you learn how important your network truly is.  Sport isn’t an industry where your GPA gets you everywhere.  You need to know people and leverage those contacts.  It may seem a little awkward at first, but it gets easier with time. 

Another important thing is that you need to love what you do.  You’re not going to get a co-op as the assistant general manager.  It’s just ain’t gonna happen.  I learned that I love what I do and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get to where I want to be. 

What advice would you give to the freshman based on your experience?

My advice to the freshman would be to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things especially within the sport management program.  You may come in to school thinking that you want to be an agent or a general manager or a scout.  Don’t take your eye off of your ultimate goal, but know that you are going to have to work hard to get there and do things that you’ve never done before.  Don’t rule anything out before you try it at least once.

Another thing that may seem complicated is to not forget where you came from.  You always want to look forward in college but sometimes it’s necessary to look back.  Don’t forget about your high school friends and definitely don’t forget about your family.  Always make a conscious effort to stay in contact with them.  You never know when you’ll need to ask them for a professional favor!

If you could do it all over again, what would you do different?

Besides try to find a way to add more hours in a day?  Just kidding.  If I could do it all over again, I would have been more involved with the program.  If you become friends with the professors, then you will always have great opportunities to come your way.  Also I would have stepped outside of my comfort zone quicker.  Definitely try new things, talk to people that you wouldn’t normally talk to, explore the city.  Do NOT let these four or five years simply pass you by. 

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Freshman Files: Kevin Murray

Name: Kevin Murray

Current Year: Sophomore

Freshman Dorm: Towers

Co-ops: Non yet, but industry experience:

Two Affix, LLC - Business Development and Public Relations Intern (where I hope to stay for my co-op beginning in January (I am doing Winter-Spring Co-op for this year))

Research Assistant - Drexel University Department of Sport Management

Area of interest: Sports Law, Brand management and advertising, Sport and digital sport media

What is your favorite memory from freshman year?

My floor was incredible in Towers and led to many friendships that still hold strong today. I also became great friends with all of the freshman in Sport Management which makes group projects, homework, studying for exams, and general communicating with other Sport Management majors very simple and beneficial.

What is the most important thing that you learned about sport management and the sports industry?

I have learned that often jobs in the sports industry follow you home, but they can also be very beneficial and rewarding, even if it is not the biggest paycheck. Going into a store and seeing advertising and marketing campaigns that you helped put together on display makes it all so surreal. Being invited to speak at the 2013 NCAA National Scholarly Colloquium because of an article that you helped write and having that article published in the Journal of Intercollegiate Sport is so unreal. Knowing that you are listed as a co-author and student researcher on a professionally written and published scholarly article in the field of your choice as just a sophomore is incredible.

What advice would you give to the freshman based on your experience?

My advice would be to take chances and explore things that you enjoy, but to also not be afraid of things that you may know nothing about or have any experience in. Create relationships with professors because, especially in our major, the professors are incredibly well connected within the sports industry and can network you with so many different people all across the country.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do different?

I would have taken less credits and enjoyed my time a little more. Because of the experiential nature of Drexel and our major, it is important to get experience in the field, and the classes that you take are set up to help you do that. It is very important to get experience in the field, but you must also remember that general life experiences and "good time" is something that you cannot always get later. So enjoy yourself! 

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Freshman Files: Dan Mullin

Name: Dan Mullin

Current Year: Senior

Freshman Dorm: Race

Co-ops: Philadelphia Freedoms - Corporate Sponsorships and Operations
Turnkey Sports and Entertainment – Sport Market Research
Holman Automotive - Marketing and Sales

Area of interest: Sports Marketing, Sponsorships and Law

What is your favorite memory from freshman year?

One of the most fun things I did freshman year was take part in a regional dodgeball tournament. It was a great way for me to get involved and let to a job with Drexel Recreation down the line. 

What is the most important thing that you learned about sport management and the sports industry?

I've learned more than I could have imagined, and how to network is one of those things. I'd also say I learned how much dedication goes into working in sports. My first co-op showed me that there can be a lot of VERY late nights.

What advice would you give to the freshman based on your experience?

My advice would be never to hesitate to introduce yourself to anyone. Start networking early. You'll be surprised what people will do to help you along, even if you've just met.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do different?

I would have maintained relationships with some of my professors. Staying in touch with them can be very important when you're looking for jobs or recommendations. They have more connections than you realize. 

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Freshman Files: Hayley Zedeck

Name: Hayley Zedeck

Current Year: Pre-Junior

Freshman Dorm: Race

Co-ops: Turnkey Sports and Entertainment – Sport Market Research

Area of interest: Sport Statistics and Research, Communications, TV Production

What is your favorite memory from freshman year?

When I took the initiative to get involved on campus with different organizations I developed new relationships and learned new and exciting things, therefore my favorite memory from freshman year was joining a sorority and meeting a lot of interesting people associated with Greek Life.

What is the most important thing that you learned about sport management and the sports industry?

There is a world of opportunities available to students in Drexel’s SMT program. The faculty members are eager to help us get new experience and reach our career goals. With a career-focused university like Drexel, there are so many chances to get involved through volunteering and observing a variety of sports jobs.

What advice would you give to the freshman based on your experience?

I would recommend that freshman take advantage of academic opportunities available to them. Taking on a minor in a meaningful subject can broaden your learning experience and set you apart from other co-op and potential employee candidates.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do different?

I would have worked harder to develop and maintain strong relationships with sports professionals I came across. Networking is essential to be successful in this field. I should have taken advantage of important people I met throughout freshman year during classroom and volunteer experiences. Those are the people that can eventually assist in acquiring a great co-op and eventual job opportunity. 

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Freshman Files: Greg Monforte

Name: Greg Monforte

Current Year: Pre-Junior

Freshman Dorm: Commuted

Co-Ops: Daddis Fight Camps

Area of Interest: Marketing/Sponsorship Sales

What is your favorite memory from freshman year?

My favorite memory was becoming friends with people in my major that I am still close with today.  This makes classes easier when you get to take classes with your friends.

What is the most important thing that you learned about sport management and the sports industry?

The most important thing that I learned is networking is so important in our field.  Every teacher drills this into your head and they do it for a reason.  Try to stay in touch with guest speakers that come in and talk to your class.  This can help you later at Drexel when you are looking for Co-Ops.

What advice would you give to the freshman based on your experience?

My advice to the freshman would be to go to as many events as possible your freshman year.  Go to every guest speaker that the SMT program sets up.  Not only will a lot of your classes give you extra credit you also get to meet people from so many different backgrounds that can tell you their own personal experiences in the field.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do different?

If I could do it all over again, I would have been more involved in the program.  I would have jumped on any independent research opportunities that professors offered and tried to do more than just what was required.  I have tried to make up for this now but it would have been much easier if I started sooner.   


On Deck: Hayley Zedeck
Previous: Ryan Pratt
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Freshman Files: Ryan Pratt

 Name: Ryan Pratt
Current Year: Junior

Freshman Dorm: Race

Co-Ops: UPenn Athletic Communications, American Association for Cancer Research (Development office)

Area of Interest: Athletic fundraising

What is your favorite memory from freshman year?

The complete change of scenery from what I was used to, moving into a big city. All the experiences from freshman year laid the foundation for all I’ve been able to do since then.

What is the most important thing that you learned about sport management and the sports industry?

Networking is the key to success. Working with and meeting other people is this industry, and the more people who know you, the better. Connections, both in the classroom and through work experience are invaluable to learning about and breaking into the industry.

What advice would you give to the freshmen based on your experiences?

You need to jump in immediately and take advantage of any opportunities that present themselves. There are infinite opportunities to gain experience in the sports industry, and most freshmen students sit back and wait for something to come to them. Get involved in student organizations, ask if you can help a professor with a research project, or be a game-day volunteer for a local sports team. Putting yourself out there, in whatever way you decide, is a key to figuring out what you like and don’t like in the industry. Plus, the lessons you will learn and the people you meet can help you find co-op and other job opportunities in the future.

If you could do freshman year all over again, what would you do differently?

I probably would have looked into the research opportunities of the STAR Program to do research with one of the SMT professors or applied to be an Orientation Leader. I used my only summer to catch up with my friends from home and enjoy the last little bit of summer freedom. In hindsight, I missed out on a great opportunity to add an important piece to my resume. If I had to do it all over again, I also probably would have also applied to be a Student Ambassador while I still had time in my life to do so. Nevertheless, I’m happy with how things DID go, as it got me where I am today.

Previous: Kevin Giordano
On Deck: Greg Monforte

Freshman Files: Kevin Giordano

Name: Kevin Giordano

Current Year: Junior

Freshman Dorm: Van R

Co-Ops: Nelligan Sports Marketing (Penn Athletics/the Penn Relays), Two Affix

Area of Interest: Sports Marketing, Branding

What is your favorite memory from freshman year?

Meeting a new group of people from differing walks of life.

What is the most important thing that you learned about sport management and the sports industry?

That the industry is more vast and profound from an outsider's perspective.

What advice would you give to the freshmen based on your experiences?

 Utilize your summer between freshman and sophomore years to find an internship and gain valuable industry-related experience. Jump at opportunities to gain experience offered by the program. They will provide you with experience, the opportunity to network with industry professionals, and material for your resume.

If you could do freshman year all over again, what would you do different?

 I would have approached a professor to work on an independent research project. Freshman year afforded more time to take opportunities and jump through several open doors. As I progressed through the years, I've been fortunate to find ways to be involved in the industry. However, I've always wanted to work on a research project and really only had the time to do so freshman year.

On Deck: Josh Brackett