Alumni Highlight
Q&A with Sarah Ratzlaff of runDisney & ESPN Wide World of Sports
What is your current position and what made you pursue that job?
Sports Business Development Manager for runDisney & ESPN Wide World of Sports. I
took an internship with Disney Sports as part of my Sport Management Master program.
I interned with the runDisney team in sales and was hired after my internship. I did
not intentionally seek out this career path but discovered during my internship that
sales and business development fit my skill set and the running industry and events
are a lot of fun to be a part of.
What are the responsibilities associated with your position?
Developing new business opportunities for runDisney and ESPN Wide World of Sports.
This can include finding new ways to maximize revenue, building and maintaining relationships
in the sports industry or building new events.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
No two days are ever the same. Projects change and the business environment changes
as well. I've never been a person who likes to do the same thing every day and this
position affords me the advantage of seeking out new projects, solutions or partnerships
on a daily basis. I also really enjoy race weekends – there is a certain electricity
about being a part of a large running event and watching so many runners accomplish
the goals they have trained many months for.
What was your most memorable experience while at Wichita State?
I really enjoyed the trip the class took to Dallas to see the Dallas Mavericks play
and meet with the team executives.
What is your advice for current students entering the job market?
Work incredibly hard, always produce top notch work and be willing to do the jobs
that no one else wants to do – you'll build a positive reputation for yourself and
learn something along the way. Most importantly, build a network of advocates and
mentors for yourself and foster those relationships throughout your career.