Women In Sports Panel

Tonight's panel consists of five different women who work here at University of Wisconsin in different roles revolving around sports.
 
Sheridan Blanford: Director of Inclusion 
Marija Pientka: Senior Associate AD
Katie Smith: Senior Associate AD in Compliance 
Jackie Crum: Assistant Women's Hockey Coach 
Bridget Woodruff: Assistant AD for Career & Leadership

What is some of the best career advice you've received over the years?
"Crush the job you are currently in. If you do your job really really well, it will be noticed." - BW
​
"Always be thinking and planning about what your goal is in the future." - KS

"Learn to play golf. It's a great opportunity to network and get to know other people in the business." - MP

"You're not always going to be able to enjoy the shade of the trees that you plant. Even if you can't necessarily enjoy the fruits of your own labor, others will benefit from your hard work." - SB

How was the transition from a different university and city?
"I was hesitant transitioning from a smaller school and city. My old job at Northern Illinois felt like a family and I was nervous interviewing, but when I interviewed I knew this place was different. Even though there was a bigger microscope on us in compliance, I was excited and knew this was a job I wanted." - KS

"I quit my job in Ohio because I realized I needed to be closer to my family and where I grew up. So when I did get an interview, I really wanted the job and needed the job. The structure here is very different and there are pros and cons to that." - BW

What are you some challenges you have faced being a woman in the sports industry?
"I found myself trying to be more like a man. I didn't need to do that and I shouldn't have done that. The best thing for me was being the best me that I can be and working hard at my job."-KS

"As a female coach there is definitely a microscope on you to be the best and to earn the respect of the men. You have to work harder to earn the respect of men unfortunately." - JC

"Not every sector is dominated by males, but lots of times my career has been limited by my age." - BW