In the fast-paced world of collegiate sports sales, the transition from the classroom to the working world is a pivotal leap.
Courtney Norris, a senior studying entertainment management is equipping herself for a career in sports sales. In December 2023, she not only participated in, but emerged as a top 100 competitor in the Ticket Sales division of the National Collegiate Sports Sales Championship (NCSSC) virtual round competition.
A stepping stone into the professional sphere
The NCSSC draws hundreds of students from across the nation. It offers students an opportunity to showcase sports sales skills in a competitive format.
Coordinated by Baylor University, the NCSSC is aligned with the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena. Participants compete in virtual role-playing challenges during the fall. Success in this phase leads to the spring national conference in Atlanta.
For the College of Business and MSU, participation in the NCSSC is important. It is a unique opportunity for students like Norris to exhibit their skills in sports sales and elevate the university’s visibility on a national stage.
“This competition is an opportunity for students to land a job in sports sales through their performance in sales role play,” said Norris, who will head to Atlanta in February. “In addition, students get to network with working professionals in the sports industry.”
Thanks to her participation, Norris said she has established connections with prominent sports teams in the industry.
“After the results [of the virtual round] were posted on LinkedIn, I’ve been in contact with many teams, such as the Chicago Blackhawks, New Jersey Devils, Brooklyn Nets, Pittsburgh Pirates and Atlanta Hawks.”