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Over the last year, we committed to expanding esports at our University in a big way. We've added full time staff, renovated a 5,000 square foot facility, and we're introducing new esports titles.
I've been asked a few times, "How?" and I wanted to share some advice.
I've been asked a few times, "How?" and I wanted to share some advice.
First and foremost. Before you approach the university with your vision, reimagine it. Look at it through the lens of a Student, Parent, Coach, Director, Dean, VP, President. Are you confident you can "sell" your vision to every single one of them?
No? Then it needs work.
No? Then it needs work.
Second. Use this opportunity to create the program that you WANT to build. This needs to be a middle ground between what the University envisioned and what you envisioned.
You might not get full rides, high salaries, facilities, and FT staff. Be realistic, but optimistic.
You might not get full rides, high salaries, facilities, and FT staff. Be realistic, but optimistic.
Third. Understand your approach.
What does committing to an esports expansion offer the University? Why should they invest more than they have?
Recruitment? Community? Marketing Power? Think like your bosses bosses boss here.
What does committing to an esports expansion offer the University? Why should they invest more than they have?
Recruitment? Community? Marketing Power? Think like your bosses bosses boss here.
Fourth. Bulletproof your presentation.
You're going to handle questions you've never thought of. Find those questions and answer them before hand. You need to be able to establish confidence.
You're not just selling esports, you're selling yourself.
You're going to handle questions you've never thought of. Find those questions and answer them before hand. You need to be able to establish confidence.
You're not just selling esports, you're selling yourself.
Lastly. Follow the appropriate hierarchy in your chain of command.
Build support at each level and progress your proposal slowly. Refine after each presentation. Work with your peers to develop something you truly believe in.
Build support at each level and progress your proposal slowly. Refine after each presentation. Work with your peers to develop something you truly believe in.
The expansion that we've undergone this last year was the culmination of two years of extremely hard work. It was not a fast process, but it was a careful one. I'm proud of what we've accomplished in the last few years, and look forward to building more on our legacy.
I want you to achieve your dreams and help elevate your programs. Dont hesitate to DM me if you ever need to chat esports or seek advice. I'm happy to help<3
Its probably worth noting that this is applicable to building out esports from the club level towards varsity. I'm less experienced in that specific chain of succession (Club--->Varsity) but I'd be happy to discuss and offer advice if I can!
