Joy Brandenstein, a rising senior at St. Olaf College, has turned a personal love of videography into a focused pursuit of a career in the sports industry.
Earlier this month she attended the NCAA Career in Sports Forum, a four‑day program designed for student‑athletes who want to explore jobs in college athletics and the broader sports business. The event gathered panels of professionals who discussed the creative and operational sides of sports, giving Brandenstein a clearer picture of where her skills could fit.
Hands‑On Experience in the Field
Following the forum, Brandenstein began a media internship with Seattle Ultimate, where she captures game footage and edits highlight reels for the team. She also supports the social media strategy for DYSports, a basketball tournament company, further sharpening her production and digital‑content abilities.
Working directly with college athletic departments and professional‑level organizations has allowed her to apply classroom learning to real‑world projects, building a portfolio that blends storytelling with technical editing.
Reflecting on the experience, Brandenstein says the forum helped her identify strengths she hadn’t previously recognized and solidified her ambition to work behind the camera in sports media. She plans to continue blending creative production with the dynamic environment of athletics as she moves toward graduation.