What is a career in sports? PC Business hosts a sports industry roundtable
In collaboration with Providence College’s Graduate Admissions office, PC Business hosted Chris Starck and Sarah McKenna ’96 for a virtual Sports Industry Roundtable on March 3. Moderated by Nicolas Lorgnier, Ph.D., MS in Sports Administration faculty director, the insightful discussion examined careers in the sports industry, transitioning into the field, and the impact of a Providence College degree.
McKenna, Chief Experience Officer with the Boston Red Sox, provided attendees with an overview of a typical day in her role, focusing on fan experience, event management, and collaboration with various departments across the organization. Her primary objective is to create repeat customers while maintaining the traditional atmosphere of Fenway Park and attracting new fans.
Conversely, Starck focuses on developing and maintaining critical partnerships for Kraft Sports + Entertainment as Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships. “Like Sarah’s role in creating repeat customers, my role is to establish repeat partners,” Starck explained, highlighting the parallels between their respective responsibilities. He oversees existing partnerships while cultivating new ones across football, soccer, and their venue, Gillette Stadium.
Both guests shared valuable advice for aspiring professionals in the sports industry. “One thing I tell students and candidates is that there are two things we can’t control – work ethic and attitude,” Starck noted. “I can’t teach someone to care about the person next to them or to take pride in their work.”
McKenna agreed and added, “If you have the chance to work somewhere, even if it’s in concessions or as event staff, those are good opportunities to seize. Many young people are overly focused on specific internships but often overlook the numerous roles in the industry where daily performance is noticed.”
An audience member asked Sarah how her Providence College experience set her up for success. She responded, “I always sought to live in the moment and make the most of my time at Providence. Whether in the classroom or outside, I aimed to fully engage and absorb everything.” Starck also added a reminder to all students of the networking experience they could gain at PC due to the strong athletics presence in the college athletics industry.
This fall, Providence College will welcome its first class in the online MS in Sports Administration. This AACSB accredited School of Business program will support mid-career professionals in the sports industry seeking to advance their careers. The program will emphasize real-world experiences and focus on future trends in the sports industry, such as analytics and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL).
