From Fan to Field: My Journey into the Sports Industry
I’m Maria Rust, and paving a way toward a future in the sports industry! Whether you're looking to do the same or just love the game, you're in the right place!
The past two years of college at Miami University, I've immersed myself with new experiences that will help set me up for success in the sports industry in the future. One of these things being photography, I was also lucky enough my mom had a camera and lets me use it at school. I've played around with photography, videography, and graphic design this year, hoping to build my skills. Take a look at some of my photography I've captured while working!
My Experience In Sports So Far:
- Miami University: Social Media Intern Lead
- Led social media initiatives and provided leadership in project execution, fostering a collaborative team environment.
- Mentored and trained team members on content creation, including shooting, editing, and planning for social media platforms.
- Organized and posted content across multiple Miami Athletics platforms, utilizing Reels, graphics, and photography on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X, driving audience growth and engagement.
- Cincinnati Reds: Gameday Sales Intern
- Assisted in executing postgame concerts, VIP experiences, private player events, and on-field ceremonies
- Received hands-on ticket sales training to understand industry best practices.
Social Media
Social media has become one of my biggest passions, both personally and professionally. I love finding new ways to tell stories, build community, and engage fans—whether it's through creating behind-the-scenes content, jumping on trends, or analyzing what really works. I've been growing my own personal platforms to reflect my journey into sports, and I also help manage social content for the Miami Redhawks, where I focus on creating engaging, timely posts that highlight our athletes and events. My dream is to become a Social Media Coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals, where I can blend my love for football, creative content, and digital strategy into a role that connects with fans on a massive scale.