CLARKSVILLE, TN − Skylar Hayes, an Austin Peay State University management student, recently turned a vision and a brief encounter at a networking event into a career-changing opportunity that secured her one of 11 spots in the Bud Adams internship program with the Tennessee Titans Foundation.
Hayes stood out among nearly 1,000 applicants, proving that in sports and business, preparation and opportunity are key.
“I knew I wanted to pursue a career in sports, so last year, I started considering how to apply my management degree in the industry,” she said.
In her junior year, Hayes was ready to seize the opportunity to advance her career after receiving an invitation from Austin Peay’s College of Business to attend a Nashville Business Journal Mentoring Monday event for the second time.
“Something just clicked this time,” she said. “I knew if I wanted something specific, it wouldn’t just happen. I was going to have to pursue it.”
The experience reminded her that it’s not just about what you know; it’s also about who you know. Every networking opportunity was a chance to get closer to her goal of working in sports – and this time, she had a game plan.
Hayes researched the prominent list of regional business leaders who would serve as mentors for the day. With resume in hand and elevator pitch polished, she scanned the crowd to introduce herself to Johari Matthews, vice president of the Titans Foundation and executive director of the ONE community program. It was her chance to make her aspirations known.
Matthews said Hayes’s preparation left a memorable impression.
“Personally, I had never encountered anyone like her, and I meet a lot of students,” Matthews said. “It showed three things – that she was serious about wanting to work together, that if given the opportunity she would be committed, and that she had thought through how to make her mark in the sports industry.”
Blueprint for career success
Hayes’ internship success shows students that classroom knowledge, paired with professional initiative, builds a solid foundation for their future.
Her key advice includes:
- Utilize faculty expertise – They are industry experts who can provide insight into your chosen field, including how to stand out. They are also well-connected and may be able to introduce you to industry leaders.
- Advocate for opportunities – There are many ways to get involved in class, on campus, or in the community. Share interests and aspirations with peers and faculty and inquire about events and organizations that will help you establish experience. Say yes early and often to opportunities from the college, organization, or networking events. You never know what opportunity or conversation will help you pursue your dream career.
For Hayes, the attention to detail in her preparation paid off. The Titans Foundation’s commitment to community engagement aligned with her professional aspirations, and she hopes to continue her work with the organization while inspiring others to action in their careers.