On May 6, 2018, I began my journey transitioning into adulthood as a 21-year-old by graduating and walking across the stage at Maryville University with my undergraduate degree. Throughout the last semester, the constant question that crossed my mind often was, “What should I do next with my Rawlings Sports Business Management degree?” Sports has always been my passion, so eventually starting a career in the sports business world would be a dream come true. However, before starting that career, the next goal of mine is to receive a master’s degree.

 

Why get a Master’s in Applied Arts and Sciences? In the sports business world today, employers are looking for innovative, creative, and adaptable people. My goal is to receive a master’s degree that is going to expand my learning especially in those areas. In our world today, technology is constantly changing at all workplaces daily. Businesses are looking for progressive people that are able to provide new ideas along with efficient solutions. I have been able to realize this because of the experiences I have had throughout college with internships and volunteer opportunities. I want to grow and expand in the area of my creative thinking skills so that I can become a more valuable asset when I begin my work in the workplace. The word adaptability also comes to mind when I think about my career going into sports. Being able to adapt to your surroundings has been a concept I have heard throughout my entire life. In college, there were a number of times where I had to adapt whether that involved my family moving twice during my 4 years in college, or even adapting to a new coach as a student-athlete. Responding to change is a must, and I know that the workplace is steadily changing. Learning how to be flexible and adapting happens over time, and I believe my experiences so far have allowed me to flourish. Although, I believe this master’s program can push me to establish the correct mindset when change becomes a factor.

 

Before starting my career, I want to put myself in a position to stand out from my peers when I begin to explore job opportunities. I plan to set myself a part in many ways. First, by earning a master’s degree. From what I have researched, the Applied Arts and Sciences program will challenge my creative thinking skills and interpersonal skills as well. In the business of sports, on a daily basis, I will most likely have to collaborate with different professionals from multiple departments. Not only will my master’s degree be a benefit starting out, but I will be an African-American woman interested and knowledgeable in the field. Throughout my years in my sports business undergrad program, I was normally one of maybe 2 or 3 girls in most classes. I know that women working in sports is not very common right now, however, the number of women in the field is growing and I want to be as qualified as possible while being a minority when beginning my career in sports.

 

Applying to the Applied Arts and Sciences Master’s program has been a very important process to me these last few weeks. After hearing about this program, I began to visualize all of the benefits it will provide alongside my Rawlings Sports Business Management degree. If I am fortunate enough to be accepted, then I will be one step closer to accomplishing my dream of having a career in sports. I believe this program will not only challenge me, but enhance and develop a number of skills that are essential for me to achieve great success in my chosen field.

 

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Maya Solomon