Alumni Highlight:
Ryan Ketchersid
Ryan Ketchersid
Sales Representative Colorado Avalanche
B.A. 2013
As an inside sales representative, what is it that you do?
It鈥檚 a seasonal working job. 80-100 phone calls a day to people who have been to the
Pepsi center. Asking what brought them to the games, ticket deals for future events,
WIP appointment, questions involving their experience of the event, and if they would
come to more events.
How did you get to where you are now after school?
Networking! Talking to people like the 2015 Hockey coordinator and building those
connections through people I knew. Tyler Reddy was a big help for advice and showing
me opportunities like the one I have today. Continuously applying for positions and
if I failed to get the job, I kept working for it. Handling rejection is something
I had to deal with and being consistent. Taking advice from people that I talk to
as well and learning from them is big.
What鈥檚 the most important thing you鈥檝e taken with you from our SMGT department?
First day in intro class, Dr. Noble said, 鈥淚t鈥檚 not about who you know, it鈥檚 who knows
you鈥� and it鈥檚 like who knows you as a good source. I learned quickly that people will
find you most of the time. I also found some really good recommendations through the
department as well.
Transitioning from college to professional life, what鈥檚 been the most difficult transitioning?
Job application process and how competitive it is. It鈥檚 difficult until you get in
and once you鈥檙e in and work hard, you can build through networking.
What advice would you give to future graduation students?
Attend networking events and checking for events online. Be willing to go places for the events even if it鈥檚 far away. Being aggressive and don鈥檛 be afraid to message people or contact them. Like follow ups can be helpful. Taking advantage of internships and volunteer opportunities. Handle rejection and keep trying afterwards.
Any mentors from WSU or anywhere else help you get to where you are now?
Tyler Reddy who is the community relations manager has been a huge help for where I鈥檓 at today. He was kind of a mentor and talked on the phone to help me. All of the professors I鈥檝e had have been great help and help me find the right mindset.
What are your future goals for yourself?
Getting promoted to account representative. Building these connections with CSC who are the owners of the Nuggets, Avalanche, and many more teams. I鈥檓 very excited to continue grow in the industry.