When Armando Ruelas began his sophomore year at San Diego State University, he already knew one thing for certain: sports would be part of his future. Having grown up playing baseball and soccer, his passion for athletics quickly translated into a desire to build a career in the industry. That passion led him to the Sports Business Initiative, a decision that would prove to be both career-shaping and life-changing.

“I was in SBI for three years—my first two as a paid member and my third as part of the executive board,” Armando recalls. “I had the opportunity to serve as Vice President of Operations in 2022–23, which really allowed me to step into a leadership role.”

Through SBI, Armando discovered an internship opportunity with SDSU Athletics after a marketing team representative spoke at a SBI meeting. “I immediately applied, went through an extensive interview process, and was offered a position,” he says. Over the next two years, Armando thrived as a marketing intern.

The role was hands-on and diverse, implementing marketing plans for Aztec soccer, baseball, and softball; producing in-game activations; and even operating video boards and music at SDSU sporting venues. “We were responsible for helping promote all of SDSU’s Division I programs,” he explains. 

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​​His experience paid off. After graduation, Armando applied for a full-time position and was offered the role of Assistant Director of Marketing, for San Diego State Athletics. 

If he were given the chance to start from the beginning and relive his college experience, Armando would have joined SBI sooner. "The connections and experiences from this organization have had an immense impact on my career development.”

What's Armando up to now? He's giving back! In his role as Assistant Director of Marketing, he works with and oversees the interns who had his role when he was first starting out at SDSU Athletics. His advice for students aspiring to land similar roles? Reach out! Don't hesitate. "Nobody asks, ‘Can I shadow you?’ That simple shift drastically improves your chances of making a real connection with a professional. Reach out with purpose. Seek to learn from them, not just get a job.” 

Armando's SBI experience created a stepping stone into his dream job. We can't wait to watch him continue to achieve his success as he strives to work his way up the ranks within sports marketing and become a marketing professional for other organizations! 

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