Tournament of Roses - Rose Bowl Game

“Having an opportunity to sit in on operations meetings and get a first-hand view of how one of the largest sports events in the county is run, was very valuable for me. John has been an amazing mentor to me, and has given me valuable insight on how to get my resume from the big pile to the small pile.”

“When given the opportunity to walk around and attend the 2026 Rose Bowl Game it felt like I was at home. This mentorship program really nailed in exactly what I want to do with my career for years to come, and allowed me to see how my skill set will transfer over to the sports industry.“

“My favorite part had to be being able to help and participate in game week activities. The hands-on experience was enjoyable and educational as well.”

“My biggest takeaway was how important communication is for big events like the Rose Bowl. Keeping everyone on the same page from the media, to the police, to the interns :) was something I really took notice of its importance.“

“My favorite part of the mentorship was hanging out with the team coordinators while the teams were there was so much fun. They shared a lot about their experience and just spoke to how the team and production of the Rose Bowl changed over the years. But, honestly, there was no part that I didn't like. Probably the greatest weekend of my life!”

“Seeing the Rose Bowl go from a team of about 8-10 people through the year and slowly building to a team of hundreds was just really cool to see. Gave me hope and insight into all the possibilities in sports of where I could end up.“

“My favorite part was the special connections made throughout the whole program. From my mentor herself, to the fellow mentees, and even outside connections from my mentor's team, the connections I was able to achieve are ones I will cherish in my career to come. It was such a blessing to have so much support, wisdom, and deep care from professionals that sincerely wanted the best for us mentees. The memory of the Rose Bowl Game itself is definitely a major highlight and core memory I will carry close to my heart forever.”

“My biggest takeaway from the experience overall has to be the true lessons I learned from simply going out of my comfort zone. I applied to the program with zero confidence and doubt in my abilities of achieving such an incredible opportunity. However, I was surprised not only with the opportunity of a lifetime itself but lifelong relationships and knowledge along the way that has led me to great success at a young age. This mentorship program has already opened so many doors for me, and if I did not take that first leap out of my comfort zone in the first place, I would not be where I am as a young woman growing a career in sports.“

“My favorite part of the mentorship was definitely being able to experience this with the group of mentees that were chosen. We all clicked really well with each other and became close real fast, and are all eager to keep working with each other in the future.”

“I always tell everyone that from the first moment the Rose Bowl Game Staff was in the meeting room together, I could instantly feel the strong bond and trust everyone had in each other.“

“Networking is so crucial for working in the sports industry and I feel as if I gained a lot of opportunities to network through the program.”

“My favorite part of the mentorship was being able to tour the rose bowl headquarters.”

“I loved my meeting with my mentor weekly and having that space to talk about my week and learn something from each meeting.”

“I was able to meet so many people and connect with them to see what their jobs entail and learn from them. I also learned how many jobs are in the sports industry that are not directly involved with a team which opened my eyes to all of the possible jobs I can look for.”

“My favorite part of the mentorship program was speaking with certain individuals who are in the shoes that I am pursuing to wear one day.”

“Nothing is new/different. Be who you are and respect yourself/whatever you represent. And don’t be afraid to speak up to someone, no matter the title. You just never know.”

“My favorite part was getting to observe the events, and work a little bit during game day!”

“Alot goes into planning and making events happen!”

“Like many of the football players and coaches had mentioned, the Rose Bowl Game staff was so hospitable and considerate.“

“I learned just how kind and compassionate people are in the sports industry. Everyone was so willing to talk to a young student like me and willing to let me ask how they got to where they are now and what advice they have for someone trying to pursue a career in media or sports.”

“My favorite part of this mentorship was the consistency and the people. From the beginning, I felt immediately accepted and comfortable amongst the RBG staff, the other mentees, and others who I had met through the mentorship.”

“My biggest takeaway from the overall experience is to never be satisfied, go after things you want with a passion, and that relationships are immensely valuable in professional and personal life.”

“Gaining experience in sports matters more than your major/what you are studying.”

“My mentor gave me so much confidence and connected me with amazing people.”

“Networking is the best thing you can do to get into the sports industry. It is all about knowing people and putting yourself out there.”

“I learned about a graduate program which I wouldn't have known about if I didn't have this experience.

“This opportunity showed me how important networking is.”

“The biggest takeaway was being able to see that having the right attitude and willingness to learn and/or be coached can sometimes go farther than any education that one may have.”

“A takeaway for me was that no matter how long you have done something and how prepared you think you may be, something new will always pop up. It is in those situations that having a team who understands the need to be flexible at times and buys into the organizations culture where success is made.”

“One of my favorite moments was meeting a college sports broadcaster and getting to learn more about his routine and how to improve at my craft.”

“My other favorite part of the program were the relationships I formed. The laid back but professional setting of the program allowed me to grow in confidence and feel at home. The other mentees were wonderful and driven people, and I found it nice to in a league with those who are pursuing a similar industry.”

“The piece of advice that resonated with me most was regarding developing confidence in entry-level positions. Both my mentors echoed the value of seeing myself as someone who will soon hold decision-making positions in an organization. Instead of being intimidated by the title of superiors, I should curiously evaluate their leadership style - helping me determine what kind of leader I'd like to be once I assume that position.”

“From a personal enjoyment standpoint, the week leading into the Rose Bowl is difficult to beat. Having the unique privilege to attend those various events capped off the mentorship with an experience I'll always remember.”