Studying Sport Administration Major at Pepperdine University From a Student Perspective

Hello everyone! My name is Jett Fukuda, and I am a third-year student from Irvine, California, majoring in Sport Administration. On campus, I serve as the club beach volleyball captain, am a member of Alpha Tau Omega, and hold the role of Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion for the Interfraternity Council (IFC). I also work as an orientation coordinator and student admissions representative, helping welcome prospective and incoming students to the Pepperdine community. After graduation, I hope to represent athletes to teams and other entities as a sports agent.

Being an athlete my whole life, finding a way to stay connected to the sports world was a dream of mine. I realized becoming a sports agent was a possibility when my parents showed me the movie Jerry Maguire for the first time. In it, Tom Cruise plays an agent who stays loyal to his athlete, even as others doubted him. I saw that loyalty in myself and admired the meaningful relationships he built throughout his career. I also love meeting new people and being in professional circles, so pursuing a career as a sports agent felt like the perfect opportunity for me.

Discovering Pepperdine’s Sport Administration Program

When I first arrived at Pepperdine, I didn’t even know the Sport Administration program existed. I began as a Political Science major with plans to attend law school and work in sports contracts. However, after learning more about the program from a friend, I realized that Pepperdine’s Sport Administration degree aligned perfectly with my long-term goals.

The program sits at the intersection of sport, business, communication, and leadership, preparing students for careers in sports management, athletic administration, and professional representation.

Sports Management Internships in Los Angeles and Beyond

One of the most valuable aspects of Pepperdine’s Sport Administration major is its guaranteed internships within the athletics department. Students gain hands-on experience as early as their first semesters, working in ticket sales, marketing, facilities management, business administration, and other athletic operations roles.

I had the opportunity to work with Van Wagner, the company that represents Pepperdine for in-game marketing. The company also partners with the West Coast Conference and the Big West Conference, providing exposure to collegiate athletics on a broader scale.

These sports management internships in the Los Angeles area give students real-world experience, help build professional networks, and create strong foundations for careers in the sport industry.

Gaining Experience at March Madness and Major Sporting Events

Pepperdine’s connections also open doors to nationally recognized sporting events. During my freshman year, every student in the program had the opportunity to work at the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament (March Madness).

I worked as part of the operations team at Crypto.com Arena, contributing to the execution of one of the most prestigious events in college basketball. Experiences like this strengthen resumes while providing unmatched insight into large-scale sports event management.

Other students in the program have gained experience with organizations such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Rose Bowl, and the South Bay Lakers, along with numerous professional and amateur teams across Southern California.

Learning From Sports Industry Leaders and Professionals

A defining strength of Pepperdine’s Sport Administration program is access to professors with extensive experience in professional sports.

Students learn from leaders such as:

• Ned Colletti, former general manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers and NHL scout
• John Watson, former Pepperdine athletic director and NCAA leadership member
• Alicia Jessop, sports attorney and journalist

With small class sizes and strong faculty mentorship, students build meaningful relationships with professors who offer real-world insight, professional connections, and career guidance within the sports industry.

Preparing for a Career as a Sports Agent or Sports Executive

As one of only 17 Sport Administration programs on the West Coast, Pepperdine provides an exclusive and highly personalized academic experience. The program equips students with business knowledge, leadership development, industry connections, and practical experience necessary for careers as sports agents, athletic administrators, and sports executives.

I truly believe Pepperdine has positioned me on the right path to pursue my dream of becoming a sports agent — combining loyalty, leadership, and professional preparation in a way that sets graduates apart.