Take a minute to get to know our Events and Hospitality intern Katie Wallingford in this edition of Meet the Intern! Make sure to follow our Instagram (@valeroalamobowl) on September 7 for “A Day in the Life” as we get an inside look into the life of Katie! If you’re busy on Friday then you can check back anytime afterward to see the highlights on Instagram too!
Q: Where are you from?
A:I’m from Lakeway, Texas, which is about 30 minutes west of Austin. My hometown has produced its fair share of talented college quarterbacks including Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield and Baylor’s Charlie Brewer, who you can see take on UTSA this Saturday in the Alamodome!
Q: What’s your alma mater? What is your degree in?
A: I’m a Texas Tech University graduate. I have a Bachelor’s of Science in Sport Management with a General Business minor.
Q: What will you be responsible for while working at the Valero Alamo Bowl?
A: My main focuses are event operations and volunteer coordination.
Q: What part of the experience are you most excited about?
A: I am most excited to get to know the people that make these amazing events successful year after year, as well as learning from people already established in the industry.
Q: Where would you like to be in five years?
A: I want to work in community relations at a sports organization. I’m so passionate about helping communities and want to help leave cities better than I found it.
Q: What advice do you have for prospective students who may want to pursue a career in event management?
A: My advice would be to keep pursuing what you want. It’s really easy to get discouraged, especially in this industry, but your passion will take you so far. Also, volunteer as much as you can! I volunteered last year with the Valero Alamo Bowl and it helped me get to where I am now.
Q: Favorite thing so far about San Antonio?
A: I love that San Antonio has the perks of a big city, but everyone here is so friendly – it feels like a small town!
FUN FACTS:
Favorite food: Turkey sandwiches
Favorite show to watch on Netflix: The Office
Favorite holiday: 4th of July
Favorite athlete: Sheryl Swoopes
Favorite sports memory: Tech beat UT in Austin on Thanksgiving Day in 2015 after Kliff ran a play called “Little People Big World” that turned the momentum of the game.