What’s a financial analyst at Barclay’s to do with a passion for sports management? Get a master’s from SPS.
At SPS, Angela…
- Built on her analytical foundation
- Pursued a passion for sports management
- Took courses in venue strategies, digital media and revenue analytics
- Got an internship with the US Olympic Committee
- Pivoted into the job she always wanted: Business Intelligence Manager, Madison Square Garden
You grew up in China, were educated in London and worked as an analyst at Barclay’s. How did you end up marketing sports at Madison Square Garden?
I was a sports fanatic but hopeless at athletics myself. I picked up tennis casually and started following the game. In England, Wimbledon is a sacred place. So, I got involved in tennis journalism and witnessed the development of Chinese tennis. My focus in the UK was my job in portfolio management, but I never lost my connection with sports.
What drew you to the Sports Management Program at Columbia SPS?
Vince Gennaro convinced me with his vision for the program. It’s relevant, practical and tailored to what the industry needs now. Another key advantage is the unparalleled industry connections. I got my executive internship with the US Olympic Committee who targets our program. Then, of course, there’s New York!
How did the Sports Management Program get you ready to make your dramatic career pivot?
The program at SPS gave me lots of areas to specialize in. You can go the analytics route, the digital media route or venue management. I built on my analytic background and made a bold move to go into the industry I always wanted to pursue.
