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John Higgins '05

John Higgins’ new theme song might be “On the Road Again.” The youngest account executive at Disney and ESPN Media Networks, John travels a lot in his latest assignment, working with cable operators from Rhode Island to Florida on the distribution of his company’s 40 channels and services.

John, who graduated with a degree in sport management in 3½ years, started as an intern with ESPN special events in the summer 2005. As an intern, he noticed how much others in his department traveled, and he wondered whether he would get the same opportunity some day.

“There are so many resources here, and it’s so important to do what my professors told me: Take risks, volunteer, do whatever you can to diversify your résumé.”

“Now, I am just finishing the first quarter and starting a new year with clients, and I am on the road 80 to 90 percent of the time,” he said. “I love it!”

John says a client recently asked him what he likes best about his job. “As corny as it sounds, it’s the brand. ESPN and Disney are such trend-setters. First it was broadband, then high-definition, now 3-D …”

He also likes the atmosphere in his job. He recently won a leadership award in his department that was voted on by his peers. “I am really proud of that,” he said. “If you work hard, you are definitely recognized and move up. And the people are friendly and supportive.”

John is based in New York City, but his younger sister, Kelly, is a senior at FSC, so he takes every opportunity to visit her and his alma mater when he’s in Florida on business. He has spoken to FSC sport management and marketing classes about his job and the importance of networking, and he hopes to visit his sister’s sales class this semester.

“I love coming back to FSC. It’s awesome,” he said. “There are so many resources here, and it’s so important to do what my professors told me: Take risks, volunteer, do whatever you can to diversify your résumé.”

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