The NFL, Roc Nation, the Philadelphia Eagles NBPA, Wasserman, Excel Sports Management, WME, Publicis, and were among the top organizations meeting with Lehman College student in Lehman’s Minorities in Sports (MiS) chapter during a networking trip set up by student Brandon Marks, founding president of the chapter.
“It was a real lightbulb moment about the opportunities that exist for people who look like us,” Marks said. “For me personally, this experience solidified my path in the industry.”
The Minorities in Sports Business Network (MiS) was established by Shana Wiel in 2016 to provide industry opportunities and access to business professionals of color in sports and entertainment.
At each stop on the spring break tour, students explored facilities, met with executives, and gained firsthand knowledge about career paths on the business side of the industry. From strategy and operations to marketing and talent representation, the experience offered a wide-ranging look behind the scenes.
A business administration major—and student athlete—Marks started the Lehman chapter after a networking experience last year led to an internship with a high-profile sports and media agency. He wanted to bring internship and career opportunities like these to other students considering careers in sports, media, and entertainment.
MiS members get direct access to networking events and a community of industry professionals committed to nurturing the next generation.
Lehman’s chapter of is part of a growing national MiS network that includes Texas Southern, LSU, Penn State, Howard, and other major universities. As the only chapter based in New York City, Lehman MiS is angling to expand the network across other CUNY campuses with a long-term goal of launching a CUNY Sports Business Conference.
“Many of the younger club members have mentioned that they want to pursue a sports management degree,” Marks said. “Since CUNY does not offer that major, MiS serves as a great alternative.”
For Marks, who is now interning with ESPN and headed for a stint with Major League Soccer, running the club has been a business education in itself. “I’m constantly building skills in public speaking, event planning, marketing, strategy, and logistics,” he said.
With the majority of board members graduating, he’s looking forward to seeing what a new class of Lehman MiS leaders will achieve.
To learn more and get involved with MiS at Lehman, visit Instagram @mislehman and Lightning Connections.