One of our global ambassadors has been looking back on the recent 2023 GIS New York Global Sports Summit.
The summit saw students gather in the United States, and enjoy a week of networking with sports industry professionals, travelling and seeing the best of what New York and New Jersey had to offer.
Bernard Chalk was one of the global ambassadors who attended the summit.
He said: “The summit was a great way to gain insight into the industry, learn from some of the biggest names in American sport and to network with other young professionals who share my passion for sports.
“One of the key takeaways from the summit was the importance of networking. As a young professional in the sports industry, networking is crucial for building connections and opening doors for future career opportunities.
“Attending events like the Global Sports Summit allows us to meet people who can offer valuable advice and insight into the industry, as well as create lasting relationships with other professionals in the field.
“One of the highlights of the Global Sports Summit was the incredible line-up of speakers, who shared their expertise and insights with us.
“We were lucky enough to have the summit hosted by Mark Clemmit, a renowned BBC Sports presenter who has covered major sporting events all over the world. His knowledge and experience in the industry were invaluable, and it was a pleasure to learn from him.
“The speakers at the summit included industry leaders like:
- Nelson Rodríguez, Chief of Staff at the Commissioner’s Office of Major League Soccer
- GIS alumna Shanna Ellis, Senior Coordinator of Operations at Major League Soccer
- Sean McCafferty, Academy Director at the NY Red Bulls
“These individuals shared their experiences and knowledge with us, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of the sports industry.
“The opportunity to hear from and network with such high-profile individuals was an incredible experience.
“It was a reminder that networking is not just about making connections, but also about learning from those who have already achieved success in our chosen field.
“Networking can also help us to gain access to job opportunities that we may not have been aware of otherwise.
“By attending events like this summit, we can make connections with people who can offer us internships or job openings, and who can put us in touch with others who may be able to help us further our careers.
“In addition to the networking opportunities, the trip to New York City allowed us to experience a new culture and a different side to the sports industry.
“New York is home to some of the biggest and most iconic sports teams in the world, and visiting the city allowed us to see how sports are an integral part of the culture and economy of the city.
“Attending live sports events and stadium tours gave us a behind-the-scenes look at how sports teams operate, and allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of the industry.
“We were able to see the passion and dedication that goes into running a successful sports team, and to gain a new appreciation for the role that sports play in our lives.
“Overall, the trip to New York City was an incredible experience that allowed us to learn from some of the best in the industry, and to gain valuable insights into the world of sports.
“It was a reminder that as young professionals, networking and experiencing new cultures can help us to take our careers to the next level, and to achieve our goals in the industry.”
To find out more about the upcoming Global Sports Summits in Toronto and Melbourne, click here.
