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Q&A by Dan Williams '16
To support the outreach efforts of the Ohio University Sports Administration Diversity Council, we will be conducting an interview series with diverse alums over the next few months as a recruiting tool to engage current and prospective students.
With a network of more than 1,400 alumni, the Ohio Sports Administration network possesses an expansive understanding of the sports industry. We have a feature series for marketing (Marketing Monday) and facilities operations (Facilities Friday). We like alliteration, and we also like sharing information so the newest addition to our lineup is Tuesday #TogetherAsOne Diversity Series.
We unveil this new series to honor diversity within our program & the industry as a whole. For the third post, we reconnect with Jose Duverge '11 to gain insights from his experience in the industry and how he used the program to launch a successful career...
As a recent graduate from OU, could you tell us a little about your roles since graduation?
My current role with the MLS and Soccer United Marketing (SUM) is to sell sponsorship inventory across several categories for each of the SUM properties (i.e. MLS, U.S. Soccer, Mexico National Team, and National Women's Soccer League [NWSL]).
What has it been like being a part of MLS/SUM thus far, especially after the league's re-brand?
It has been very exciting for me. I don't have a soccer background by any means, and I am still transitioning from the world of Ticket Sales, so there are definitely challenges as I focus on shortening the learning curve. That said, the growth of the sport has our sales team in a position to take advantage of the excitement around the buzz. Soccer in this country has arrived, and helping our partners benefit from it is our priority.
The MLS fanbase is in the desired demographic of 18-34 year olds, with a blend of the ever-growing Hispanic population. How do you see the Hispanic population contributing to the league's growth from a revenue perspective and a player development perspective?
The U.S. Hispanic population has and will continue to contribute to the growth of MLS a great deal. This demographic accounts for up to 1/3 of our fanbase, which makes a lot of sense considering the cultural attachment to the sport and the increasing population number in the U.S. Understanding that, our focus is to deepen our relationship, not only with the U.S. Hispanic, but with other demos such as the multicultural millenial, youth, and parents. They each play a significant role in the league's future.
How would you describe your experience at Ohio?
My experience in Ohio was great. Coming from Brooklyn, NY, the program exposed me to countless experiences that only prepared me for the work force- the good and the bad. In my short career, I can't put a price on how valuable my experience was.
What do you wish you had done more of during your time at the program?
If I could do it over again, I wish I would have taken more classes in general Marketing. Understanding the world of those whom I sit across (i.e. brand marketers, CMO's, etc.) is extremely valuable. Taking more classes in Marketing while at Ohio would have definitely helped.
Reach out to Jose on Twitter at @on_Duverge_of!
Why Choose Ohio University Sports Administration?
1. The Curriculum: The MBA/MSA combination
The two-year MBA/MSA program prepares students for leadership positions by combining the business teaching of the Ohio University MBA program with sport-specific knowledge during the MSA program. This degree combination recognizes the growing complexity of the sports, facility and entertainment industries, and reinforces Ohio University's commitment to preparing students for the leadership challenges of the future. SportBusiness International recently ranked the program the #1 American Postgraduate Sports Course.
The MBA phase of the program uses a problem-based learning style, immersing students in collaborative projects and working situations that are commonplace in the business world. Students learn basic business concepts in a real-life context, and develop skills in communication, collaboration and teamwork that are essential for success, while developing their ability to be creative, take initiative, and accept personal responsibility for their actions.
The MSA program combines classroom and practical experience to prepare individuals for leadership positions in the sport industry. An interdisciplinary approach gives students the freedom to choose courses of personal interest and build a foundation of knowledge in their desired career fields.
Click here to see more reasons to join our program!
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