Jeff Jurgella - October 5th, 2018

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ICYMI:

Jeff Jurgella is currently the Minnesota Twins Senior Director of Corporate Sponsorships, where he heads the the prospecting and development of sponsorships within all categories for the Minnesota Twins. In addition to his work with the Twins, Jeff is a guest lecturer at the University of Minnesota for the Sport Management degree program.

An Alumni of UW-Madison, Jeff has an extensive background in sports beginning with his first gig with the Madison Muskies, an Oakland A’s minor league affiliate at the time. With the Muskies, Jeff was hired right of college as the Assistant GM with a low salary and no benefits. He described it as not ideal, but it was a start. His professional experience also includes stops at the Minnesota Twins, Fox Sports North, and Badger Sports Properties.

On a personal note, Jeff currently resides in Madison and is an avid fan of Wisconsin sports teams.

For SBC members actively seeking employment or opportunities in the sports industry and those interested in the field of corporate sponsorship, Jeff had this to say:

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​Q & A:

Thoughts on networking and volunteering?
Jeff stressed that the sports industry is difficult to get into so making connections and exploring volunteer opportunities is pivotal in improving your cause early on. He mentioned that he probably wouldn’t have been hired onto the Twins staff without volunteering with them first of all. He also said that sending handwritten notes can make you stand out in the hiring process.

Thoughts on Sports Management Degree?
Jeff mentioned that he was not a general fan of the sport management degree. He thought it is a fine minor, but not major for an undergraduate. He suggested that a business or marketing degree would be more beneficial as it possesses you with flexibility and transferable skills outside of the sports industry. That way you are in a better position if you decide to explore other industries or companies for employment, like general mills.

One thing that you wish you had known or done earlier in your career?
Jeff commentated that he wish he had took initiative earlier in his career to implore a natural curiosity: having the courage to connect, be curious, ask questions, and ultimately set yourself apart from the competition.  

8 reasons why companies sponsor?

• ​Increase brand loyalty
• Create awareness and visibility
• Change / Reinforce image
• Drive retail traffic
• Corporate citizenship
• Sample / Display brand attributes
• Combat larger marketing budgets​

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​Thank you to Jeff Jurgella for taking the time to share his invaluable insight with our club, about his career path, the corporate partnership side of sports, as well as his advice on how to succeed in such a competitive industry.

Reach out and learn more about Jeff Jurgella
Follow Jeff Jurgella on Twitter: @JeffJurgella