Where do you currently work?
Since graduating from the MASAA program at Gonzaga, I’ve taken on a few new roles in the University of Detroit Mercy Department of Athletics, including my new position of Director of Athletic Marketing & Promotions, where I am responsible for all of the branding, marketing, graphic design and corporate sales for the Titans 19 Division I athletic programs. I also serve as the sport supervisor for six teams and a senior member of the strategic planning team.
Before graduating I spent three years as the Director of Athletic Communications and External Branding with the Titans, where I was responsible for all of the media relations for 19 sports, while handling the day-to-day operation of the communications office, budget and website.
In your current position, what skills or strategies do you use that you learned from the MASAA program?
Planning, planning and planning. The process of being able to plan for events, whether it’s Homecoming or a White Out has been the one skill from the MASAA program that I use everyday. You never realize how important planning is until you host your first event and start noticing everything that you forgot to do; and most of the time everything you forgot was something small. I also use the problem-solving skills while managing six teams and the marketing knowledge while running he day-to-day operations in the marketing office. But planning – at least right now – stands out as the skill I use the most.
What would you say to someone considering the MASAA online program?
Don’t hesitate to ask questions, and not just of the professors. There is a lot of knowledge among the 20+ cohorts in the program and each one is capable of helping you succeed. There are a lot of group assignments, so don’t shy away from joining other groups. The more groups your with over time will help you in the long run. The last piece of advice is to always do more than expected – except the final video presentation – to show that you’re there to learn and not just do the basics to get by.
Jeremiah Hergott, Alumnus 2015