CCSD Pathway Profile: Sports and Entertainment Marketing

River Ridge High School freshmen Kristina Ivanova and Chris Himiob work on a class project as part of the Career Pathway program for Sports and Entertainment Marketing led by teacher Katie Thompson.

This week’s profile focuses on the Sports and Entertainment Marketing program at River Ridge High School.  River Ridge High School junior Tristan Wallace began high school like many of her classmates.

“I was terrified coming into high school not knowing what I wanted to do with my future,” she said, noting that joining the Career Pathway program for marketing was “a game changer.”  “I love how I am able to be innovative and creative.  I have found a passion for branding, strategizing and collaborating with a team for success.” 

The new Career Pathway program focused on Sports and Entertainment Marketing is led by teacher Katie Thompson, who is in her second year teaching at River Ridge.

She earned a business management degree from Kennesaw State University and worked in the marketing and business industry for several years before being called to teach.

“I have always loved all things business as I come from a family of entrepreneurs and hard-working individuals.  Teaching marketing to future generations is now the best of both worlds,” she said.  “Career classes are beneficial for students because they can help guide them on their journey to figuring out who they want to be and what they want out of a career.  Career classes provide opportunities to learn real-life skills that translate to being a successful adult regardless of post-high school plans.”

The most important real-life skills her classes teach are through mock interviews, Ms. Thompson said.

“It is imperative to have industry professionals come in and give the students a chance to practice interview skills before having a real-life one.  It’s been by far the best activity to date,” she said.  “The students learn so much from the feedback they receive and the practice they put into it, and the industry professionals really love giving back to their future workforce.”

Within the Pathway, classes offered include: marketing principles, introduction to sports and entertainment marketing and advanced sports and entertainment marketing.  Students can earn Microsoft Office Specialist industry certification and can compete with the school’s DECA marketing, finance, hospitality and management skills team in regional, state and national career competitions.

Tristan said DECA has made her experience as a marketing student even more valuable.

“On top of the Pathway completion, Mrs. Thompson really pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and become a DECA officer,” she said.  “The business skills I have learned I will carry with me throughout my entire life.  Overall, Mrs. Thompson has an amazing program, and she really devotes time to make an impact on students and their futures.”

This Pathway prepares students for careers including, but not limited to: sportswriter, marketing assistant, broadcaster, market researcher, public relations manager, advertising manager, brand manager, promoter, videographer, sales representative, sports agent, sports facility director, sporting events coordinator.

The average income range for careers in this Pathway in Georgia is $31,000 to $154,000.  Local and area employers for this Pathway include, but are not limited to: LakePoint Sports, Revel XP LLC, Topgolf, AMB Sports + Entertainment, Fox Corporation, LPGA, FanDuel, Overtime, Legends, Ticket Evolution, U.S. Soccer Federation, Atlanta United, Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Falcons, metro Atlanta college athletics departments, Atlanta affiliates of national broadcast TV networks.

Learn more about all of CCSD’s Career Pathways online here.