“Everything we learned helped in real time.” Bryan agreed: “The skills I use every day—organization, time management, communication—I developed those in my sport management classes.” Tyler’s advice to students looking for internship experience was to make connections. “Use your network! Your professors are there to help you, and don’t want you to fail, so ask them what opportunities they know about.” Bryan’s advice was to not get overwhelmed by learning something new. “Take the time to learn the material; you’re investing in your career, so take some time to truly learn now.” Tyler is appreciative of Dr. Cebula for her support and helping him find the internship. Bryan is appreciative of Dr. Congelio for his lectures and for setting him up for success. As they approach graduation, Bryan and Tyler are looking forward to their next chapters. Tyler has accepted a sales position with ADP, and Bryan is pursuing college-level coaching. “These four years flew by. It’s still sinking in that we’re about to leave, but I would do it all over again,” said Tyler. BRYAN SHERRY When Bryan and Tyler crossed paths in a sport management class during their time at KU, they had no idea they would end up interning for the same company. Now seniors, the two friends are gaining hands-on experience with the Hurricane Junior Golf Tournament. Tyler, who chose KU for the sport management program and welcoming campus, took on a sales intern role at Hurricane Junior Golf Tour, which felt intimidating at first. In his role, Tyler would call families and students to sell the events and memberships to the company. “I didn’t start out as a strong salesman. The idea of picking up the phone and calling strangers was terrifying. But after making up to a hundred calls a day, I got more comfortable. It pushed me, and I could see my skills improving.” Bryan, a former KU football player, joined the Hurricane Junior Golf Tournament team as a hospitality and logistics intern. In his role, he would call hotels across the country to see if they’d partner with the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour and offer housing options for players and families during events. “I used to have phone anxiety, too. Now, with all the practice, my communication and organization skills have come a long way. I feel way more confident on calls.” Their sport management courses played a big role in getting them internship-ready. “Our classes really set us up for success,” said Tyler. TYLER SHEETS SPRING 2025 | 19
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