Erika Dy has a J.D. and serves as the Assistant Athletic Director of Operations at the Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines, in addition to sitting on the Board of Management Directors of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines. But she wanted to deepen her expertise and expand her skills even further, and in 2020, she enrolled in Columbia University's Sports Management master's program to do just that. Dy says that the program has so far exposed her to different focus areas in the sports industry and has helped her to identify which ones she should focus on to better align her strengths and passions.
Why did you decide to apply for the Sports Management master’s program at Columbia?
I had been working in the sports industry for a couple of years, but to be more serious about my contributions, I thought it was time to get an education and degree in the field.
How has your experience at Columbia been?
My experience so far has been great. Going back to school and learning about today’s trends was a very attractive notion to me, so I grabbed it when the opportunity arose. There is an extensive line-up of professors and subject matters they teach. You cannot take enough classes here. There is much to learn and many people to get to know and interact with. One of the areas in sports I've been more exposed to right now is the area of revenue strategies - specifically, how sports entities monetize, and how to use analytics to maximize those revenue streams further. I wish I could take more electives on the subject, but right now I am just trying to practice what I have learned and at the same time I keep reading on the topic for any new trends.
What has been the most impactful part of the program?
The mix of people in my cohort alone is already a rich resource. The history of the school is also a great asset. Just walking around campus gives you the chills, knowing that so many people who have made great contributions to society in their respective fields have roamed the same grounds.
Learn more about Columbia's Sports Management master's program.
Editor's Note: Updates (1/24/2024)
- Dy currently works as a Legal Commission Chairwoman at the FIBA and is also a Deputy Event Director at the Local Organizing Committee of the FBWC23 in the Philippines.
- Dy was one of the guest speakers in the second edition of The Business of Football by MMC Sportz, held on November 10th, 2023.
