Craig Wrobleski

Senior Analyst for Futures Sport + Entertainment

Penn State University (2011 – 2015)

Bachelor of Science in Marketing
Minors in International Business and Psychology

Hello, I'm Craig.

I’m a Senior Analyst at Futures Sport + Entertainment, where I specialize in data-driven strategies for sports marketing. I’ve had the opportunity to work with major brands like Home Depot and College Gameday, helping them maximize sponsorship value and audience engagement.

My career has taken me from internships with the PGA TOUR to roles at Octagon, and now to Futures Sport + Entertainment. Originally from Pennsylvania, I’ve worked on projects tied to the NFL, MLB, and more, making every day an exciting challenge in the world of sports.

Career Path

Senior Analyst at Futures Sport + Entertainment (Sept. 2019 – Present)
Senior Account Executive at Octagon (June 2018 – Sept. 2019)
Account Executive at Octagon (April 2017 – June 2018)
Account Trainee (Payment Services) at Octagon (Nov. 2016 – March 2017)
Event Trainee at Advantage International (Aug. 2015 – Dec. 2015)
Sales and Marketing Coordinator at PGA TOUR (June 2015 – Aug. 2015)
Ticket Sales Assistant at IMG Learfield Ticket Solutions (Jan. 2015 – March 2015)
Sales and Marketing Coordinator at PGA TOUR (June 2014 – Aug. 2014)

My career journey

"I got my current job at Futures Sport + Entertainment after gaining several years of experience in the sports industry following my PGA internship during my junior year at Penn State. While the internship was an important first step, it was my continued career journey that ultimately led me to this position. After my time at the PGA, I worked in several roles, including positions at Octagon and other sports marketing agencies, where I developed my skills in sponsorship, analytics, and client relations."

"Through these roles, I built a strong network and deepened my understanding of the strategic side of sports marketing."

"Informal conversations with colleagues, attending industry events, and staying in touch with key contacts helped me stay connected and aware of opportunities."

"A little bit of luck was involved, but it was the combination of my experiences, growing network, and ability to demonstrate my skills that eventually led me to my current position at Futures Sport + Entertainment."

Skills

To excel in sports marketing, Craig emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, networking, and time management.

Critical Thinking

"Analyzing data to extract meaningful insights is crucial. For example, when evaluating a sponsorship deal, I assess factors like audience reach and ROI to determine the best approach for a brand. This level of strategic thinking drives impactful decision-making for clients."

Networking

"Building relationships has been a cornerstone of my career. From my early internships to my current role, networking opened doors and fostered collaborations with major brands like Home Depot and Mastercard. It's a skill that has proven invaluable in navigating the sports industry."

Time Management

"In a fast-paced industry without a true off-season, juggling multiple clients and deadlines requires strong time management. Especially during busy periods like the NFL and MLB seasons, prioritizing tasks and staying organized ensures projects are delivered successfully."

The best aspects of my job

"The best part of my job is the chance to collaborate with a range of high-profile brands and sports properties, including major names like Home Depot and College Gameday. Working with such prominent clients allows me to be part of strategic conversations and campaigns that shape the future of sports marketing."

"Even though some aspects of my job can be repetitive, the diversity of projects I work on, from NFL sponsorships to TV viewership analysis, keeps things exciting. The ability to switch between different sports and marketing strategies adds variety and makes each day unique."

The downsides of my career

"This job isn’t a traditional 9-5. Fall is especially hectic with the NFL football season and MLB postseason overlapping, making it the busiest time of the year. There’s constant pressure to juggle multiple clients and meet tight deadlines, which can feel overwhelming. Without a true off-season, the workload remains steady year-round, leaving little time to recharge."

"You have to be willing to sacrifice personal time, especially during peak seasons."

"Finding a balance between work and life can be challenging, as the demands of the job often spill over into evenings and weekends. It takes strong time-management skills and dedication to navigate the high-pressure environment and stay on top of responsibilities."

How networking has helped me in my career

"Networking has played a pivotal role in my career progression. During my PGA summer internship, I had the opportunity to support sales inventory and collaborate with various teams, which allowed me to build meaningful connections in the industry. These relationships were instrumental in helping me transition to my current role. A little bit of luck was involved, but the connections I made during that internship were key to opening doors."

"Looking back, I recognize the value of being proactive in networking opportunities, particularly during my time at Penn State with PSMA. I wish I had taken advantage of even more sports marketing opportunities while in college. Building and maintaining these relationships is crucial in a field where who you know often plays as big a role as what you know."

Advice for breaking into the industry

"Getting a foot in the door in sports is a pivotal moment. Building and maintaining relationships with coworkers and industry contacts can open doors to new opportunities. Leveraging previous internships, especially those with high-profile clients, can also make it easier to establish meaningful connections. Make the most of every experience, and don’t underestimate the value of networking in an industry as interconnected as sports."

"Staying active in professional groups and attending industry events can also help you stay informed and connected, which often leads to new opportunities."

What makes me unique

"My passion for working on highly visible and engaging products in the sports industry sets me apart. The industry is massive, ever-changing, and exciting, and I bring a unique perspective developed from collaborating with prominent brands. Whether working on sponsorships or analyzing consumer data, I aim to deliver innovative solutions that stand out in a competitive field."

"I believe that consistently offering fresh insights and developing creative strategies is essential to creating lasting value for the brands I work with."

Maintaining work-life balance

"Maintaining a work-life balance in a demanding industry like sports requires time management and boundary-setting. During busy seasons like the fall, when NFL and MLB overlap, I make a conscious effort to carve out personal time. Whether it’s taking breaks between projects or using slower periods to recharge, staying organized and supported by leadership helps me stay balanced."

"As I’ve learned, the key to managing these pressures is not only in prioritizing tasks but also in recognizing when to step back and recharge, ensuring long-term productivity and well-being."

My compensation

"As part of a smaller group within the agency, I enjoy excellent benefits and strong connections with senior leadership. My relationship with the chief strategy officer provides me with visibility and opportunities to participate in important meetings. This dynamic allows me to make meaningful contributions while gaining insight into high-level decision-making processes."

"The collaborative environment fosters personal growth and offers me a unique opportunity to influence key strategic decisions within the agency."

According to Salary.com, the average annual salary for a Sports Marketing Manager in the United States is $119,171, with a salary range typically falling between $102,853 and $135,484.

Salary.com. "Sports Marketing Manager Salary." Salary.com, 1 Dec. 2024, https://www.salary.com/research/salary/hiring/sports-marketing-manager-salary. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Leveraging past experience

Question: How can I leverage past experience to land a job in the sports industry?

"Leveraging past experience to land a job in the sports industry means highlighting how previous roles shaped your understanding of critical processes and strategies. Transferable skills, such as analyzing return on investment (ROI) or understanding consumer behavior, are key. Employers value professionals who can adapt to challenges, communicate their contributions, and provide actionable insights."

"It’s not just about technical skills but about demonstrating your strategic thinking and impact on projects."

Key Takeaways from Craig's Career

Major Insights

Craig's career illustrates the vital balance between technical expertise and strategic vision in sports marketing. His success highlights the importance of continuous learning, skill development, and leveraging professional networks to advance in a competitive industry.

Industry Trends

Data-driven decision-making is a cornerstone of the sports and entertainment industry, emphasizing the need for roles like Craig's, where analytics and strategy come together to drive results.

Career Path Highlights

Advantages:

Exciting and dynamic projects
Exposure to high-profile clients and brands
Opportunities for professional growth and networking

Challenges:

Managing high-pressure deadlines
Balancing multiple client priorities simultaneously

Is This Career Right for Me?

Craig's career path is an excellent fit for individuals with a passion for marketing and analytics. However, the demands of the industry, including long hours and fast-paced environments, may require careful planning to maintain a sustainable work-life balance. I don't think this career path would be an ideal fit for me, as the high-pressure deadlines and constant juggling of responsibilities might conflict with my personal priorities and preferred work style.

Analysis

Craig Wrobleski’s career demonstrates the value of combining technical expertise with strategic vision in the sports marketing field. By leveraging his skills in data analysis and storytelling, he has carved out a unique role in which he provides actionable insights for high-profile clients. This balance between creativity and technical ability highlights the importance of developing versatile skills to succeed in a competitive industry. For anyone pursuing a similar career, Craig's trajectory shows that mastering both the technical and strategic sides of marketing can set one apart.

The sports and entertainment industry has a growing reliance on data-driven decision-making, making roles like Craig’s increasingly essential. With clients expecting measurable results, the ability to analyze and interpret data is crucial. Craig’s expertise in developing tools to track consumer behavior illustrates the industry's shift toward prioritizing analytics to enhance marketing strategies. This trend emphasizes the need for professionals who can merge their technical skills with an understanding of market trends to deliver value.

While Craig’s career path offers exciting opportunities, such as working with notable brands like Home Depot and Mastercard, it also comes with significant challenges. High-pressure deadlines and the need to manage multiple clients simultaneously require exceptional time management and adaptability. The lack of an “off-season” in the sports marketing world means professionals must balance their workload effectively, especially during busy times like the NFL and MLB seasons. These demands highlight the importance of maintaining strong organizational and prioritization skills in this field.

Despite the challenges, Craig’s career demonstrates the rewarding nature of working in sports marketing. The variety of projects, the opportunity to collaborate with prominent brands, and the ability to drive client growth are key benefits of his role. Additionally, his success reinforces the importance of networking, as relationships built during internships and previous roles have been pivotal to his career progression. For aspiring professionals, this underscores the need to actively seek mentorship, connect with colleagues, and foster long-term professional relationships.

For those considering a career in sports marketing, Craig’s journey offers valuable insights. While the industry’s demands can be intense, it also provides opportunities for growth and creative problem-solving. Balancing technical and strategic skills is crucial, as is developing strong time management practices to maintain work-life balance. Ultimately, Craig’s ability to navigate these challenges while delivering impactful results serves as a blueprint for success in the field.