Blue Demon Approved:
Sports Sponsorship Marketing Class
at DePaul University
Sports, Sponsorships and Marketing. A perfect creative trifecta!
When you are picking out your courses, you often come across a GEM that is typically offered once a year and for me it was Professor Andy Clark’s “Sports Sponsorship Marketing” class (
Our team includes student media assistants for photography and video, as well as specialists in internal communications, strategic communications, and media relations.
Curious about what my work looks like? Read on for a “Week in the Life” through my lens!
GUEST SPEAKERS
One of the most important aspects of this class—if not the most important—is Professor Andy Clark’s deep network. Having access to that network through in-class speakers is immensely valuable for juniors and seniors preparing for a career after graduation.
For example, one of our guest speakers, Alex Teodosi, is a former student who now works for the Chicago Sky and plays a major role in shaping this course. Early in the quarter, Alex visits to introduce himself and explain his role as Vice President of Sponsorship for the WNBA Chicago Sky. He provides an overview of how partnerships are secured and maintained. Afterward, Professor Clark briefs us on our final presentation project—a “mock” sponsorship proposal that we will pitch to Alex at the end of the quarter. This is a group assignment, meaning we collaborate with classmates throughout the term.
Why is this exciting? Because you’re being trained in real-time through multiple hands-on opportunities—if you take advantage of them, of course! Guest speakers are an incredible resource, offering Q&A sessions where students can gain direct insights from industry professionals. Preparation is key for these moments, as they offer valuable takeaways for career readiness.
As the quarter progresses, students continue building career readiness through guest speaker insights, assignments, and events like Sports Networking Night, which I will discuss next.
SPORTS NETWORKING NIGHT
Networking—it may seem daunting, but at its core, it’s just about having conversations, getting to know someone, building rapport, and exchanging contact information. It can involve one or all of these steps, and it’s incredibly important to take advantage of networking opportunities. It remains the best way to land a job or simply connect with others.
Professor Andy Clark organizes his annual Sports Networking Night with complete student immersion in mind. Students are given the class day “off” to prepare to be “on.” Held at Wintrust Arena, home of the Blue Demon basketball teams, the event takes place right on the brandished court. Upon arrival, students receive a worksheet with tasks to complete, including collecting contact information from at least four company representatives and noting key insights from their conversations. For those who may not feel comfortable starting or maintaining discussions, a list of conversation starters on the back of the worksheet serves as a helpful guide.
Why does it matter? As mentioned above, the best way to secure a job or internship is by building a network. These events aren’t job interviews but introductions—an opportunity to leave a lasting impression before applying to positions offered by the attending companies. Many students lack experience in soft skills like conversation and professional communication, so events like these provide valuable exposure and help strengthen those abilities. If you make an impression—whether through insightful questions, your personality, or the hard skills on your résumé—this type of face-to-face interaction can be a major advantage in breaking into your desired field.
PUTTING IN THE WORK
As you progress through the quarter in this course, the grand finale is a mock group sponsorship pitch to Alex Teodosi of the Chicago Sky. Through deck-building practice in group work, individual sponsorship analysis assignments, and the Sports Networking Night, you’ll be fully prepared to deliver a presentation worthy of the major leagues.
Doing the work is one thing, but maximizing every opportunity is another. This course isn’t just about completing assignments—it’s a professional development training ground designed to help you build connections, deliver compelling insights, and secure deals—whether that deal is a sports sponsorship or your future career.
Want to get involved in events from the College of Hospitalty and Sports Business? Stay in touch by following their instagram and vist DePauls admission page to check out the wide variety of courses DePaul has to offer including “SPORTS SPONSORSHIP MARKETING MKT 342”. Ready to go pro?
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Marco Garcia | IG: AstroTheProtege | First-Generation Latino Digital Marketing Student