Mentee sees there’s more than meets the eye for sports marketing executive mentor

Along with spending time enjoying semester break with friends, Communication mentee James also knew his travels home were a chance to meet his mentor JJ Alberts, Arts ’93 and general manager of Providence Friars Sports Properties in Providence, R. I. The pair met twice during break, with the first discussion a deep dive related to interviewing.

“Thanks to JJ, I learned preparedness is key when going into an interview, such as making a good impression asking additional questions for the interviewer,” James says. “This is something I've never really been good at, but now feel much more confident about (through our discussion).”

The second visit was a special experience to shadow JJ during the Providence vs. Creighton men's basketball game, where JJ introduced James with game-day activities, as advertisements and promotions within an arena.

“We discussed the timing, production, and coordination that goes into a PC Basketball Game on a nightly basis,” says JJ. “He attended the Dec. 31 PC Basketball Game and received a private tour of the back stage, press conference area, and the Audi Champions Room. He was also given a game script so that he could follow along during the game and see how each promotion was executed.”

Along with seeing the action on the court, James learned about what’s required behind-the-scenes for the flawless production of a Division I collegiate basketball game. “With plenty of potential to go wrong, JJ and his team make transitions between the ads and promos look as smooth as possible,” says James. “I certainly wouldn’t have guessed something like that would have so many moving parts, nor that a marketing job could function in such a way that requires on-the-spot problem solving.”

2018-19 MUAA Mentor Program Resource Guide