On November 4th, I was fortunate enough to attend a Business Day Field trip to MetLife stadium, and take a behind the scenes tour of MetLife stadium and the Jets facility.
MetLife Business Day was truly an inspiring and unforgettable experience. It opened my eyes to a new perspective that helped me better understand the professional world and sports management. The moment I walked into the stadium, I knew that I would gain a network of business connections and meet motivating people. One of the many highlights I got out of this day included being able to view different types of suites for games and hotel stays, as well as the player locker rooms. It was amazing to think how much detail and professionalism went into creating this beautiful space. Seeing how everything was run behind the scenes helped me have a better understanding of the business aspect in sports on a whole different level.
During this trip, I met professionals who love their job and gave my peers and I wonderful advice.Talking to them helped me realize that no matter how old you are, building relationships is important. One of the professionals I met said, “Even if you don’t want to work in this field right now, you never know who might know someone who can help you in the future, therefore if you are leaving today with no e-mails or any connections since you arrived, start now because you are never too young”. This stuck with me. What that really meant to me was that every interaction and connection I have with someone can possibly lead to bigger opportunities later on.
Another important takeaway was the value of perseverance and passion. One of the speakers had reminded me about having perseverance and passion when she had said, “You will eventually succeed if you don’t give up and are passionate about what you do, so do not let anyone’s doubts make you change what you think is best for you.” This quote resonated with me. I realized that success isn’t all about talent, it’s all about effort and consistency. And of course, recognizing the mindset you need to carry on, even when situations feel tough.
Lastly, I learned the importance of gaining early experiences. “Take advantage of those internships, even if they aren’t compensated, the experience you gain is invaluable.” That encouraged me to be very open toward opportunities which might not pay in the beginning but can teach me skills in the long run.
The overall takeaway from my Business Day trip was lessons that extended beyond textbooks. It was an illustration of how networking is key, persistence pays off, and experience is the key to success. I leave this day inspired, motivated and ready to start my future now, because, as I learned, it is never too early to begin your networking journey.
