Tournament of Roses - Rose Bowl Game

“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.”