What an Assistant Athletic Director Annual Giving at Nebraska Athletics Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Athletics Industry
Mattie, an Assistant Athletic Director, emphasized the importance of self-advocacy, stating that "you have to be willing…to be bold" in pursuing responsibilities and promotions, a crucial lesson in a male-dominated industry. Finding both mentors and sponsors who will actively champion their career advancement is also vital for growth opportunities.
Self-Advocacy, Mentorship, Networking, Leadership, Gender Dynamics
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Mattie Fowler Burkhardt
Assistant Athletic Director - Annual Giving
University of Nebraska Athletic Department
University of Nebraska, 2015
MBA, University of Nebraska
Finance
Education, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking, Sports & Fitness
Sales and Client Management
Scholarship Recipient, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. You have to advocate for yourself and be bold in claiming responsibilities and promotions.
2. The fundraising and athletics industry is male-dominated; women need to be assertive.
3. Mentorship and sponsorship are crucial for career growth; find people who believe in you and will advocate for you.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone had told you before you entered the industry?
That's a really great question. One thing I've learned is that you have to advocate for yourself. I think that's challenging to do at times because I've always gone by the ethos of working hard and showing up, and that people will see that and you'll be rewarded.
There's some truth to that, but there's also truth in that you have to be willing to be bold in moments and really advocate for yourself. You have to say, "I want that responsibility," or "I want that promotion," or "I want to lead this project."
People are busy and caught up in their day-to-day responsibilities. Sometimes they don't know what they don't know, so you've got to be willing to be bold and claim that space. It has typically been a male-dominated industry, so as a woman in this space, you definitely have to do that as well.
The other thing I really believe in is having someone there for you. There's a difference between mentors and sponsors, right? A mentor is someone you can talk to as a confidant. A sponsor is someone who will say your name in the room when you're not in it.
That's really important. You've got to find people who believe in you, who will challenge you, and who will say your name in the room when you're not there so you can keep getting those growth opportunities.