Sport Management Senior Matt Mendoza

Matt graduates May 15, 2021, with a Bachelor of Arts in Sport Management. Matt was accepted for the master's program in College Student Affairs program and graduate assistantship at the University of West Georgia in Fall 2021, as well as a NIRSA position! He is from South Elgin, Illinois.

Tell us about some of the professional opportunities that have presented themselves while you've attended SAU. How will you use those now or in the future?
I have had the opportunity to be the Intramural Sports Coordinator for the Wellness and Recreation Center for 3 years, and an intramural sports official for 4 years. For the 2019-2020 year I was able to help the Quad City Storm with game-day operations as an event staff member. In 2021 I helped with MVC Women's Basketball Tournament held at the TaxSlayer Center, NAIA Cheer and Dance National Championships held at the Wellness and Recreation center at St. Ambrose University, and I will be working with Visit Quad Cities on the NAIA Men's Golf Tournament at TPC Deere Run Golf Course in May of 2021 for my internship. I am also a member of Enactus and have started the Bee Bikes rental bike program on campus in 2021. All these experiences gave me the ability to learn different skillsets that I will take with me for my future career path.

What was a defining moment or very memorable experience you had as a student in the Department of Kinesiology?
One of the defining moments I had was in Practicum with Dr. Eikleberry. I had some issues with finding observation hours, and Dr. E helped me get in touch with the Quad City Storm Hockey. I was able to complete all my observation hours with this team, and after that semester of school, the hockey team decided they wanted to keep me as a staff member who would now be compensated for my work. This moment taught me about making connections and networking to help get my footing into the sport industry world to learn hands-on experiences, while being tasked with more responsibility.

What drew you initially to our department? Has that motivation changed over the course of the years you've been at SAU?
I originally came to St. Ambrose University as a criminal justice major. Around my sophomore year, I knew I wanted a change and switched to Sport Management. Reading through the descriptions of the program and talking with friends, I knew this was where I belonged. The professors were very friendly, made it very easy to understand the coursework, and easy to communicate with. Over 4 years, I can say that this was exactly the program I was meant for and very much en-joyed the memories I created in this major.

What advice might you give to a prospective student considering the Dept. of Kinesiology at SAU?
Get Involved! Try and find an internship or work experience early in your time at St. Ambrose University. In my opinion, the best way to learn is by a hands-on approach and it really helps with building relationships with others. You never know who will offer you a job, and networking is a key to success in this field.

What advice might you give to someone just starting the bulk of their required departmental coursework?
My advice would be to stay on top of your coursework. Do not wait until the last minute to do assignments, also ask your classmates, or professors if you are not understanding the coursework. This department is always working with you and wants to help you be successful.

How did your affiliation with St. Ambrose help you in your job search or graduate school search?
With my graduate school search, I was fortunate enough to work with professors who helped give me insight into my job market. Specifically, Dr. Spencer, Dr. Eikleberry, and Dr. Hu prepared me for interviews and how to network myself to graduate programs. Because of this, I am happy to announce that I will be going to the University of West Georgia as a graduate assistant in competitive sports, while also studying to get my Master's in College Student Affairs in the fall of 2021. Just recently, I was elected to serve as the Georgia State Student Leader for NIRSA for May 2021 to April 2022.