Sara Nelson
Q&A
Q. Where are you employed? What is your Title?
North America Sports, Inc.–Assistant Event Manager
Q. What is your favorite part of your job?
NA Sports is a small organization that produces Ironman Triathlons in North America. I get to travel around the continent with a great team.
Without the team we have these events would not be what they are—I work with some amazing people.
Q. What do you consider to be your most valuable contribution to your organization for which you work?
Vast amount of knowledge in a various areas. I am considered the "go to girl" in the organization. I can answer basically any
questions about any aspect of our events.
Q. Given your career path, where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I don't think that I will be producing events and travelling. I love the industry and truly enjoy producing events. Travelling the
amount that we do has begun to take its toll on me after only 2 years. I am currently considering going back to school for either my degree
in education or in leisure studies.
Q. Do you have any words of advice/recommendations? a. for undergrads still searching for a major-would
you recommend RST and why?, b. for the undergrads currently in the program c. for the senior currently looking for his/her
first position.
a. RST is a fantastic major. The industry is exciting and changing dramatically. The college is small and allows for great relationships to
develop between faculty and the students while still attending a large University. The opportunities from this major are extremely diverse which gives
students who may not be 100% set on one type of career a lot of wiggle room to feel out different job opportunities. Plus it is fun.
b. Take it seriously, even 100 and 200 level courses are relevant; really take projects and group work seriously in your upper level courses. The more you put
into this major the more you will get out of it—as with anything in life.
c. Be open minded; your internship or first job is NOT the end all be all. I started out as an intern and I am doing things now that I never imagined. I have
been given a lot of opportunities to take my ideas and run with them. Take things as they come. I truly believe you should wake up every morning excited about
going to work—life is too short to be miserable from 9-5 Monday through Friday..
Q. Please add anything else that might be helpful.
No job or major is perfect. Your attitude toward what you do plays a large part in being successful. Don't graduate and expect to be rolling in the
cash. This industry is all about 'paying your dues'. That being said, I have not come across anyone in the industry that doesn’t want to have fun—that's what
this major is all about; providing recreation, sport, vacations, leisure etc. to the public. Remember to always throw a smile on your face!
Hard work never goes unnoticed; and you will open a lot of doors for yourself if you demonstrate hard work day in and day out.