On February 17, the Rice University Sport Business Alliance (RUSBA) held an event at St. Arnold’s Brewery that served as both a networking event for sport industry professionals and a signing ceremony for the Class of 2016 Sport Management majors.
Enjoying food catered by Chipotle Mexican Grill and drinks provided by St. Arnold’s Brewery, Sport Management students mingled with around 40 sport industry professionals from across the city. In such a casual environment, students were able to speak with professionals from local teams, such as the Astros, Texans, and Rockets, and obtain valuable advice for entering the sport industry and securing internships.
The Department of Sport Management has hosted both events separately in the past. This was the third year in a row RUSBA has hosted its mixer for professionals in the sports industry, and the signing ceremony for students declaring their Sport Management major is usually held in the Trauber Suite at Tudor Field House.
“It is always fun to be able to bring together our current students, alumni, and industry professionals into a casual environment,” said Dr. Clark Haptonstall, Chair of the Department of Sport Management. “It allows for us all to catch-up and also network with new contacts. Everyone also enjoyed meeting the Class of 2016 and seeing them sign their paperwork to officially declare Sport Management as their major.”
Justin Wolin ’15, President of RUSBA, described the mixer as not only an opportunity for students to meet professionals, but also for professionals to become more familiar with the Sport Management Department at Rice University.
“I think combining the ceremony and networking event has been great,” Wolin said. “It was a chance for sport industry professionals to really see what Sport Management does, and how we go above and beyond for our students.”
Molly Mohr ’15, a junior from San Antonio, is majoring in Sport Management and English and minoring in Business.