Kaylin is a recent Clemson MBA Corporate program graduate, having previously earned her undergraduate degree in marketing from Clemson. After graduating early, she realized she wanted a well-rounded business education. The Clemson MBA program stood out to her for its downtown Greenville location and intimate class sizes, offering a more personalized learning experience.
Reflecting on her time in the program, Kaylin credits several impactful courses, particularly Matt Hersel’s Strategic Management class. “The combination of real-world applications and guest speakers provided invaluable insights that I continue to carry with me now.”
Kaylin’s journey into the sports industry began unexpectedly at a Greenville Swamp Rabbits game, where she met Megan Kolak, who was with the Greenville Triumph. Seeing an opportunity, Kaylin put herself out there and landed a role with the Triumph, working in partnership activation for four seasons. Initially considering a career in healthcare sales, her experience under Megan’s mentorship sparked a passion for the sports industry instead.
She later applied to the Minnesota Twins through TeamWork Online, leveraging her experience with the Greenville Triumph and the strategic skills she gained in the MBA program. Now an Account Specialist in Brand Partnerships, Kaylin manages around 30 accounts, focusing on B2B corporate partnerships. “My MBA experience helped me understand what partners look for, how to analyze metrics, and how to make strategic decisions that drive renewals.”
Looking ahead, Kaylin’s long-term goal is to teach at the collegiate level, bringing real-world business insights into the classroom—just as her MBA professors did. In the near future, she aims to develop her sales expertise, transition into partnership sales, and eventually take on leadership roles in the industry.
Kaylin offers this advice for current and prospective students: “Step out of your comfort zone and go after what you want. Be patient—getting your foot in the door takes time; every step is a learning opportunity. If you’re pursuing a career in sports, advocate for yourself, be proactive, and seek out internships to gain experience and build connections.”
