Getting to Know You: Ryan Yoneyama
Ryan Yoneyama — Sport Management
Minors: Business Administration, Communication
Hometown: Sammamish, WA
Year: Junior
Why did you choose Washington State University?
I chose to come to Washington State University because I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and experience a different type of school then one I was accustomed to. I wanted to get out of the city life and go to a school that was centralized in one city, I wanted to experience what a small town college experience felt like. I also fell in love with the campus and city of Pullman when I came on my college visit and didn’t love the other schools that I visited.
What makes this program special and what do you like most about the department?
I believe the thing that makes the Sport Management program special is the program’s attention to detail in its students, in you. I have never been part of a program or organization that pays such close attention to its students through its structured curriculum. From day one I was able to see the full outline of what I was going to do in my college career. I knew exactly what classes I needed to take and I knew what special requirements I had to accomplish upon graduation. That’s the thing I love the most about the program though, I am required to get actual hands on experience from professional companies in my field before I can graduate. This means that upon graduation I could already have a job if I get the right internship and the department as a whole set me up for success by giving me a wide range of opportunities.
What is your dream job after college?
My dream job after college is to hopefully work for a major sports performance apparel company such as Under Armour or Nike. I could also see myself wanting to work for a professional sports organization specifically in the NBA.
Do you have any advice for incoming freshman pursuing this degree?
The advice I have for incoming freshman is that once you get started in the sport management program, take full advantage of as many opportunities as you can. Internships are widely available no matter how small, and they offer extremely valuable experience with real world companies and professionals. When you are applying to internships or jobs upon graduation, employers will take notice of jobs that you have had that are beyond food service and retail jobs.
What motivates you as a student?
The things that motivate me as a student is to be happy in whatever I do. In my career, I want to have the necessary skills to do my job efficiently and effectively and I would love to have a high monetary salary, but I want to be happy in the job that I have.
What kind of extracurricular activities are you a part of?
I participate in several extracurricular activities and some of the things I participate in are weightlifting, running, playing basketball, and playing a round of golf. I am also a member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and love hanging out with my brothers during the week.
Favorites:
- Class: Sport Ethics & Moral Reasoning
- Sport: Basketball
- Movie: The Sandlot
- Artist: Zac Brown Band
- Song: Whatever It Is
- Food: Chicken Parmesan
- Pullman Restaurant: South Fork