Ellie Zabielski
Q&A
Q. Where are you employed? What is your Title?
Assistant Director of Promotions, Miami University Athletics
Q. What is your favorite part of your job?
The people that I get to meet and build connections with. I also work very closely with the student body and that is always fun to work
with motivated and enthusiastic people. I also love that no day is ever the same!
Q. What do you consider to be your most valuable contribution to your organization for which you work?
I think that I bring a new perspective to the Miami Athletic Department. Coming from a Big Ten school and going to a mid-major MAC school is
quite a difference. I push the limits a bit and my teammates/coworkers encourage it!
Q. Given your career path, where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I would like to be a Sports Administrator or Assistant AD at a D-1 University.
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. I would definitely recommend RST. The professors are amazing and really care about the students. I never felt like I was just one in a crowd of
hundreds. The program is also very practical, the 300 hours and senior internship requirement were some of the best experiences I had really made me
look at what I wanted to become.
b. Really take ownership of the 300 hours and senior internship. It can lead to amazing things and really helps to build a network for yourself.
c. Don't be afraid to shoot for the moon. Meaning, when job searching, don't be afraid to apply for the jobs you don’t think you are qualified for
because you never know what may happen. I have had several people ask ne how I got an internship with the Chicago Bears or how I got my current job...it was
because I tried for it. The interview process itself is beneficial even if you don’t get the job. You never now what an employer is looking for, so try for it!
You won't get an interview if you don't apply.
Q. Please add anything else that might be helpful.
Just because you are "Sport" or "Rec" or "Tourism" that doesn't mean you aren't qualified for other positions. I graduated in "Rec" but I work in Sport.
I think one thing that you need to keep in mind with this field is that it is not a 9-5 job. I often pull 12-14 hours days, work nights, work weekends...BUT I love it.
I can't imagine doing anything else. You just have to be willing to put in the effort.