<p><span class="p-body">Alexa Strobridge, an alum of the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-sports-business.html" title="Master of Science in Sports Business">MS in Sports Business</a> program at NYU SPS, is one of many professionals who were drawn to pursue graduate studies in NYC—the sports capital of the world. Originally from San Diego, California, Alexa has lived in various cities, including her stint in NYC, and has now settled back in North San Diego County.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">We were delighted to catch up with Alexa to find out more about her career, her experience while studying at Tisch, and her advice for incoming students.</span></p>
Discovering a Passion for Sports
<p>Growing up as a dancer, Alexa never imagined she would find herself deeply entrenched in the world of sports. However, moving to San Francisco for her undergraduate studies left her homesick for San Diego and looking for a way to keep her connection to her community alive. "Having a sports team really ties you to your hometown and I began to really follow San Diego sports." </p>
<p>She became an ardent NFL fan, and when it was time to put her marketing degree to use, sports stood out as the field she wanted to pursue. "I felt like NYU would be the perfect place to learn about the industry and get my foot in the door," she recalls. The presence of major league offices and numerous teams in NYC offered her the sport-centric playground she was yearning for.</p>
A New Opportunity to Thrive
<p>Alexa's time at NYU was a blast. "Being there for my graduate degree was a dream come true," she says. The diverse experiences and backgrounds of her professors opened her eyes to various career avenues within the sports industry. One of the highlights was working at the New York City Marathon during her first semester, which was the launching point for her to start working in endurance sports full-time while still a student.</p>
<p>One of the courses that stood out to Alexa during the program was Planning & Development of Major Sporting Events. Helping with the NYC Marathon as part of the curriculum was an experience that deeply influenced her career, focusing on events and their execution.</p>
<p>Today, Alexa works on the marketing team for PUMA, overseeing retail marketing and events for the golf division, including COBRA Golf. The concentration of major golf brands in Carlsbad, North San Diego County, provided her with a perfect platform to leverage her NYU education. "My time at NYU SPS prepared me for every opportunity I've had since graduation and was instrumental in jump-starting my career in sports," she notes.</p>
More Open Doors
<p>Alexa's career took turns she had never anticipated. While she initially aimed to work for a local sports team in San Diego, her time at NYU opened doors to unique opportunities like interning on the TV networks side at Madison Square Garden and working on Super Bowl Boulevard during the NY/NJ Super Bowl week. "Those opportunities I was awarded during my time at NYU are what have really driven me in my career," she reflects.</p>
<p>One of Alexa's proudest moments was achieving her dream of working for an NFL team. Even though her tenure with the Indianapolis Colts was short, it was a significant milestone. "I grew a lot during my time there and am so happy with the twists and turns my career has taken overall," she shares.</p>
<p>Currently, Alexa is content with her role at PUMA and is not planning her next career move just yet. "I am really enjoying my current company and role, so I'm looking to continue to grow within PUMA and will let the next move present itself when the time is right."</p>
Advice for Incoming Students
<p>Alexa's advice for incoming NYU SPS students is to seize every opportunity to learn, gain experience, and make connections. </p>
Your career is likely not always going to go in the perfect linear path you have planned out in your head, so stay open and explore new avenues you may not be as familiar with."
<p><span class="p-body">As a professional, Alexa keeps her passions close and has had the opportunity to create the career of her dreams. Her love for travel, both for work and personal pleasure, keeps her year filled with new experiences. Beyond her professional life, she enjoys playing golf and staying active.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Join the next cohort of business-minded sports enthusiasts when you pursue an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-sports-business.html" title="Master of Science in Sports Business">MS in Sports Business</a> at the Tisch Center for Global Sport today.</span></p>