In brand partnerships and representation, failure is inevitable, but the successes make it all worth it.
Mark Cho, a graduating senior in Sport Management with a minor in business, was quick to immerse himself in the many opportunities offered through Kinesiology and Health Education. He completed a number of sports agency internships, represented professional football players and served as a student manager for Texas Football, playing a key role in team operations.
Originally from Pasadena, California, Cho interned with New Orleans Saints center Erik McCoy and Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph and worked with Team USA gymnast and fellow College of Education student Tomas Minc. After graduation, Cho plans to continue working in sports representation while pursuing brand partnerships and storytelling – essentially anywhere and everywhere that athletics, content and brands overlap.
Mark embodies many of the qualities that our successful students bring, both into the classroom and out on the field,
said Matt Bowers, program director and associate professor of instruction in Sport Management. He’s hardworking, bright, warm and quick to lend a hand. Mark is someone I would want on my team no matter what I was doing.
Watch the video: Inside Texas Football with Student Manager Mark Cho.
Q&A with Mark Cho
What drew you to UT’s College of Education and the Kinesiology and Health Education program?
I initially expected to attend a school on the East Coast, but my high school advisor encouraged me to look into UT. Once I learned about the Sport Management program’s reputation and UT’s status as one of the most recognizable college sports brands in the world, I knew it was the right place for me. That mix of high-quality academics and elite sport culture was exactly what I was looking for.
Did you always know you wanted to study sport management and athletics, or did that interest develop over time?
As a high school football player, I originally planned to play in college, but when COVID-19 hit, I knew I needed to change paths. That shift sparked my interest in representing athletes, making sport management a natural fit. Sports have always played a major role in my life, and I knew I wanted to pursue a career closely aligned with them.
What were some of your favorite aspects of the Sport Management program? In what ways did it prepare you for brand partnerships and sports representation?
One of my favorite parts of the program were the guest speakers, who provided key insight into careers in athletics. Hearing from endorsement agents, premium suite directors and others helped me appreciate the wide range of opportunities in the sports industry. The UT alumni network and internship program were particularly important in connecting me with alumni in sports representation, which led to one of my first internships in brand partnerships. From there, I continued to expand my experience and roles through additional internships – and now I manage my own client.
What was your experience like at KHE, from working with UT Football to collaborating with professional players and talent? What moments stand out to you most?
My experience at KHE has been nothing short of amazing. I got my foot in the door with Texas Football as an equipment intern before becoming a full-time manager the following semester. I’ll never forget the big home games against Georgia and Texas A&M or traveling with the team during our playoff run.
Working with professional athletes and talent led to one of my most memorable moments – negotiating my first brand deal and earning income from my work. In brand partnerships and representation, failure is inevitable, but the successes make it all worth it.
Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in the future? How do you envision your career evolving?
I see myself working as an endorsement agent for star athletes or in marketing and brand partnerships with a major agency or sports organization. I’ve never been someone to limit myself, so I’m excited to see what the future holds. I’m ready to follow the opportunities that come my way and see where my career takes me.
