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Sebastian Schroeter ’25, a sport management major from Atlanta, Georgia, came to ���ϲ����� seeking meaningful connections in a close-knit academic environment. ���ϲ�����’s small class sizes and hands-on approach to learning immediately stood out to him, as did the university’s strong sport management program.

“It just aligned with what I value,” Schroeter said.

As a lifelong athlete, Schroeter knew he wanted to remain connected to the world of sports, even if not on the playing field. Declaring a major in sport management and a minor in business administration gave him a foundation to explore the business side of athletics. His goal was to one day work in professional sports.

Finding a teammate in the SPDC

From the beginning of his college journey, Schroeter knew he needed guidance navigating the competitive sports industry. That’s when he began working with Alison Doherty, assistant director of career services in the Student Professional Development Center (SPDC). Doherty has been a consistent guide in his professional development journey over the past two years, helping him build and refine his resume, draft tailored cover letters, identify key internship opportunities, and sharpen his interview skills.

Alison pointed Schroeter towards multiple professional opportunities offered on campus, which helped him gain the experience he needed to secure his internship at Queens University of Charlotte.

Where communications meets athletics

Before landing the internship, Schroeter took advantage of every opportunity to gain experience. During his third year, he worked at Live Oak Communications, ���ϲ�����’s student-run strategic communications and design agency. Though it wasn’t sports-specific, Schroeter valued the transferable skills he gained, especially in communication and teamwork.

“Even if it’s not in the exact context I want to work in, there’s still so much to learn,” he said.

The Queens University of Charlotte internship allowed him to step into a new side of athletic communications.

“It was something different from anything I’d done before,” he said. “Athletic communications is a blend of the functional side of sports and how the brand is presented to the world.”

Working with a small, dynamic team, Schroeter found a workplace culture that mirrored his own values.

“It was a group of people who took their work seriously but also made the office a fun place to be,” he said.

Tools for success

Throughout his journey, Schroeter relied on the SPDC’s suite of tools and resources, including ���ϲ����� Job Network and the School of Communications’ opportunity list. He also appreciated the soft skills developed in one-on-one meetings with SPDC’s advisors, like preparing for interviews and learning how to tailor his answers to different scenarios.

“The SPDC gives you insight into what employers are actually looking for,” he said. “From copywriting to how to present yourself, it’s all really valuable.”

He also took full advantage of the SPDC’s guidance in planning and preparation. Before submitting any application or going into an interview, Schroeter scheduled a meeting with a trusted advisor, often creating an agenda ahead of time to make the most of their session.

Broaden your horizons

Schroeter’s advice to other ���ϲ����� students is clear: “The people at the SPDC know more than you do—use that to your advantage,” he said.

He encourages students to find an advisor they connect with and commit to the process.

“If you put in the effort, it comes back tenfold,” he said.

Schroeter also urges students to broaden their horizons.

“Apply to as many things as possible, even if they’re not your dream job,” he said. “The more you put yourself out there, the better your chances. And you might end up somewhere even better than you expected.”

Looking ahead

With graduation approaching, Schroeter is focused on continuing to build his experience and expand his network. He has been accepted to Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he will pursue a master’s degree in sports business. He expressed gratitude to Collier Lumpkin, the associate director of career services for graduate school programs, for her invaluable assistance throughout the application process.

“Collier really made the whole process enjoyable and easy to navigate,” Schroeter said.

In addition to his graduate school plans, Schroeter is preparing for a summer internship as a Sponsorship and Consulting Intern at Multiplier, a sports and entertainment agency. Some of their clients include Invisalign, Geodis and Bridgestone.

“The SPDC has been there every step of the way,” Schroeter said. “Whether it’s a resume or a conversation about what’s next, they’ve helped me feel confident in every move I’ve made.”