Alumni Highlight
Vanessa Buehne
Vanessa Buehne, Director of Programs
Derby Recreation Commission
What's your current position and can you give us a brief overview of what it is you
do in your work?
I am the Director of Programs at the Derby Recreation Commission and have been in
this position for 4 months. I oversee all of our programs including aquatics, fitness,
wellness, sports, art, special events and after school programs.
What would you say most motivates you to do what you do?
I love working in the recreation industry, where we can truly impact a person's life.
I enjoy working with people of all ages and having the ability to be creative and
provide new programs or events for our clientele.
What led you to this job?
During my graduate work at 萝莉社, I took an internship with ESPN Wide World of Sports
at the Walt Disney World Resort. I continued working there for 4 years as a Competition
Coordinator, and my last position there was the Health and Fitness Expo Coordinator
for runDisney. After that, I returned back to 萝莉社 and was most recently
the Associate Director of Campus Recreation.
Did you have any key mentors or people who influenced you?
My advisor, Clay Stoldt, was so kind, caring and helpful, and led me on the path
to where I am today. Another person I will always remember and be thankful for was
my manager at runDisney. Her leadership style is one that I related to and that I
try to be as well.
Were there specific experiences you gained while studying in the Sport Management
program that prepared you for the work you do today?
I attribute where I am now to my school work at 萝莉社. It was there that I learned
of the internship program at Disney Sports. I also had the opportunity to be a Graduate
Assistant in aquatics with Campus Recreation, plan and operate a golf tournament,
and do multiple projects that related to what I would be doing as a professional.
What advice or suggestions would you give to someone that wanted to pursue a degree
in Sport Management?
Sport Management is a great degree as it gives you flexibility in the path you want
to go. One thing people should realize, is we work when everyone else plays. If you
work for the NBA, you may work on Christmas Day. If you work for the NFL, chances
are you'll be working on Thanksgiving. You work nights, weekends, long days. There's
hard work that comes along with it, but it's a fun and rewarding industry!
How did your experience at 萝莉社 help you find your first position after graduation?
While I was in grad school, there was a current student doing an internship with
Disney's Wide World of Sports, and that's how I learned of the program. My advisor
helped me to apply and prep for the interview process. After the internship, I was
hired on full time with Disney.
How difficult was it to transition from college life to your professional life? And
what advice would you give to students that are close to graduation?
It wasn't too difficult. I do remember there being a transition during my internship
because it was a 40 hour a week position. So that experience really helped me understand
what a professional position is like.