Deacon Spotlight: Mark Handler
Mark Handler (2020, BA in English Literature)
Account Manager – Corporate Partnerships at Sporting Kansas City in Kansas City, MO
Tell us about your current job role and employer. What are you currently working on?
I work as an account manager developing partnerships with Sporting Kansas City’s corporate sponsorship team, including a wide range of clients from national retailers to local financial institutions who invest in the Club and market their brands through the franchise. Currently, I’m working through renewing one of our First Team partners who sponsors several of the stadium’s landmarks and is focused on building their connection to the Kansas City Community.
What key personal and/or career experiences led you to where you are today?
After having a fantastic experience with the WFU Fellows Program the year after I graduated, I wanted to explore a more corporate job setting to see how I fit into a typical big-business structure. After a year working for a research firm in Austin, TX, I decided I wanted to pursue something that I felt passionate about, which for me was Major League Soccer (MLS). Since then, I’ve worked for Atlanta United and Sporting Kansas City, which has been an experience full of learning for me professionally, but also fulfilled me personally because of my deep love for soccer and the community that’s been created around both of these Clubs.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job? How do you navigate that challenge?
In client management, it feels like there is always more that can be done to create an effective partnership. I’ve tried to push myself to learn how to prioritize goals when everything can feel important, and relinquish the stress of seeking an A++ on every call, project or relationship. Dialing back the pursuit of perfection has helped me manage my own expectations of success, and actually made me a better account manager! But, that’s taken a long time and something I still work through every day in a quick-moving, revenue-driving environment.
What advice would you give to Wake Forest graduates about developing their personal life habits after college (finances, health, values, work/life balance)?
Go easy on yourself because careers are lifelong learning processes. There can be a lot of pressure to feel like you’ve figured out your dreams, compensation, vocation and relationships all by the end of your first year after graduation. I’ve learned that these are always in negotiation with each other, and as long as you’re putting your best foot forward in each, you’ll land where you’re supposed to be.
We know that relationships are important for any kind of development. How do you build and maintain your network?
I’ve found that being open to new relationships has helped me build broader networks, even outside of professional environments. Recently, I attended a summit on sustainability in sports that helped me build relationships with like-minded people across the country that have been valuable for me personally and professionally. I attended that conference by myself in Seattle, and was nervous to go, but saying ‘yes’ to a new opportunity helped me create so many connections that I still hold closely. Maintaining those relationships over time can be challenging. But I’ve also learned most people value any relationship even if much time has passed without regularly connecting with each other. In my current position, it was actually a former classmate of mine from high school who helped me get started in the MLS.
Tell us about your mentoring relationships. What impact have these relationships had on your career and life?
Having a mentor is an invaluable way to receive feedback on your ideas, career moves, relationships or next steps when you’re an early graduate navigating new landscapes. I’ve found that mentors of mine have been incredibly helpful in my decision making and providing that security when time comes for change. And, it’s exciting to pay back that mentorship to young professionals who are seeking advice and guidance knowing how valuable it can be to anyone looking to better understand their best path forward!
What advice would you give to current Wake Forest students and/or young alumni who are interested in working in your industry?
Professional sports is such an exciting and evolving industry! When I applied for my first job in MLS, I was surprised by how competitive it was, especially for recent grads. A big part of that is because so many people are interested in front office roles, but there aren’t always tons of openings at professional franchises. My biggest piece of advice is to start building relationships with people already working in the industry. Whether it’s grabbing coffee, hopping on a quick call, or just reaching out on LinkedIn, those connections can help open doors. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there – it’s one of the best ways to stand out!
What’s next for your career? What future goals or plans are you pursuing?
I’m currently pushing myself to learn more about how to best manage people on my internal team. It feels very different than client management, and I enjoy practicing the skills it takes to be a great people manager, but I want to keep building these skills to position myself as a more effective internal advocate and leader on my team!
Story published in June 2025. For current updates about Mark, visit his LinkedIn profile.