FOX Sports University Gives College Students Immersive Experience in Sports Marketing
21st Century Fox Social Impact
In spring 2015, FOX Sports partnered with Seton Hall University for the FOX Sports University program, a unique initiative that gives college students the chance to gain hands-on experience in the sports industry. The program pairs teams of students with FOX Sports executives to work on a real-world challenge facing the business.
Students in Seton Hall's Stillman School of Business were tasked with creating marketing materials as part of the Big East Conference's "Big East Way" campaign.
"The Big East was working with Fox Sports U to get [the students] some real world experience in the sports world," said Kelly O'Neil of the Big East Conference. "Not too many students in their undergraduate years actually have that opportunity."
Eight teams pitched their campaign ideas for "The Seton Hall Way," and one winning team then had to make their videos and social media plans a reality. The executives at FOX Sports were so impressed by the students' work that they featured the promos on their national network.
"It shows that if you really work hard, take it outside the classroom, really make it your own, and really invest in your ideas, they can come to life," said student Daniel Brown.
Now offered at most leading colleges and universities nationwide, FOX Sports University is one of the largest and comprehensive programs bridging the gap between academia and the sports industry. Since its launch in 2008, over 3,500 students have participated in the program, and more than 50 have gone on to work for FOX Sports, either through internships or full-time employment. Several more students have been referred to FOX Sports partners for employment opportunities as they approach graduation.
The initiative is part of 21st Century Fox's broad commitment to support new education pathways and create avenues into the industry.
