CPASS grad Zachary Hillis recently shared his thoughts and insight on how College faculty positively impacted his transition from undergraduate to graduate school, as well as his shift into the WVU College of Business and Economics:
Sport management and related CPASS faculty members have provided me with the experiences and knowledge necessary to make the move from sport-related management into business management. Each of my professors throughout my undergraduate career constantly reminded me to always stay involved in internship-type experiences and volunteer opportunities to continuously build my resume and list of connections.
Our class assignments were influential in the transformation because they identified that all businesses and organizations, no matter the industry, must hire the right people, market and promote the service/product, balance and maintain a targeted budget while developing a culture and identity.
The College of Business and Economics desires students who have a passion for business and a different background in undergraduate study, such as sport management or athletic coaching. Students who are student-athletes or who have worked with collegiate, professional, or local sport organizations are attractive to those within the B & E because they are seen as having impeccable time management skills and experience in working with a variety of people.
Several faculty members have told me that a business-related emphasis or master’s degree in collaboration with a degree in the sports realm would highlight and exemplify a well-rounded individual for an employer.
Students may contact Zachary to discuss his experiences at CPASS or the College of B & E, zhillis@mix.wvu.edu.