Building a Strong Network: Kassandra Garcia '17 BSBA (Accounting)
Seven Questions with Kassandra Garcia
Why did you choose the UA?
I felt UA provided me the best value with in-state tuition and the Arizona Wildcat Excellence award. Additionally, UA offers the best all-around college experience with a great education (top 10 public business school), top tier athletic programs (many of which are in the top 20 nationally each year), and an established Greek life.
What made you choose your major?
Not only did I enjoy my accounting prerequisite courses, I felt it would be a useful skill which would give me a competitive edge in the sports industry as well as provide me greater job security in the future.
What type of professional experience have you had so far?
I currently have two internships and one job. I have been an Arizona Football Recruiting Intern for the last three years and work as a financial analyst intern for Arizona Athletics. I am also a paraprofessional advisor for the Eller College of Management. Previously, I was a promotional and marketing intern (RallyCat) for three seasons of Arizona Baseball and Softball, a corporate sponsorship intern for FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup, and a promotional and marketing intern for former San Diego Padres Triple A affiliate Tucson Padres. Additionally, two summers ago I was a part of the Eller International Internship Program in Barcelona, Spain. I interned with the Barcelona International Water Polo Academy.
How have you been involved on campus so far?
I have been involved in the Sports Marketing Association, Sports Career Honorary, Greek Student Alumni Relations Council, Rho Lambda Honorary, Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, and Spring Fling.
Have you held any positions?
Currently I'm the president of the Sports Marketing Association and previously served as the vice president. I was also senior programs chair of GSARC and assistant executive director of Spring Fling for the 40th anniversary.
What has your involvement and professional experience taught you?
Being involved in so many different things in college has provided me clarity on my personal strengths and career path. It has also taught me how to be an effective leader and communicator and the importance of building a strong network. Lastly, throughout my time here I firmly believe that God opens and closes doors at the right times with your best interest in mind and sometimes its takes four years to realize exactly why.
What are your plans for after graduation?
After graduation I will be staying for the Master of Accounting program unless offered a full time position from the NCAA, Collegiate Athletic Department, or a professional sports team in Southern California.
Header photo courtesy Arizona Athletics.