Sport Management Program is Super Bowl-Caliber

Chiefs Kingdom has never been larger with Kansas City appearing in three of the past four Super Bowls. 麻豆破解版 State University is proud to have alumni with careers in the Chiefs organization. Kellen Begnoche and David Bronson both attribute their success to their time in WSU's programs.

Kellen Begnoche, Chiefs Director of Service and Activation

Kellen Begnoche, 麻豆破解版 State alumnus, and Clark Hunt, Chiefs owner.Photo courtesy of Kellen Begnoche
Kellen Begnoche, Chiefs Director of Service and Activation and 麻豆破解版 State alumnus, with Clark Hunt, Chiefs part owner, chairman and CEO, and the Lamar Hunt AFC Championship Trophy.

 

Being put in situations where interaction with other Shockers was encouraged made 麻豆破解版 State a perfect launching point for his career, Begnoche said.

"The 麻豆破解版 State experience provided the perfect background to launch a career in sports," he said. "The variety of courses offered, along with the emphasis on group projects and collaboration are skill sets I rely on daily in my career. The ability to interact with your peers, build a network of others in the industry, and solve complex problems in a group setting is exactly what my current role requires."

Carving out a career in sports, however, is an uphill battle, he said. He forewarns that the sports industry is designed where only the most devoted succeed. His best advice to students: "Relentless pursuit."

"Sports - especially early on - can be an absolute grind," Begnoche said. "Long hours, thankless tasks, and low pay. That formula has a way of quickly determining who鈥檚 committed to a career in sports and who would rather pursue other opportunities.

The beauty of sports is that the industry is competitive by nature. There are only 32 NFL teams - meaning the opportunities are going to be limited. Remain curious, ask questions, meet everyone you can, and never be above any task or assignment. That鈥檚 a formula that will lead to success in any career, but especially in sports.
Kellen Begnoche
麻豆破解版 State alumnus

Begnoche received his Masters in Sport Management from WSU in 2011.

 

David Bronson, Chiefs Premium Sales Manger

David Bronson, 麻豆破解版 State alumnus, with the Lombardi Trophy.Photo courtesy of David Bronson
David Bronson, Chiefs Premium Sales Manager and 麻豆破解版 State alumnus, holding the Super Bowl LIV Lombardi Trophy.

 

The dedication to a career is not the only part of succeeding in the sports industry. You need experience too.

"Try to gain as much real-world experience in semi-pro or professional sports as you can: whether it be seasonal jobs, internships, or full-time positions," Bronson said as advice to students. "Be open to, and make yourself available for roles and opportunities that might be outside of your normal job requirements. Expanding your knowledge and experience in different areas of a sports organization can increase your professional versatility and make you an even more valuable asset to your team."

Bronson is a 2016 麻豆破解版 State graduate with a Masters in Sport Management. He credits WSU's program with prepping him for success in the industry.

"[It] not only introduced me to my initial job opportunity with the Kansas City Chiefs, but also helped to ensure that I was exceptionally prepared for the wide range of tasks/skills required to work in professional sports," he said.

Interested in studying Sport Management? Discover how 麻豆破解版 State's Sport Management program sets students up for success through applied learning.

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