Name: Jessica Geymayr Major: Sport Management (B.S. '15)
What is your current job title? What does the position entail?
I currently work for the Denver Broncos as their Partnership Activation Coordinator. My job entails working with our official sponsors and executing the details of their contracts. All game day and off-season activations that you see happening behind the scenes, we plan and arrange. The type of clients I work with can range from Fortune 500 national companies to local Colorado businesses. What is your favorite memory from your time as an FSU COE student? My best memory by far was the time I worked with our Florida State Football Athletic Department. I worked with Events and Facilities for just over two years and was a part of bringing home a National Championship. The internship opportunities, jobs, involvement level, and invaluable experiences I had were all thanks to the Sport Management Department's help and advice.
What do you love about the FSU COE? Why did you choose the FSU COE?
When I first came to Florida State, I had declared a different major. After attending welcome week, I realized Sport Management was an option and instantly felt a connection. I knew I needed to explore the possibility and ultimately declare this as my future major and path for college. The Sport Management program through the College of Education gave me the tools needed to gain the opportunity to interview and intern for two different NFL teams, where I ultimately received a full time job. I would not have wanted to be a part of any other program!
What advice do you have for future FSU COE students?
Always hold yourself to a higher standard. Think of every day as an opportunity to leave your personal impression. Keep in the back of your mind what you say, how you act, and what you post on social media. You may not think these things matter, but these are all first impressions of how professionals see you and will critique your work ethic. Know your worth, and live up to it!
What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishments (personally and/or professionally)?
My initial internship was with a small NFL Combine Training Facility in Delray Beach, Florida. XPE Sports was an up-and-coming training center for football players heading to Indianapolis to show off their skills for the NFL Combine. My greatest stepping stone was cold-calling the owner and asking if he had a place for me at his facility. I had no prior experience, and was just trying to figure out my way into the industry. Tony Villani took me under his wing and showed me what it was like to work in a professional setting. We definitely grew together. Six years later with almost quadruple the client base, Tony now has one of the most successful NFL Combine Training Facilities in all of the U.S. Looking back, both personally and professionally, this was the door that opened up a number of other opportunities. Always remember where you started.
What is something interesting that not many people know about you?
With all my internships and entry-level positions throughout college along with my first year out in the real world, I moved 14 times! Back and forth from Tallahassee, Florida to Tampa, Florida when I worked for the Buccaneers, and then to Washington, D.C. to work for the Redskins. After graduation, I moved to and from New York City while working with Roc Nation/Roc Nation Sports, and now, (hopefully for the last time) I have moved to Denver, Colorado.
Anything else you would like to add?
When you first start trying to get your foot in the door of the sports industry, it can feel quite discouraging. Don't give up! Use your resources. There are many assets that students of the Sport Management program can take advantage of, such as the Sport Management Student Association, which helps members visit sports facilities and network with industry professionals. When I was President of SMSA, I was able to watch the members truly realize why they loved the sports industry.
