The Drexel Connection: Kevin Giordano

This week the Drexel Connection spotlights Kevin Giordano. Kevin currently provides social media expertise to a global pharmaceutical company. Kevin is also the co-founder of the Drexel Sport Management Student Union. After graduating last year, Kevin now holds a position on our advisory board. 

Kevin is part of a small team that is tasked with governing the company’s use of social media. The team also actively provides guidance to a variety of departments, from commercial brand teams to R&D and HR. Prior to landing this job, he focused on business development and cultivating innovative marketing partnerships within the sport industry. He spent some time with a small agency called Two Affix where he provided a variety of consulting services including social media support to top professional athletes. Kevin had other stops as a partnership marketer with the University of Pennsylvania and operations in both men’s and women’s professional soccer.

State of the Student Union: August 2013

The last three years have seen the Drexel Sport Management Student Union grow from merely an idea in the imagination of one ambitious sport management student to a burgeoning student organization on the ever-improving Drexel University campus.  As it goes, the SMTSU grows as the Drexel sport management program grows as the University as a whole grows.  With growth comes change, and as you read last week, there are changes coming to the SMTSU.

SMTSU Announces Leadership Changes

PHILADELPHIA, PA- For the first time since its inception in late 2010, the Sport Management Student Union (SMTSU) at Drexel University will be under new leadership. Kevin Giordano has decided to step down from his position as president, with Kevin Rossi assuming the top position. SMTSU has also announced the creation of an Advisory Board to guide its strategic operations.

As a co-founder of the organization in his final term at Drexel University, Giordano noted nearing graduation as the primary reason for stepping down as president.

"This fall term is my last and it's time to pass the baton. Kevin Rossi is more than ready to assume the position. His determination and entrepreneurial mindset, coupled with a keen understanding of organizational operations, makes him the perfect fit to lead the organization moving forward."

Kevin Rossi brings both SMTSU and industry experience to the top position. He is well-versed in social media, athletic communications and leadership. Rossi pointed to his excitement about the opportunity when asked for thoughts on the change.

"Kevin (Giordano) has been a great mentor to me throughout my time at Drexel.  He has taught me how to become a true leader, and I look forward to taking those lessons to bring the SMTSU to knew heights.  Kevin started and developed an influential organization on Drexel's campus, and I can't wait to begin the challenge of continuing on with his vision and continuing to move the SMTSU forward."

SMTSU has also unveiled an Advisory Board to provide additional organizational oversight and direction. The board consists of current Faculty Advisory Dr. Ellen Staurowsky, sports journalist at ESPN Mike Mazzeo, graduate sport management student Patrick Gallagher, and outgoing president Kevin Giordano.

The organization is currently finalizing functional planning for the 2013-2014 annual year. The previous school year saw more member participation, record blog viewership, and increased clout in speakers brought to campus. SMTSU has plans in place to build upon and exceed quality of the previous year.

HIO: NBC Ready for English Premier League

On Saturday, the English Premier League kicks off a new season. Aside from the usual managerial changes and player moves in the offseason, soccer fans in the U.S. should be excited for another reason. NBC will be broadcasting every match of the season, either on air or online.

HIO: Don't Peak too Soon

On this blog, you'll find perhaps the most driven students around. Our contributors take time away from studies and their social lives to discuss the industry and latest happenings.

HIO: Marketing is Storytelling

In an interview for an internship with a small marketing agency, the owner provided his view on marketing. He compared marketing to a magic trick, an illusion, with the goal to fabricate a desired emotional response and action. With that end goal in mind, the difficult task is getting the target audience to the end.

The Triangle Talks "An Evening with Ethan Zohn"

The Triangle, Drexel University's independent newspaper, covered our event last Tuesday night, "An Evening with Ethan Zohn."  The event was funded by The Good Idea Fund per a request from the Sport Management Student Union.  Reporter Danielle Verghese was granted the assignment, and she spoke with the Drexel SMTSU's President and Co-Founder Kevin Giordano.

Here is Kevin's quote from the piece:

HIO: Twitter & Athletes - Tips for Athlete Marketers/Agents to Manage the Risks

Professional athletes, and celebrities in general, understand the power of Twitter: it is a revolutionary way of connecting with an interested audience, allows marketers to quantify the fan base, and it gives a complete view into the athlete's life. While these are fantastic, there are countless examples of athletes using the micro blogging platform recklessly. 

The Sports Biz Report - Biz of the NBA Playoffs

Fun Friday: Drexel Sport Management Group in Ireland!

The Drexel SMTSU team would like to wish the group of Drexel Sport Management students currently in Ireland an amazing trip as they immerse themselves in Irish Sport Culture. A special "shoutout" goes to our President, Kevin Giordano, and our Vice President, Kevin Rossi. Also, our blog contributors, Matthew Puzio and Josh Brackett!

 

Have fun and Éirinn go Brach!

Drexel SMTSU Announces 'The Sports Biz Report' Podcast

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

State of the (Student) Union - 2012

Mike Millich of Women's Professional Soccer speaking to SMTSU last winter.

In just over a year and a half, the Sport Management Student Union (SMTSU) at Drexel University has made great strides both on-campus and beyond. Most importantly, we've afforded students, like myself, the opportunity to further hone their knowledge of the industry and engage in meaningful development activities.

Tomlinson to Retire

At the age of 32, LaDainian Tomlinson announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday. Perhaps one of the most versatile running backs in the last decade, LT is widely considered a first-ballot hall-of-famer. Tomlinson had his most success with the San Diego Chargers, winning the MVP award in 2006. LT joined the New York Jets during the 2010 offseason and has primarily been used as a change of pace in the team's running game.

On Monday, Tomlinson signed a contract so he could retire as a San Diego Charger. However, do not let the dark visor on his helmet fool you, LT has always been personal and is expected to make his retirement press conference nothing short of memorable.

While it's been some time since he's work Charger colors, LT is back, but this time to hang up his cleats. Expect him to transition smoothly into some sort of analyst role in the near future.

Abramovich Achieves Greatness

When billionaire Roman Abramovich purchased Chelsea F.C. in June 2003, the club had been mediocre at best. Notoriously transparent, Abramovich set his sights on winning the UEFA Champions League, the English Premier League, and the F.A. Cup. After a thriller on Saturday against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League Final, he finally achieved greatness.

Pouring ridiculous amounts of money into Chelsea has payed off for the Russian tycoon. The surprising note is the club has come under immense scrutiny due to their poor league play this season. Chelsea even failed to finish in the top 4, meaning had they not won the final on Saturday, they would have failed to qualify for the Champions League next season.

Still, the youthful and energetic Abramovich is on top of the world. His next challenges will be hiring a permanent coach for the club and determining the fate of his aging stars, including Didier Drogba.

Friday's 5 Thoughts

After another eventful week in sports and in the industry, I would be honored to start your day of right with five thoughts straight from yours truly. Away we go:

1. Hubba-Hubba Bubba! Bubba Watson took home the green jacket at the Masters last weekend. Is he actually at the top of the golf world to stay or will he wallow away?

2. Joe Vitt has been announced as the Saint's interim HC. Still, he is suspended the first six games of the season. Can we stop the bickering about the past and focus on the football? The NFL still expects to hand down disciplinary action to players for their role in the bounty program. Will all this Saints talk and suspensions overtake the yearly spectacle that is the NFL Draft?

3. The NHL playoffs are here and my oh my, overtime is the new black in the National Hockey League. So many exciting games and superb play. Can the playoffs maintain this level of excitement or will it eventually fizzle?

4. MLS expansion talk is heating up. The league, now at 19 teams, is looking to expand to the neat and tidy number of 20 and even beyond. MLS President Mark Abbott said the league expects another team in the New York market to be team number 20, while expansion in the southeast is likely for expansion beyond. But, who will pay the $100 million buy-in price for a second team in the New York market?

5. The NBA playoffs are right around the corner. Who is gearing for a run and who is in line to get run-over?

Ah, so many questions and mysteries. It's the beauty of sports that leaves us all guessing. Think I missed something or want to throw in your thoughts? Tell me in the comments section and perhaps I will even weigh-in.

The Gregg Williams Fiasco

Gregg Williams has been suspended indefinitely for his role as orchestrator of a bounty program when he was the Saints' Defensive Coordinator. Roger Goodell, the NFL's man-in-charge, handed down the suspension but has said he will review the matter at the end of the season. Essentially, Goodell has suspended Williams for the season and will decide if he wants to bring Williams back next season.

At the tail end of last week, an audio recording of Williams talking to his defense the night prior to the Saint's loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs was released. In this recording, Williams is brutal. He makes references to injuring specific players on the 49ers, using heinous phrases and sickening remarks.

We must, however, examine the context of these remarks and put them into perspective. As an everyday person, I found the audio recording to be disgusting. But, I am not an NFL athlete. Was this speech, on the eve of a massive playoff game, typical banter in NFL locker rooms? Did Williams cross-the-line or was he behaving in a similar to other coaches? I do not have the answers, however, almost every former NFL great has been asked for their opinion on the matter.

On ESPN's First Take, Cardinals kicker Jay Feely argued the league is coming down too heavily on Williams and that, while he crossed the line in his speech, this is common talk amongst coaches in NFL locker rooms. Just today, former NFL quarterback Fran Tarkenton told ESPN radio in Chicago that Williams should never be allowed to coach in the NFL again.

Still, the jury is out. Williams has been mum on the subject, apparently cooperating with the league office. Perhaps Williams' best strategy at this point. may be to look to the UFL for employment.

Internship Round-Up

As an ongoing theme, we will frequently be posting information on advertised internship opportunities available throughout the country. Whether you're a college student seeking a way to spend your summer or you're perusing for what companies are looking for in future interns, this is your stop for an internship round-up and highlights of the top opportunities. Grab hold of your seat and here we go:

MLS
New York Red Bulls - Coach Operations and Management Intern, Summer 2012 (Harrison, NJ)
Is coaching up your alley? How about coaching soccer? If you answered yes to either question, consider this opportunity. You'll be working with the coaches of the New York Red Bulls Training Programs to assist in day-to-day operations.

NHL
New Jersey Devils - Summer 2012 Internships (Newark, NJ)
Here's your chance to gain experience within an outstanding professional organization in one of the top hockey arenas in the country. Pardon my Devils bias, but putting this feather in your cap could be the difference between a great internship experience and a poor one.

NFL
Dallas Cowboys - Cheerleading Intern (Irving, TX)
Alright gents, this one's for you. Never thought you'd see an internship like this, huh? The likelihood they hire a male is probably low, but there's no harm in trying!

Continue browsing sports job sites for more internship opportunities and check back next week for another round-up of the most notable opportunities.

A Discussion with Andrew Brandt - Archived Video

A month ago (from yesterday, to be exact), former Green Bay Packers VP, Andrew Brandt, came to Drexel University to share his past experiences in the industry and offer advice to current Sport Management students.

For those unable to attend the event or for those wishing to view it again, we're pleased to announce that the link to the recorded lecture is now live. 

Please follow the link below to re-experience A Discussion with Andrew Brandt:

http://rmcp.dcollege.net/embed/player.swf?file=http://rmcp.dcollege.net/playlists/22880/227426.flv