Self Assessment & Career Goals

My SMART Goals

Goal: Brand Manager / Associate Marketing Cordinator (Ambassador & NIL)

  • Specific: Secure a role as a Brand Manager or Associate Marketing Coordinator for an ambassador/NIL team at a sports or lifestyle brand. I will focus on companies that prioritize athlete partnerships and brand storytelling.

  • Measurable: Complete a course or certification in digital marketing analytics to better understand campaign ROI, and I will create a mock partnership proposal for a brand and a specific athlete by January 2026. Additionally, I will conduct informational interviews with at least three professionals in similar roles to learn about their day-to-day responsibilities.

  • Attainable: My graduate coursework provides a strong foundation in both marketing and brand management. My existing experience in partnerships and events, coupled with my proactive networking plan, will make me a competitive candidate.

  • Relevant: This combines my interest in brand building, relationship management, and the dynamic NIL space, creating a career path that aligns perfectly with my professional philosophy.

  • Time-bound: I will begin actively seeking and applying for these positions by January 2026, with the goal of securing a role by the beginning of the summer of 2026.

Goal: Community Impact & Program Management

  • Specific: Secure a role as a Program Manager or Community Engagement Coordinator at a non-profit organization that uses sports for social impact. Leverage my skills to assist in event coordination, program execution, and brand partnerships.

  • Measurable: Volunteer at one community event with a local sports non-profit, and I will submit a minimum of 10 applications for relevant positions on non-profit-specific job boards by January 2026.

  • Attainable: My graduate coursework and prior experience in event management and partnerships are directly transferable to this field. My commitment to community impact will be a key differentiator.

  • Relevant: It aligns my desire for a purpose-driven career with my skills in sports management, allowing me to directly make a positive impact on communities.

  • Time-bound: I will begin actively seeking and applying for these positions in January 2026, with the goal of securing a role by the beginning of the summer of 2026.

Skill Development & Growth

For a Career in Community Impact & Program Management

  • Challenge 1: Proving Meaningful Impact - I want my work to make a real difference. The challenge is to prove that my efforts are creating lasting impact, not just doing good work.

  • My Strategic Action Plan:

    • Measure What Matters: Learn how to document the effectiveness of community programs.

    • Document the Narrative: Learn how to capture and share the stories and testimonials from those who have been positively impacted by a program to tell a complete and compelling story.

For a Career in Brand Management & NIL

  • Challenge 2: Navigating a Competitive, Relationship-Driven Market - The sports industry job market, especially in NIL, is highly competitive and built on networks. To overcome this, I’ve taken a proactive approach.

  • My Strategic Action Plan:

    • Build Key Relationships: Conduct at least three informational interviews with professionals in the brand partnerships and NIL space by January 2026. I will ask about their career path, how they got their start, and how they stay current on industry trends. Leverage my network!

    • Stay Current: I will regularly engage with industry publications like Sports Business Journal/Front Office Sports, podcasts, and NIL 411 (Slack made by Tariq Ahmad) to stay informed on the evolving NIL landscape, demonstrating my commitment and expertise.