USC Aiken Student Bobby Walters Selected for NAATSO Mentorship

Aiken, SC (12/05/2022) — Bobby Walters, a senior business administration student at the University of South Carolina Aiken (USC Aiken), has been selected for the 2022-2023 National Association of Athletic Ticket Sales and Operations (NAATSO) Mentorship Program Class.

Nine mentors and mentees have been selected to participate in the 2022-2023 program and each mentee will be provided with a stipend to attend the 2023 NAATSO Convention in June at the World Center Marriott Resort in Orlando, FL.

As an active member of NAATSO, Walters will have the opportunity to network, learn and gain access to professional development opportunities from industry experts across the country.

Since he began working with USC Aiken's athletic department in the spring of 2021, Walters has worked in ticket operations, marketing, compliance, office management and communications.

Throughout his time at USC Aiken, Walters has welcomed the mentorship of faculty and staff members.

"Without the mentorship, guidance and friendship of our Athletics Business Manager, Brennan Hand, I would have never pursued the NAATSO mentorship program," said Walters. "Brennan has guided me at every step of the way since my internship began in March of 2021."

Walters said with Hand's guidance, he has progressed from a quiet, introverted sophomore without any experience to a senior with a career path in mind that holds many opportunities for growth.

In addition to Hand, Walters also found a mentor in John Engel, senior instructor and director of career readiness at USC Aiken.

"He has also been instrumental in helping me to find my voice as a student, as a future leader in the business world and as a person," Walters said. "I have been to his office many times over the last few years to discuss the SOBA Student Advisory Board's planning, my career or just life in general."

After graduation, Walters will seek a position in an athletic department's ticketing office and plans to eventually pursue a master's degree in sports management.

"I have enjoyed the last three and a half years at USCA and the many opportunities I likely wouldn't have had anywhere else for undergrad," said Walters. "From friendships, to my internship, to leadership positions and beyond, I can truly say that I have been blessed beyond measure to be a Pacer."

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