Sept. 28, 2007
15 Questions with Mary Pink
- Name
Mary Pink
- Current Position & Employer
Assistant Athletics Director for Marketing and Promotions
Iowa State Athletics Department
- # Years in current position
2 years as Assistant AD and 12 years at Iowa State
- Why/when did you decide to pursue a career in college athletics?
I decided that I wanted to pursue a job in college athletics after I doing an internship with the University of Minnesota Athletics Department in marketing. I knew when I started the internship that this was what I wanted to do.
- Who do you consider to be your role model in this industry?
Chris Polonsky, Director of Women's Athletics, University of Texas
- What are your career aspirations?
To become a senior associate athletics director for administration or external operations
- How important do you feel your involvement is with NACMA in terms of continuing to grow your career?
Extremely important. I have learned many new things that I have implemented from attending the convention. In addition, I have made many friends who have advised and supported me.
- What is your favorite memory from your job, or project you are most proud of?
There are many to choose from, but a more recent one was during last football season. I was charged with upgrading our gameday experience for football. I had to change our team entrance, gameday atmosphere, gameday promotions and public relations. Though we didn't have a winning season, our fans really liked most of the changes and were extremely receptive. It was neat to see something I had worked so hard on unfold and make a difference in the experience of our fans.
- Were you ever involved in a marketing "blunder"? If so, please explain!
I have had to reprint marketing materials two times. Once was a men's basketball poster and the other was a football magnet. No matter how many times you proof read something, mistakes still happen.
- Who has been your favorite coach to work with? (either present or past job)
I have worked with a lot of great coaches, so this is a hard one to answer.
- What do you feel is the most important quality for those early in the profession to possess?
Hard working. Early in your career, you will be asked to work a lot of hours and do some things you aren't fond of.
- What advice would you give to those who are looking to venture into the field of collegiate athletics marketing?
Get as much experience as possible. Experience is going to be the key to getting to the next level. Being willing to take on more responsibility will help you expand your resume.
- In your opinion, where is collegiate athletics marketing headed in the future?
Technology as it changes and grows will be very important in how we market to our fans with the internet, email, text, iphone etc...as marketers, we will need to learn to tap into these resources more and more to market to our fans.
- What is the best advice anyone have ever given you?
My father gave me the best advice. He told me to find a career that you love. If you do, then you will be passionate about your job and more successful. Due to his advice, I pursued this career and didn't give up. I am grateful that I have a job that I love.
- Who are the people who have influenced you the most?
Jamie Pollard, Iowa State Athletics Director
Gene Smith, Ohio State Athletics Director
