I earned a BS in Sport Management from Winston-Salem State University over 20 years ago. Since then, much has changed both personally and professionally. Over this time my family and professional responsibilities have grown exponentially. So, the thought of embarking on a masters program and returning to school required serious contemplation. After much thought, I recognized the value of increased knowledge and credential would have on me, both personally and professionally. This fact made the choice to embark on this journey an easy decision.
I enrolled in North Carolina State University Master’s in Park, Recreation, Tourism, and Sport Management program in August of 2018. In hindsight, the timing of this enrollment was ironic, due to only months earlier establishing an Independent Interscholastic Athletics Program, Charlotte Elite Academy, in May of 2018. Starting grad school, establishing an organization, all while working a full time job and having a family may not be the most ideal conditions and presented many challenges. However, with these challenges also came mutual benefits.
A major adjustment when starting the program was managing my time, so that all my responsibilities received adequate attention. To ensure success in the program, I had to be creative in finding the time, outside of work and family responsibilities, to dedicate towards program studies. Completing courses in eight week was a unique experience. Each course had its own rhythm and flow to it, and quickly adjusting to the uniqueness of the individual courses was paramount in being successful. Some courses were reading intensive, some were project oriented, some involved completing assignments independently, and others required group interaction. Each professor’s teaching style and course requirements were unique and it usually took a minimum of a two weeks for me to get adjust to the course style.
Prior to the start of each course, we received the course syllabus and weekly assignment on moodle. This provided students with a snap shot of what the course entailed. In many cases, after viewing the course requirements and assignments at the start of the class, produced a mixed feeling of excitement, apprehension, and anxiety. However, each professor was able to deliver course content and assignments in a manner which eased much of the early anxiety and ultimately led to my successful completion of each course and the program.
As stated earlier, with the challenges this program brought, it accompanied great benefit. Yes, this program increased my knowledge, and upon completion of the program I will be more qualified professionally. Just as importantly, the program was invaluable with helping to develop necessary infrastructure for my newly form sports program, Charlotte Elite Academy.
Every course in this program provided practical knowledge that organizations can use for growth and sustainability. I utilized these tools and principles to aid me as a recreational professional and for the growth and development of the newly formed Charlotte Elite Academy. Throughout the program, course assignments required that I develop practical programs, polices, and procedures that aid in organization growth and success.
These past two years and the information studied during this program was beneficial in a practical manner. Without knowing as I embarked on this journey, course discussions and assignments directly contributed to the growth and development of my newly formed sports academy Charlotte Elite Academy.
This was evident as I used Charlotte Elite as the organization of choice when completing many of the capstone projects such as a comprehensive grant proposal for PRT 503: Advance Fiscal Management, a comprehensive marketing plan for PRT 507: Strategic Marketing Management, a risk management plan for PRT 508: Risk Management, and with the completion of an Organizational Analysis for PRT 506: Organization Behavior and Leadership.
These are all examples of course content and assignments directly contributing to the improvement, growth, and success of newly established organization. This program has advanced my knowledge and professional capacity, which undoubtedly will assist me with achieving greater personal, professional, and business success.
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