Taylor Olson Interview

Taylor Olson has been working for the Detroit Tigers as a Promotions and Special Events Coordinator for a little over a year now. Her main responsibilities include managing all in-game assets such as the mascot PAWS, DTE Energy Squad, Detroit Tigers Kids Club, Pre-game ceremonies, national anthem, awards/gift recipients, player recognition, and much more. How did Taylor land such a rewarding job in the sports industry? She shares all of that and more.

Like many college students, Taylor initially struggled with what she wanted to pursue. Her heart was first set on being a pathologist in a coroner's office, but when she realized all the factors that played into becoming one, she needed to reroute what her true passion was. Growing up sports had always been a huge part of her family, especially baseball. Halfway through her junior year, she changed her degree to communications with a focus in PR and with a minor in sports management. She figured it would be broad enough to help her navigate her way through the sports industry.

After graduation, she did many internships in different sports to gain as much experience as she could and to solidify what she wanted to pursue. Through her experiences with the Washington Nationals, Washington Redskins, and Washington Wizards she "took away qualities from each that made her a more well-rounded candidate. She understood the different dynamics of different departments and did many different things within different sports." Her experience working on a promotions and events team solidified her love for that field, so once she saw the job listing at the Tigers, she knew it was an opportunity she couldn't pass up.

Her biggest piece of advice to those wanting to pursue a career in sports marketing is "don't be afraid to relocate". She talked about how there are not many opportunities in sports, so when an opportunity arises, you can't be afraid to take a chance. Taylor moved nearly 9 hours away from her hometown in Pennsylvania to Detroit. "Let your passion lead you where you need to go."

Taylor enjoys working at the ballpark every day. Nothing beats seeing the baseball field from your office window. The people she works with, the opportunities she gets, and the love for baseball she has makes all the hard work she put in to get where she is so worth it.