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Patrick, Project Manager at KINEXON Sports & Media Inc: Advize Career Interview
A career pivot from pre-med to sports science, sparked by an ACL tear, led to a Master's degree and roles with Wake Forest University and the Indiana Pacers, culminating in a Project Manager position at KINEXON Sports & Media Inc.
This dynamic role involves managing the entire project lifecycle, from initial client meetings to on-site implementation, requiring adaptable problem-solving skills and strong communication across diverse teams.
The work is exciting, involving player tracking and consulting with numerous NBA Western Conference teams, offering unique experiences like being courtside at Lakers and Clippers practices.
Despite challenges of rapid company growth and the need to "wear all the hats," a passion for the sports industry and strong networking abilities have fueled success.
Entry-level opportunities abound, including event planning, junior project management, and even social coordination; volunteering within college athletics is highly recommended.
A key takeaway: building and maintaining strong relationships is crucial for career advancement, and embracing uncertainty and stepping outside one's comfort zone can unlock unexpected opportunities.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Patrick Song
Project Manager
KINEXON Sports & Media Inc
University of Notre Dame, 2012
UCLA Anderson MBA
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Economics
Sports
Operations and Project Management
None Applicable
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Career Path Of A Project Manager At KINEXON Sports And Media Inc
Initially pursuing a pre-med path, a career pivot occurred after an ACL tear while playing basketball, sparking an interest in sports science; this led to a master's degree and roles with Wake Forest University's men's basketball team and the Indiana Pacers, ultimately culminating in the current position at KINEXON Sports & Media Inc. The journey demonstrates a fascinating transition from a planned medical career to a fulfilling path in sports science, showcasing adaptability and a passion for basketball.
Main Responsibilities of a Project Manager at KINEXON Sports and Media
Patrick's main responsibility as a Project Manager at KINEXON, a company founded in 2008, involved managing the entire project lifecycle, "from collecting the requirements...to installation and then handing off and training the team staff," especially given the small team size early in his career. This encompassed coordinating internal teams and client deliverables within a rapidly growing organization.
A Day In The Life Of A Project Manager At KINEXON Sports And Media Inc
Patrick's role as a Project Manager at KINEXON Sports & Media Inc. offered a dynamic and varied experience; "every day was very different," ranging from initial client meetings and internal planning to on-site oversight and coordination with contractors during project implementation, which frequently involved travel.
Most Important Skills For A Project Manager At KINEXON Sports And Media Inc
Patrick, a Project Manager at KINEXON, emphasizes the importance of adaptable problem-solving skills, stating the need to be "okay with uncertainty and variability," especially in a scaling technology startup. The ability to "understand and talk the same language" with diverse team members, from construction to software development, is also crucial for effective project coordination.
Favorite Parts of Being a Project Manager at KINEXON Sports and Media Inc
Patrick's enjoyment stems from working in "sports science and player tracking," a field he's passionate about, further enhanced by his role consulting with numerous NBA Western Conference teams; this influence stemmed from prior experience and strong industry connections, allowing Patrick to significantly impact "short-term and long-term athlete strategy."
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Project Manager at KINEXON Sports and Media
Patrick's biggest challenge as Project Manager at KINEXON stemmed from rapid company growth; starting as one of the first eight US employees, the team scaled from 20 to 200 clients while staff increased to only 12, forcing a continued need to "wear all the hats" despite efforts to create distinct departments, hampered by a hiring freeze due to market recession.
Favorite Parts of Working in Sports and Media as a Project Manager
Patrick's passion for sports is evident in his enjoyment of working in the sports industry, specifically basketball, where every day brings "exciting" projects and collaborations with "very cool people." A highlight of Patrick's career includes consulting roles that provide unique access, such as being courtside at Lakers and Clippers practices, creating a "surreal" experience of being "20 feet from LeBron."
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Sports Industry, According To A Project Manager At KINEXON Sports
To thrive in the fast-paced sports industry, individuals must be "independent and self-sufficient," comfortable with "uncertainty" and rapid changes, such as last-minute travel requests ("can you fly to Indianapolis this Thursday?"). Success also demands adaptability, problem-solving skills, and the ability to navigate diverse personalities under pressure, understanding that one is "one piece to support the team."
What a Project Manager at KINEXON Sports and Media Inc Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Sports and Media Industry
Patrick, a Project Manager at KINEXON, learned the hard way that "always order one extra of everything," especially when procuring supplies internationally or even domestically from sources like Amazon, to avoid costly delays and substitutions if a component is missing. This preventative measure, despite potentially increasing initial costs, ultimately saves time and money in the long run.
Entry-level positions for aspiring Project Managers at KINEXON Sports and Media
Patrick, a project manager in sports, suggests that entry-level roles are diverse, ranging from "event planning to junior project management," even including social coordination. To break into the competitive sports industry, Patrick recommends volunteering within a college athletics department to gain experience and make connections, noting that "people will be willing to give you free work to do."
Significant Career Lesson From A Project Manager At KINEXON Sports And Media Inc
Patrick's most significant career lesson is the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships: "to not burn bridges and to always build good relationships because you never know where that relationship will lead to you". This is exemplified by Patrick securing a pivotal role through a colleague's recommendation, highlighting the unexpected career benefits of networking and prioritizing positive connections.
College Experiences That Helped A Project Manager At KINEXON Succeed
Patrick's undergraduate experience, despite not directly relating to their current career in project management at KINEXON Sports & Media Inc., unexpectedly fostered crucial skills. The significant cultural shift from Orange County, California to South Bend, Indiana pushed Patrick "out of their comfort zone," ultimately leading to improved networking abilities and a greater comfort level with uncertainty—attributes directly contributing to their career success.
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