<p>As the sports industry continues to grow and change, new opportunities are around every corner for driven professionals ready to take their place at the center. The <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/bs-in-sport-management.html" title="BS in Sport Management">BS in Sport Management</a> program at NYU SPS is a magnet for this kind of ambition, and Rene Rismondo recently graduated with the world of global sport at her fingertips. We recently had a chance to speak with Rene and ask all our burning questions about her experience at NYU and where she is now.</p>

<p>Growing up in Lehman, Pennsylvania, life was quiet and rural, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of New York City. However, her father, a Brooklyn native, frequently took her to NYC to visit family, sparking a lifelong fascination with the city.</p> <p>Rene has a wide range of hobbies that reflect her energetic personality. &quot;I love reading, taking classes like yoga, Les Mills Body Pump, and anything on the Peloton,&quot; she shares. She also enjoys exploring new recipes and recreating traditional Italian family dishes. A dedicated New York sports fan, thanks to her dad, Rene's Golden Retriever is even named Shea, after the Mets' former stadium.</p>

<p>Having grown up in a rural area, Rene longed for the experience of living in a bustling metropolis. &quot;I was craving something completely different, and New York City was just under three hours away from my home,&quot; she says. NYU quickly became a top choice for its reputation and its urban campus. &quot;I was immediately hooked after taking a campus tour as I knew this was the city life I wanted to explore.&quot;</p> <p>Rene's passion for sports management was clear from a young age. As a dedicated New York sports fan, she always envisioned herself becoming a sports agent. Studying sport management at NYU, located at the heart of a city filled with teams, leagues, and agencies, felt like a natural step. &quot;The internship opportunities felt endless,&quot; she reflects, noting that NYU's strategic advantage cannot be understated.</p>

<p>Being in the heart of her chosen industry was exciting for Rismondo, who found her academic experience at NYU SPS transformative. &quot;I had professors who truly made an impact on my life with their curriculum who I still turn to as mentors today,&quot; she shares, giving a special shoutout to Professor Hollander. Despite NYU's large size, Rene appreciated that her classes were often small, with 20–30 students, allowing for deep discussions and real engagement.</p> <p>Rene took full advantage of the hands-on learning experiences at NYU SPS. Through multiple&nbsp;<a href="/content/sps-nyu/experience/how-youll-learn/real-world.html" title="Real World">Real World</a>&nbsp;courses with organizations like FOX Sports, WNBA/ESPNW, and the New York Jets, as well as internships with the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) and World Baseball Classic, she gained invaluable experience. &quot;In both the WNBA/ESPNW and New York Jets courses, our projects were selected as winners,&quot; she shares proudly. These wins provided exposure to executives and even brought her onsite to headquarters for follow-up pitch and execution meetings—a remarkable opportunity for a college student.</p> <p>Beyond the classroom, Rene was deeply involved in student leadership and&nbsp;<a href="https://gonyuathletics.com/" title="NYU Athletics">NYU Athletics</a>, serving on the Class Activities Board, Student Senators Council, and supporting NYU Baseball and Softball. These activities provided a sense of community that made her feel at home in the city. &quot;I am still so close to my NYU Baseball family today,&quot; she says.</p>

<p>Today, Rene works at Goldman Sachs on the asset and wealth management leadership team. Before this, she spent a significant portion of her career with the MLBPA. The decision to pivot from baseball into the business world was not easy, but she was motivated to understand the industry more comprehensively. &quot;Sports, at the end of the day, is a big business in and of itself,&quot; she notes.</p> <p>Her experiences at NYU SPS gave her the skills she needed to succeed in various professional environments.  These skills have been indispensable in her career. Additionally, the Real World curriculum, with its presentation opportunities, helped her gain confidence in speaking with executives and athletes alike.</p>

<p>One of Rene's proudest accomplishments came during her time with the MLBPA. In December 2019, she coordinated a goodwill tour across Colombia with several Colombian and Venezuelan players. The tour aimed to grow the game and provide resources for children affected by the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. &quot;We worked with the US Embassy in Colombia, and the impact on the players, their families, and communities was incredible,&quot; she recalls. The experience left her with memories that would last a lifetime and a profound sense of pride.</p>

<p>Rene's next big goal involves returning to NYU to pursue an MBA. &quot;I see more violet in my future!&quot; she says enthusiastically. For now, she is focused on soaking up knowledge and experiences at Goldman Sachs. &quot;Continuing to work hard and be a sponge, learning and absorbing all around me, is my top priority.&quot;</p> <p>Rene's advice to incoming NYU SPS students is straightforward. &quot;Be a sponge and absorb it all!&quot; She encourages students to seize every opportunity—join clubs, take internships, and sign up for different classes. &quot;Every single person around you has a diverse and unique perspective to offer,&quot; she says, emphasizing the importance of listening, learning, and building connections. The network formed at NYU, according to Rene, can become an invaluable resource in one's professional career.</p> <p>From her small-town roots to making her mark in the big city, Rene's story highlights the power of stepping out of one's comfort zone to pursue new challenges and opportunities. We're thrilled to have her back for her MBA soon.</p> <p>Take your place in shaping the future of global sport when you pursue a <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/bs-in-sport-management.html" title="BS in Sport Management">BS in Sport Management</a> at NYU SPS.</p>