April 23, 2010
By Craig Martin
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Inside the club lounge at Bright House Networks Stadium's Roth Tower, UCF Athletics interns, graduate assistants, student-athletes and students in the Sports Business Management program all gathered to gain valuable knowledge regarding intercollegiate athletics.
The UCF Intercollegiate Athletics Forum took place Friday afternoon on April 23, 2010 and featured Athletics Director Keith Tribble, Senior Associate AD for Student Services Jessica Reo, Senior AD for Internal Operations David Hansen, Assistant AD Ticket Sales and Operations Phil Ashler, Assistant AD for Development Maura Murphy and Assistant AD for Marketing and Promotions RaeLynn McAfee.
The forum covered everything from day-to-day operations of an Athletic Director to major issues facing students coming into the work force such as gender issues and life outside of work. Students were encouraged to ask questions. It was a great chance for students to get an "inside look" into the world of college athletics and also a time for UCF's administrators to help mentor the next wave of sports managers. Students asked questions such as what their likes and dislikes of their current position are, what they look for on resumes and what was more important - a graduate degree or experience.
Tribble stressed the importance obtaining a post-graduate degree and making sure it's in something you love. The panel agreed that experience was one of the most important things in not only hiring someone but finding what you like to do. The UCF administrators shared stories about their aspirations coming out of college and how much they have changed.
This was the first time the event had ever been held at UCF but Assistant Director of Facilities and Operations Marcus Attles says it will not be the last. He hopes to turn it into a yearly event and to continue to expand on the panel, bringing in executes from all different sports and positions. As Assistant Director, he says he is continually asked questions about becoming an athletic director or what the best way to get in the sports field. So, he organized this event "to build and educate the future leaders of intercollegiate athletics."