Claire Herquet, Staff

The professors in La Salle’s Communication department  provided the opportunity for current students to connect with alumni who have gone through the job search and found themselves doing what they love in the communications career field.  

On Sept. 8, La Salle University welcomed the first guest speaker of the year, communincation alum, Emilee Desmond to speak to one of our Sports Journalism classes about not only acquiring her job working for the Philadelphia 76ers, but how much she loves what she does being a Member Services Coordinator for the professional basketball team.  

 Students were delighted to hear her insight into how she applied her studies and experience gained from volunteering at La Salle, and how it has gotten her the position she has now. 

As a child, Emilee always knew she would be doing something big in the world of sports. She often bonded with her father over professional basketball on television at home. In her time at La Salle, she played soccer alongside her teammates in college for years and became the sports reporter and scriptwriter for the Collegian and La Salle TV. Leaving her collegiate athletic career was tough for Desmond, however she was overjoyed to continue focusing on her efforts of success with her studies.  

Emilee graduated with her bachelor’s degree at the height of the initial COVID-19 outbreak, which was extremely devastating for her. However,, she pushed through and kept herself motivated by returning to school the following semester to earn her master’s degree. Looking back on this decision, she told current students that it was the most beneficial at this time to expand her knowledge instead of trying to jump into the job search while the pandemic was an increasing issue.  

In December 2020, Desmond got her job as a Salesperson at the 76ers, working in the office, mainly calling clients to sell and increase ticket sales, offered promotions, and worked at a number of 76ers events. A few months into her time there, after finishing her master’s degree, she voiced to her supervisor that she had interest in getting promoted to the job as an Executive Coordinator. A few months following the discussion, Desmond received the opportunity to take over doing just that. 

Her current position mainly consists of managing schedules, budgets, marketing plans and sales activities. In addition, she researches locations during off season to plan for events, brainstorms and directs team events such as game days, does inventory of new merchandise and more. Desmond has very long days at work, sometimes working a consecutive 16 hours (often for game days), however testifies that it is all worth it for seeing the big happy crowds cheering on her favorite team at the Wells Fargo Center. 

Desmond left students with a great deal of advice  last Friday. She is proud of herself for getting involved and finding herself as many volunteer opportunities as she could at her time here. Getting experience is extremely helpful in finding what you might have an interest in, and getting your foot in the door with doing activities related to your major while gaining that experience is something that the future version of you will never regret.  

The Communication department will be welcoming many more sports alumni speakers this semester to help students network and explore career possibilities.