Jessica Martin
10/9/15
Student Advisory Board Member
On Thursday, October 8, 2015, the Pittsburgh Center for Sports Media and Marketing hosted their second workshop of the semester—Adidas Group: “Creating the New.” The featured speaker was Point Park alumna Krystin Rockzo, the North American Field Marketing Manager for CCM Hockey.
As the North American Field Marketing Manager for CCM Hockey, Rockzo’s job with the Adidas Group consists of grassroots marketing programs, brand management, and corporate sponsorships; this is done by locating potential target markets and trying to incorporate new, innovative ways to connect with them. Through complimenting strategies, Rockzo and the Adidas Group cater to the needs and desires of their consumers more than any other competitor: this is partly due to the fact that Rockzo was a season-long intern for the Pittsburgh Penguins in Community Relations. Her prior experience also includes field marketing and consumer insights at Reebok International as well as management positions with Footlocker Inc. Because of these experiences, Rockzo initiated the Adidas Group’s Field Activation Service Program (the first of its kind). She has been recognized as the Marketing Rep of the Year, 2012, by the Adidas Group and the 2014 Adidas Group Teamwork Award.
I had the opportunity to listen to Rockzo before the workshop at a luncheon earlier that afternoon. During the informal meeting, she really accommodated to the needs of the group answering our questions and giving advice; Rockzo felt that the day was for us, not her. I always enjoy listening to industry professionals the Center invites, especially those who were once in my shoes just a few years ago. Rockzo’s honesty discussing her background and suggestions to further our careers was very inspiring. Her views are simple: in order to succeed in the sports industry—well, in any career—we need to find ways to separate ourselves from the rest. This could be found on our resume like internships or volunteer work—anything that could help us stand out. Maybe even grad school. As an undergrad, Rockzo graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from La Roche College. After working for a while and not finding her career path, she went back to school and earned her MBA in Sports, Arts and Entertainment Management from Point Park University. This route proved to be successful for Rockzo, and in her eyes, she wouldn’t have done it any differently.
Before the luncheon was over, Rockzo gave us her best piece of advice, and it is something we should always remember: “Nobody will advocate for you better than yourself. Don't forget to tell people how great you are.” Her goal coming back to campus this past Thursday was simple, “That you take away at least one piece of information or advice that will help you along your career path.” After meeting Krystin Rockzo and listening to her speak, I can certainly say she achieved her goal.
10/9/15
Student Advisory Board Member
On Thursday, October 8, 2015, the Pittsburgh Center for Sports Media and Marketing hosted their second workshop of the semester—Adidas Group: “Creating the New.” The featured speaker was Point Park alumna Krystin Rockzo, the North American Field Marketing Manager for CCM Hockey.
As the North American Field Marketing Manager for CCM Hockey, Rockzo’s job with the Adidas Group consists of grassroots marketing programs, brand management, and corporate sponsorships; this is done by locating potential target markets and trying to incorporate new, innovative ways to connect with them. Through complimenting strategies, Rockzo and the Adidas Group cater to the needs and desires of their consumers more than any other competitor: this is partly due to the fact that Rockzo was a season-long intern for the Pittsburgh Penguins in Community Relations. Her prior experience also includes field marketing and consumer insights at Reebok International as well as management positions with Footlocker Inc. Because of these experiences, Rockzo initiated the Adidas Group’s Field Activation Service Program (the first of its kind). She has been recognized as the Marketing Rep of the Year, 2012, by the Adidas Group and the 2014 Adidas Group Teamwork Award.
I had the opportunity to listen to Rockzo before the workshop at a luncheon earlier that afternoon. During the informal meeting, she really accommodated to the needs of the group answering our questions and giving advice; Rockzo felt that the day was for us, not her. I always enjoy listening to industry professionals the Center invites, especially those who were once in my shoes just a few years ago. Rockzo’s honesty discussing her background and suggestions to further our careers was very inspiring. Her views are simple: in order to succeed in the sports industry—well, in any career—we need to find ways to separate ourselves from the rest. This could be found on our resume like internships or volunteer work—anything that could help us stand out. Maybe even grad school. As an undergrad, Rockzo graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from La Roche College. After working for a while and not finding her career path, she went back to school and earned her MBA in Sports, Arts and Entertainment Management from Point Park University. This route proved to be successful for Rockzo, and in her eyes, she wouldn’t have done it any differently.
Before the luncheon was over, Rockzo gave us her best piece of advice, and it is something we should always remember: “Nobody will advocate for you better than yourself. Don't forget to tell people how great you are.” Her goal coming back to campus this past Thursday was simple, “That you take away at least one piece of information or advice that will help you along your career path.” After meeting Krystin Rockzo and listening to her speak, I can certainly say she achieved her goal.