Bronco Spotlight: Matt Read
Master of Arts in sport management, 2019
Human Resources Associate at Stanford University Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation
I serve as the Human Resources Associate for Stanford's Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation. In this position I'm responsible for the full life-cycle of human resources initiatives including recruitment, classification, employee relations, and payroll services for 15 of the 36 varsity sports offered. In addition, I'm responsible for all HR activities for 2,498 contingent employees.
What is the most rewarding and the most challenging part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is without a doubt the people that I come in contact with on a daily basis. I have the privilege of working with the best sport administrators and coaches in the country ranging from Olympic athletes to industry pioneers. I'm challenged constantly both personally and professionally. The people at Stanford make for an incredible experience and the best part is that each and every one of us leads with courage, embraces scholar-athleticism, pursues and reveres excellence, and works cohesively.
The most challenging part of my job is the sheer volume of people. Operating the largest athletic program in the country requires a large group of talented people. Each and every one of those people requires careful attention and, because of that, I take my job very seriously. I've been very blessed to have a great group of people surrounding me that have been willing to take the time to speak with me and help me learn. Again, the people at Stanford are the best.
What activities, resources, or people helped you prepare for your career?
I truly cherished my time at Western Michigan University. The two entities that helped me take my first steps in my career were the Human Performance and Health Education Department and the Athletic Communications Department. As a graduate teaching assistant, I was lucky enough to meet hundreds of students and create meaningful relationships with a few. The professors and faculty wanted the best for me and were willing to help me achieve my goals throughout grad school. My time in academics was the most meaningful experience I've had in my career so far. The Athletic Communications staff at WMU gave me the confidence to pursue opportunities in DI athletics that I thought were out of reach. From traveling with the football team to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl to planning the Women's Basketball season-end banquet, I learned from the best in the MAC.
What advice do you have for students?
My advice for students is to get involved, be curious, and be a good listener. Whether it's an intramural sports program, a student-activist group, or doing research for a professor, just do something that stretches you. Throw yourself into something that is difficult or foreign. Be open to failing at something you've never tried if it means that you learn and grow. Getting involved in your university helps you add things to your tool-belt. The more equipment you have in your tool-belt, the better you'll be able to handle the challenges ahead.