I found you, your energy, and your advice incredibly inspiring. My favorite piece of your advice was to be your own General Manager. This advice really resonated with me. Thank you for being transparent and realistic with us about what to expect from the real world and getting to your dream job.

Kayla Nourmand, USC

Hearing Mark speak gave me a whole new perspective on how to approach my career so I will be prepared for what comes next. He told me what I needed to hear in order to grow professionally, and now I feel like I have a concrete plan for how I am going to reach my career goals.

Alexander Dorsey-Tarpley, University of Central Florida

Your time, energy, insights, and advice were absolutely invaluable. Your answer to what was the most challenge aspect of working in sports being the sacrifice the industry requires actually gave me a great sense of confidence.

Makenna Turner, USC

Thank you for taking time to help college students around the world wanting to get into the sport industry. I am truly grateful. I felt inspired by what you were saying, and to continue what I am doing currently. That is really awesome!

J.T. Payne, Texas A&M

Your "how to get a job in sports" talk was very insightful, as it gave me a lot to think about, and provided ways I could build upon my career pursuit in the sports management, player acquisition + development and agency fields.

Blade Clarke, Duke University

I am usually never speechless, however, after listening to your presentation, I was. Your candor was remarkable and truly appreciated. I am so glad that you refused to sugar coat anything, as many speakers will try to only present the best parts of their jobs. It was invaluable hearing about your experiences and your advice. I am truly grateful.

Liv Warshaw, University of Southern California

I soaked up a lot of great information. One of the things that made a big impact on me was when you talked about the value of reaching out to genuinely see how your connections are doing, and not in a way where you are trying to get something from them. The next day, I put this into practice and got great results!

Kip Ambrose, Texas Christian University

After listening to you, I learned so much and you really motivated me to put myself more out there, to "Be my own General Manager". I am currently looking to gain more experience. If you have any more advice you could share, I would love to hear and talk to you about it!

Marileah Niddrie, LSU

My favorite part was when you emphasized focusing on going from A to B and not A to Z. I tend to find myself jumping too far ahead in my future and not focusing on the present. I found it extremely helpful and informative.

Alexandra Preusser, TCU

I’m very interested in working in entertainment, especially TV and Film, but I know all your advice will help no matter what industry I’m looking to go into. Thank you again, it’s reasons like you talking to my class that I love Annenberg.

Sam Bloom, University of Southern California

Direction from people like yourself has helped me get to where I am today, and I am so thankful for you generously giving your time and knowledge. Thank you for your guidance on my journey.

Adagio Cisneros, USC

I was intrigued to hear your insight because of how many different fields you’ve been involved in. That showed me that you knew what you were talking about and established credibility to what you were telling us.

James Flowers, Texas Christian University

It was truly a great experience to hear from someone who has earned a job in professional sports give back and speak with college students about what it takes to make it. Your insights in the world of sports business really inspired me and totally changed the way I thought of potentially getting a job in sports.

Noah Shabahang, Boston College

You spoke a couple years back at USC, and that experience really stuck with me. I really appreciated your stressing the importance of, aside from work experience and GPA and referrals, making a difference in a young person’s life. I’ve never heard anybody say that in my informational interviews or speaker series lectures, etc. and it really hit close to home for me.

Zach Stubbs, USC Graduate

The presentation was incredibly motivating and extremely insightful! I learned a lot and look forward to taking what you taught us and applying it.

Alexis Amaradio, USC

I have been having trouble to getting my first internship in the sports world. It's truly an honor getting to listen from one of the best in the industry and hearing your story and advice.

Morris Zarif, NYU

The feedback was fantastic and really hoping to continue this for years to come. Your words of encouragement were incredible and happy to recommend other universities who would be so grateful to have you.

Harrison Yue, Duke University