Rowan University welcomed its newest Pizza with the Pros guest to Bozorth Hall’s King Auditorium on Monday, Feb. 17. The seats were filled with interested students as Clarisa Kirk, the vice president of digital marketing for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), entered the building.

Growing up in Cherry Hill, NJ, Kirk attended the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science. Immediately after graduating, the Ivy League alum took a job with Chase, working in direct mail and moving to brand marketing. However, she would later realize that credit cards weren’t her passion.

“I wanted to get into entertainment, and I knew there were a lot of marketing roles,” said Kirk. “The things that I’m doing every day, working on marketing campaigns, advertising, managing a brand, why can’t I do this for an industry that I am more excited about?”

Kirk then pivoted, setting her sights on New York University’s Stern School of Business and earning her master’s in business administration. She interned at NBC Universal and eventually joined the marketing team surrounding the Today Show.

When Comcast bought NBC Universal, Kirk was influenced to move back to Philadelphia. Working in Comcast’s digital group, she began to search for more exciting opportunities.

“I felt like my role was becoming too specialized, and I missed having some of that variety,” said Kirk.

Having a background in sports, which included playing softball in college, Kirk grasped that the sports industry should be her next move. Her brother had a friend on the Sixers entertainment team who allowed them to go on the court after the game. It was this instance that would spark a future endeavor for Kirk.

 “I was like, this is awesome, I can do this,” said Kirk. “I can work in marketing here.”

Adding to Kirk’s drive toward the job was surprisingly the doubt of her three brothers. They questioned her fit for the position due to what they perceived as her lack of knowledge of the team’s history. 

“I know a lot about marketing, though,” said Kirk. “It just sort of gave me this fire to prove them wrong.”

After researching openings within Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment, the ownership group of the Philadelphia 76ers, Kirk applied and was hired by the company four years ago.

At Pizza with the Pros, Kirk gave valuable advice to students who are interested in marketing. From her experience, she emphasized the importance of recognizing the goals of the company.

“Right now, with the Sixers, in order to be good in my role, I need to know what my part is to the broader business,” said Kirk. “So, if I can understand the business model, then I’m more equipped to think about which marketing strategies make sense that will help the business.”

This advice resonates with Jack Keller, a freshman sports communication and media student at Rowan University. Currently undecided on his sports CaM concentration, Keller believes that he is leaning in the right direction after meeting one-on-one with Kirk.

“I met with her, and I thought that hearing from her experience and her daily schedule, it just got me more thinking about wanting to do marketing,” said Keller.

Currently, Kirk enjoys the versatility of her role and working for a sports franchise she supported growing up as a Philadelphia sports fan.

“I understand the general components of my role, but every day could be a little bit different,” said Kirk. “There is no same day for me, there’s no typical day.”

Next Monday, Feb. 24, Rowan University will host alum David Zubrzycki, the studio production manager for MLB Network.

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