“𝑰𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒆𝒏𝒋𝒐𝒚 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐, 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒏 𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒖𝒆.”

CEO had the honor of talking with Olivia Gray (⚾️Gateway Grizzlies Marketing Assistant⚾️) this week. Olivia is a CEO Class of 2023 Alumni! Directly out of high school she became the first high school intern for the Grizzlies and later earned herself a permanent position. ⚾

Through her work with the Grizzlies, she began working in sports 📸 photography 📸 and has developed her business from this. Olivia shoots for the SIUE baseball team, the Gateway Grizzlies, and also does freelance. Olivia's future goals include working for the St. Louis Blues in marketing and photography.

Olivia discussed how to succeed in the sports industry and highlighted the six qualities it takes to work in sports:

𝐃𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 - It takes a level of commitment and effort to succeed.

𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊 - Make yourself stand out and work to improve your skill set.

𝐏𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 - Don’t get discouraged by constructive criticism, it will only help you.

𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 - If you enjoy what you do, the long hour won’t be an issue.

𝐍𝐄𝐓𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 - Connections will get you a foot in the door.

𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 - Take every opportunity to build your resume.

Olivia, Thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to meet with our students this week. Your insight was invaluable. We really appreciate it!