I find myself in the office most days giving advice to the next generation of marketers—many of whom are curious about my career path or just want to pick my brain. Now, whether they genuinely care or they’re networking because someone told them to, it’s hard to tell. But the ones who really want it—the ones who come prepared—you can always spot them.
So, let’s use this space to share some of those thoughts. This post marks the beginning of a short series I’ll publish here, pulling together lessons, tips, and experiences I’ve picked up along the way.
1. Volunteer / Unlocked
If you really want to break into the sponsorship or marketing space, remember this: there’s always a need for an extra set of hands. Every event—big or small—requires weeks of planning, coordination, and execution. At Mastercard, we even have programs like Unlocked that formalize volunteer support for our sponsorship activations.
But truthfully, there’s more demand for help than there are official positions. So here’s the move: write your own job description. Identify an event or project you want to be part of, outline what you’d contribute, how much time you’ll commit, and propose it. The worst that can happen? You’re exactly where you are now.
If you’re in college or early in your career, opportunities are everywhere—festivals, farmers markets, concerts, sporting events. These experiences are gold. You’ll learn fast, meet interesting people, and become more interesting yourself.
2. How to Network
Networking can feel like an endless ocean of people—but it’s not about casting the widest net. It’s about being strategic.
Early in my career, a boss once told me: “Make a list of 50 people you want to meet or work with most. Then figure out how to reach them.” It was an eye-opening exercise. Sometimes you go straight for the big fish. Other times, it’s smarter to learn about their world first—to “surround the target” and build context before diving into a conversation.
When you finally do connect, be specific. Do your homework. Come with thoughtful questions about that person or their business. Saying “I’d love to learn about your experience” only goes so far.
I recently spoke to an undergrad who wanted to be a sports agent. My advice: make a list of top agencies and agents you admire. Write to them. Reach out thoughtfully. It’s literally their job—or at least, it once was—to send notes and cold calls themselves. You’re not bugging them; you’re starting where they started.
Not everyone becomes the next agent for Mahomes or Ohtani—but maybe you find the one who reps half the NBA big men or an agency that manages hundreds of sports broadcasters. Define what excites you most, then double-click from there.
3. The Follow-Through
This is where most people drop the ball.
Getting the first meeting or conversation is great—but how do you make sure that person remembers you the next time you’re in the same room?
Follow-through is everything. Comment thoughtfully when they share something meaningful. Send a short note to update them on your progress. If you don’t hear back, give it time. Re-engage with intention—not persistence for persistence’s sake.
Most people send a polite thank-you email and disappear. The ones who stand out are those who actually do something with the advice they were given—and follow up to show how they applied it. Those are the people I love working with, hiring, and cheering for.
Final Thought
Everyone’s path looks different. But across all of them, the common thread is action. Don’t wait to be invited. Volunteer, reach out, and follow through. The doors that open will surprise you.