Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship

Tyler Parsons has always been passionate about bringing people together and is determined that sports is one of the best platforms to accomplish this. Growing up in Dansville, Michigan, Tyler was always engaged in sports. Currently the General Manager for the Durham Bulls, a minor league baseball team, Tyler oversees all operations including marketing, ticket sales, sponsorship, special events, food and beverage, facility operations and more!

Additionally, he works closely with their Major League Baseball affiliate Tampa Bay Rays. Given his current role and wide range of responsibilities, Tyler reflected, “As I look back on my career since leaving CMU, I don’t think there is an aspect of my job that I wasn’t exposed to at some point as a student.” Tyler is incredibly thankful for his real-world experience in the Sport Management program at Central Michigan University. Since 2011, Tyler has put his education to use, working in sport management programs in Michigan, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee.

Tyler’s time at CMU impacted his professional career in two major ways. First, the sport management program provided hand-on experience. Tyler had the opportunity to tour facilities, meet professionals in the field, sell ticket for teams, run fundraiser events, and even gain real world experience with CMU athletics. He was able to leverage his experience in the sport management program when seeking a career.

The second way his time at CMU impacted his professional career was the mentorship he received even after graduation. Faculty and staff, like Dr. Steven Adler, Stan Shingles, and Dr. Tracy Olrich (among many others!) were mentioned, as they took time out of their days to guide, advise, and empower him to succeed. Tyler even reported that he continues to network with many faculty, staff, and alums working all over the world – all ready to support current students and new graduates as well! 

Tyler’s advice for young professionals – “Be willing to move and chase opportunities – it will help not only advance your career but grow you as an individual as you experience places outside of your comfort zone.”

CMU’s sport management program that has help many students with careers off the field. Students have the opportunity to learn the business side of sports in a hands-on way as demonstrated by Tyler’s experience.