It is always a pleasure hearing of the many successes of our Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business alumni–and it’s even better when successful alumni return to enlighten current students on how to achieve success.
Late last month, Greg Van Sickler ’11 returned to the Byrd School via webcam to give an inspirational lecture about the sports industry to the Introduction to Sport Management class. Van Sickler, a former baseball standout for the Hornets, has played professionally in Belgium and Australia. He now works as an executive sales account assistant for the Houston Astros.
Van Sickler focused on several salient points that led to his success in the sport industry. First, he urged students to “get comfortable being uncomfortable.” Everyone should reach out beyond their normal social circles and associate with different people. He encouraged students, once they have met new people, to take the time to ask them about what they do and how they got there.
Next, Van Sickler urged students to network, because “you never know who you will meet!” Each person you encounter is a potential lead toward getting the job you always wanted. “Word of mouth goes a lot further than a resume,” Van Sickler pointed out. An employee of a company could recommend you to their boss, boosting your chances of getting that coveted interview.
Van Sickler also talked about how to recognize opportunities when they are given to you — to seek new adventures and explore the world in order to get a global perspective on business — and to continue your quest for knowledge even when a formal education is complete.
Van Sickler’s lecture “was informative, timely and straight down the center in terms of articulating the importance of communication, relationships, work ethic and general requirements for the sport industry,” said Professor of Sport Management Fritz Polite, Ph.D. The Byrd School is grateful to have had this experienced alumnus share his sports successes with our students.