Name: Rachel McDivitt
Current Position: Assistant Director of Marketing & Fan Experience – Purdue University
Number of Years in Current Position: 5 months, ha!
Conference: Big Ten Conference
Alma Mater(s): Western Kentucky University (Bachelors & Masters)
Twitter Handle: @Its_Me_Rach
LinkedIn Address: https://t.co/U5ZN7kvx9A
When/why did you decide to pursue a career in college athletics?
Well, that’s a loaded question! I’ve been around sports my whole life due to being the youngest of three and the only girl. I tell people all the time I owe my love for sports to my brothers because I was going to their events before I was even born! My dad will tell you that I am the jock of the family because I tried any and every sport I could possibly do and even now it amazes him how he talks to his daughter about sports more than his sons! Secretly, I’m his favoriteJ. I dedicated my life to sports growing up, so I knew at a young age that I wanted to do something tied to sports. I was a cheerleader at WKU my freshman year and at the time had decided to go to school to be a graphic designer. Going into my sophomore year I realized that I truly couldn’t think of life without sports – so I switched my major to Sports Management and haven’t looked back since! I knew in some capacity that I wanted to be involved in sports because they have made me who I am today. Time management, discipline, teamwork, and not to mention being able to adapt are probably the key attributes that I possess that this industry has taught me. I love meeting new people – my mentality is that I never meet a stranger, so this industry has allowed me to be around people all the time. Sports marketing allows me to be me and show my spunk and creativity consistently. I chose to pursue a career in college athletics to be able to give back, constantly grow, and never “work” a day in my life (after all, they say when you love what you do it never feels like work).
What is one thing that has surprised you about working in this profession?
It’s literally all about who knows you! I’ve been blessed to meet some of the greatest people in this profession that have helped shape me into who I am as a professional and a person.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Don’t marry one idea, date a lot of them”
Who is your role model in this industry and why?
Hands down, Lindsay Boyden. Although she is no longer in this industry, I owe so much appreciation to her. She was a part of my life from the day I stepped on Western Kentucky University’s campus and has taught me, guided me, and molded me into who I am. There are many days I’ll text her and bounce ideas off of her. Many times during working with her I called her the Olivia Pope of WKU Athletics because she got things done. She is a strong minded, faith driven, punctual teacher who constantly uplifts whoever she is around. Our job isn’t always the sanest job, but she always knew how to approach a situation with integrity and class. She owns a room when she walks in but is one of the most humble people I’ve ever met. She is so passionate about others and her job that it was contagious, and I always strive to make her proud. Being a young woman looking to find my niche, I looked up to her and still do. I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am without her.
What are your career aspirations?
I’d eventually like to work for a professional organization/arena and do either event management or marketing for a team. I have a graduate certificate in Facility & Event Management so I’d enjoy running an arena or stadium as well. I also love basketball so my dream is to work for the NBA, preferably the Thunder. #ThunderUp
What has been your most memorable moment on the job?
Last year at Louisiana Tech, when I needed to think or get my mind moving I’d go in our gym and sit whether there was a practice going on or not. This particular day I needed some extra motivation and energy so I walked in the gym and our women were practicing. I sat on the end of the bench. Shortly after, Pat Summitt walked in and I think I almost fell on the floor right then and there, haha. To see such an iconic woman and coach in person stuck out to me. I’ve followed her since I was a little girl so being able to just have a conversation with her amazed me and gave me every bit of motivation I needed.
Share one funny moment or story from game day.
Boy oh boy, only one? I feel like I’m a part time comedian sometimes so I’m always looking to make people laugh. I’m nonchalantly known for speaking in a British accent over the headset at random moments. For football game days I wear two headsets, one for our interns and one for our game production. Well I was having a conversation with who I thought was one of our interns in a full British accent to later realize that I had been on the wrong channel the whole time. It made for a pretty legit laughable moment J
If you weren’t working in college athletics, what would you be doing?
I love kids so I’d more than likely be a teacher. Anyone who sees my office walls, to-do list, etc. you’d see that I am quite the doodler and decorator.