Columbia University’s M.S. in Sports Management (SPRT) program recently hosted a high-energy networking event at Columbia’s Faculty House. The 11th Annual Elevator Pitch Event brought together a diverse group of leaders from different sectors of the sports business and more than 60 students to participate in activities designed to hone students’ networking and professional development skills. The event was a unique opportunity for students to connect with industry professionals and refine their personal branding skills.
“The Elevator Pitch Event has become a cornerstone of the program and one that is highly anticipated each year for students and industry leaders alike,” said Mary Scott, a career services specialist for the Sports Management program. “The energy in the room was palpable, and the students received incredible insights and advice.”
The esteemed group of professionals engaged with students in a speed-dating-like format. The students shared 60- to 90-second personal branding statements and received direct feedback. After several rounds of interacting with professionals with expertise in various specialties, the students perfected their pitches and made valuable connections.
"I’ve attended many networking events, but what stood out about this one was the opportunity to connect with nearly every industry leader in the room,” said Rohan Jain, a student in the program. “These short interactions—during which we shared a concise pitch about who we are, what we do, and what we’re seeking—created meaningful touchpoints to follow up on after the event.”
Industry leaders in attendance included:
- Silvia Alvarez, Major League Baseball Players Association
- Celeste Bell, New York Giants
- Kristen Condo, Fenway Sports Management
- Patrice Distler, National Hockey League
- Jenna Higueras, United States Tennis Association
- Stephanie King, Major League Soccer
- Jennifer Matthews, FanDuel
- Rob McQueen, Cisco
- DJ Merriman, Major League Soccer
- Brendan Moynihan, SportFive
- Christian Nyari, Apple
- Brian Smith, Octagon
- Brooke Steinberg, Excel Sports Management
- Matt Walker, Wasserman
- Brandon Williams, Fanatics
- Valerie Young, The Madison Square Garden Company
“You rarely have the opportunity to be in such an intimate environment with industry leaders who are there exclusively to listen to us,” said SPRT graduate student Aaron Sydney Janfaza. “By the end of the session, I felt so confident in my pitch and had a great sense of connection to my classmates whom I got to learn more about.”
The event was a resounding success, empowering students to build connections and gain industry knowledge. The skills developed from this experience will help propel them forward as they continue their career journeys in the sports industry
About the Program
The Columbia University M.S. in Sports Management provides students with a comprehensive curriculum and access to sports industry practitioners and influencers. Students acquire skills in areas such as entrepreneurship and innovation, global sports management, facility and event management, and sports law and ethics.
