Mike Stanfield, vice president of sales for the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, spoke to Tulane students about his career path at the School of Business this Monday. (Martha Sanchez)
Tulane University’s American Marketing Association hosted Mike Stanfield, senior vice president of sales for the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, on Oct. 21.
Stanfield, who spent 25 years with the Saints and 13 years with the Pelicans, shared advice with students on how to achieve your dreams while working hard.
Mr. Stanfield began his career in sales after pitching baseball teams at local conferences.
“I stood in the lobby in a suit and talked to anyone who would talk to me. I knew, as well, that it was important to dress well. I was serious. “I wanted to make it look like I meant business,” he said.
Many students in the audience want to work in the sports industry like Stanfield. He advised them on how to achieve their goals and achieve success in different areas of life.
“I know what I have. I have a heart, I have desires, and I know that I have to overcome that wall to achieve anything. They won’t say no to me and I’m going to do it no matter what.”
Stanfield also talked about the power of teamwork, including having his college counselor, friends, and family members as teammates to support his career path.
“The real world isn’t always fun, it’s not always pretty, and people’s careers are going to have a lot of ups and downs,” he said.
Stanfield also detailed his journey so far. “Have I been fired? Yes, I’ve been there,” he said. “I’ve been through all the ups and downs in this business…When things get tough, are you able to look beyond it and the people who love you, who you are now?” Do you have moral support from people who helped you get here, or people who are involved in your professional career?”
