Janna Braga

Janna Braga is a transfer sport management major from Aurora, IL

Hometown: Aurora, IL

High School: Waubonsie Valley High School

Year: Expected graduation: Spring 2027

Transfer from: College of DuPage

What is your major (and/or minor), and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am a sport management major with a minor in sport journalism. I decided on this course of study because I've always enjoyed watching sports with my family and have developed a passion for the industry. I find it exciting to contribute to the behind-the-scenes work that helps create memorable experiences and a sense of community for fans around the world.

Have you completed or are you currently pursuing an internship or other career-related experience? How did you get your internship, and where was it?
Yes, I am currently a summer general intern with the Kane County Cougars. I got this internship through my professor, Douglas Czurylo.

What have you learned or experienced through your internship that you couldn't have gotten in a classroom?
Through working with the Cougars, I've gained hands-on experience regarding what it takes to successfully execute game days. So far, I've helped with stadium setup and breakdown, guest services, parking, the Kidzone, the 50/50 raffle and concessions. These experiences have given me a better understanding of game-day operations in the sport industry.

What advice would you give to a student who is trying to land their first internship?
Don't be afraid to reach out to people who are in a position you could see yourself in someday! I emailed and connected with so many industry professionals, giving them a short summary of my background and experience and letting them know I was open to internships until I landed mine.

What do you believe an NIU degree will make possible for you that might not have been possible otherwise?
I believe an NIU degree will help me stand out in an already competitive field and give me the qualifications, confidence and experience to pursue my goal of working in the sport industry.

What has genuinely surprised you about your experience at NIU?
One thing that surprised me about the NIU sport management program was that many of the classes are real-world oriented and provide valuable hands-on experience. In a lot of my classes, we work on projects that reflect situations we are likely to encounter once in the sport industry.

Are you involved in student organizations, mentoring programs or extracurricular activities? If so, which ones, and how have they shaped your experience as a Huskie?
I am in the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Joining this honors society has encouraged me to be a better student and push myself academically.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel supported and successful, and how?
The sport management department and my advisor, Joe Curran, have helped me feel supported. He is always quick to respond to my questions and any concerns I have about my classes. He is a great resource for making sure I am on track to graduate and earn my degree.

Who has been a favorite instructor or professor, and what did they teach? What made them memorable?
My favorite professor would probably be Dave Serowka. I took his Intro to Sport Management class and am currently taking his Field Experience in the Sport Industry class. He's all about setting us up for success in the real world. Whether it's helping us refine our LinkedIn profiles and resumes, providing resources to find internships, or connecting us with professionals in the industry, he consistently goes above and beyond to help students gain valuable experience.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community, and why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is probably the Holmes Student Center. As a commuter student, it's a great place to relax between classes, grab something to eat, do homework, or catch up/make new friends. It's a great place to feel connected to the rest of campus.

How has NIU helped you find your community or your sense of belonging here?
NIU has helped me find a sense of belonging through the relationships I've built within the sport management program. Since transferring to NIU, I've had opportunities to connect with professors and classmates who share my interests and career goals.

Why is a college education important to you?
For me, a college education is important because it gives me opportunities to gain real-world experience through internships and networking. It prepares me for future success and opens doors to more career opportunities.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges right now?
I would say to look beyond academics and consider the opportunities each school provides outside of the classroom. Take time to research internship opportunities, student organizations, student life and career resources related to your field of study.

How do you manage your responsibilities like school, work, family and everything else while still making the most of your time at NIU?
As a commuter student, balancing school, work, family and other responsibilities requires great time management and organization. I try to stay on top of assignments by planning ahead and setting personal due dates throughout the week, so I won't procrastinate or get overwhelmed.

Where did you transfer from, and what led you to choose NIU as your transfer destination?
I transferred from the College of DuPage. NIU has a direct AA-B.S. in sport management with the College of DuPage. It was also not too far from home and was the best university financially for me.

What was the most challenging part of transferring, and how did NIU help you navigate it?
The most challenging part of transferring was keeping up with the deadlines and requirements while finishing up my semester at the College of DuPage. NIU did a great job helping me navigate this by giving me a list of what steps to take and what was still required to complete my transfer.

How has your experience at NIU compared to your expectations when you were considering the transfer?
When I considered transferring, I didn't expect to have so many opportunities to gain real-world experience. NIU has exceeded my expectations, since the sport management program is very hands-on and career-focused rather than focused on homework and projects.

What would you tell a community college student who is thinking about transferring to NIU?
Do it! As someone who transferred from the College of DuPage, the transition to NIU was smoother than I expected. NIU is filled with so many great career resources and on-campus opportunities to gain hands-on experience in your field of study. The sport management program has provided many opportunities to build professional connections and prepare me for a career after graduation.

Do you live on campus or commute? How has that shaped your experience as a Huskie? What support or resources have made that work well for you?
I commute. Commuting from Aurora to DeKalb has taught me the importance of time management and staying organized. Resources such as the student center and other support I've received from within the sport management department have helped make commuting manageable and allowed me to stay connected to the NIU community.

What scholarships or financial support have you received at NIU?
I received the AIM HIGH transfer student scholarship.

Did the availability of scholarships or financial aid factor into your decision to choose NIU? If so, how?
Yes, financial aid and scholarship opportunities helped make earning my degree more manageable and allowed me to focus on my academics and professional development. Having a good amount of financial support has reduced some of my stress associated with college expenses and spreading my time between work, school and internships.

How has that financial support shaped your ability to pursue your education and make the most of your time here?
By reducing some of the financial burden of college, it has allowed me to dedicate time to opportunities like internships, networking and classes, rather than worrying as much about the cost of earning my degree.