<p><span class="p-body">Designed for busy professionals, the&nbsp;<a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-global-sport.html" title="Master of Science in Global Sport">MS in Global Sport</a>&nbsp;program is online with in-person networking opportunities baked in. Caroline Kasper is a graduate of the program who has carved an impressive path in the sports industry. She began in 2019 and expected to complete the four one-week residencies in NYC and abroad without a hitch. However, the world shut down in 2020 only weeks after her second residency in Tokyo. Despite this setback, she completed the program and earned the Allie Sherman Sports Business Leadership Award, all while leveling p her career.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">We were thrilled to sit down with Caroline to pick her brain about her career, her advice for incoming students, and her time at NYU SPS.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Caroline hails from Richmond, Virginia, and pursued her undergraduate studies at Denison University in Ohio. While at Denison, she played field hockey and served as a team captain during her junior and senior years. This early leadership experience on the field laid the foundation for her future career in sports management. After graduating with a major in history and a minor in religion, Caroline quickly transitioned into the professional sports world when she interned with the Columbus Blue Jackets.</p> <p>After graduating from Denison, her career took flight when she accepted a position in inside sales at Monumental Sports, where she worked with teams like the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals. Her talent was soon recognized, and she was recruited to join the Philadelphia 76ers as an account executive. Caroline spent three years with the Sixers before moving to New York City in 2016. There, she joined LeadDog, an agency that eventually became part of Wasserman, where she worked on integrated marketing and sponsorships.</p> <p>In 2020, Caroline took a bold step by quitting her job to join Rumble, a boxing fitness studio, as part of their corporate sales and strategy team. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her plans, leading to a layoff after only six months. Despite this setback, Caroline continued her education and professional development while she was in the MS in Global Sport program that she started in the fall of 2019.</p>

<p>Caroline's decision to pursue an advanced degree at NYU was driven by her desire to gain formal classroom experience in sports management. Although she had already been working in the industry for several years, she recognized the value of expanding her knowledge and network through a structured academic program. The MS in Global Sport program, with its combination of remote learning and international trips, provided the perfect opportunity for her to achieve these goals.</p> <p>During her time at NYU, Caroline traveled to Japan, which she describes as one of the most impactful experiences of her academic career. The in-person interactions with her classmates and the exposure to different cultures enriched her learning and broadened her perspective on global sports management. Specifically, she fondly remembers attending a Sumo match with her classmates. As a business-minded professional, she recalls looking around and noticing the branding of the event: the food, the atmosphere, and the way the audience interacted with the sport.</p>

<p>Caroline's decorated career has been marked by both successes and challenges, which she faces head-on. She has worked with renowned sports organizations, including the Philadelphia 76ers, Monumental Sports, and CSM Sport and Entertainment. One of her proudest moments was receiving the Allie Sherman Sports Business Leadership Award at her graduation from NYU SPS in 2021. This award recognized her contributions to the field and her dedication to the global education provided by NYU.</p> <p>However, her journey has not been without obstacles. The COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges, including job loss and the transition to remote work. Caroline remained resilient during this time and continued to pursue her passion for sports management.</p>

<p>Caroline offers valuable advice to incoming students at NYU SPS: take full advantage of networking opportunities and maintain genuine connections with industry professionals.</p>

<p>She also advises students to stay in touch with the contacts made during the program and to make the most of the residency weeks and networking events organized by the school. Caroline believes that building a strong professional network is crucial for long-term success in the sports industry.</p>

<p><span class="p-body">Currently, Caroline works as the VP of global sports sponsorships at Citi, where she continues to apply her expertise in sports marketing and management. She is focused on growing in her current role, taking more ownership of the properties she manages, and further honing her skills on the brand side of the industry. Caroline sees herself as a lifelong learner who always asks questions and is committed to improving her strategic thinking and presentation skills.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Caroline's story serves as an inspiration to aspiring sports management professionals, highlighting the importance of seizing opportunities, building meaningful connections, and never losing sight of one's passion for the industry.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Take your place at the center of sports business when you pursue an&nbsp;<a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-global-sport.html" title="Master of Science in Global Sport">MS in Global Sport</a>&nbsp;at NYU SPS.</span></p>