Q&As - We asked current student, Rian Henderson!
Rian Henderson is a Class of 2028 double major in Marketing and Sports Management.
What inspired you to pair Marketing with Sports Management, and how do you see these majors complementing each other in your long-term career goals?
I was inspired to pair Marketing and Sport Management because it is a combination of the two industries I have always felt most drawn to. For the majority of my life, I knew I wasn’t destined for long hours inside a cubicle crunching numbers. Instead, I thought to seek opportunities in an industry that promoted community and a fast-paced environment, sports. Furthermore, I have always felt an inclination towards the business world, more specifically, the creative and human-driven aspect. Therefore, a degree in Sport Management gives me insight into the unique operational, legal, and leadership structures that shape athletic organizations, preparing me to enter the coveted industry. Marketing on the other hand allows me to understand how organizations position themselves, build brand equity and loyalty, and create meaningful consumer experiences. When combined, they allow me to approach sports not just as entertainment, but as a sophisticated industry driven by branding, revenue strategy, media rights, and fan engagement. I feel they perfectly complement one another as I see myself working directly in sports marketing, ideally with brand strategy, partnerships, or public relations within a major athletic organization or global brand. To put my finger on my dream job, the head of marketing for a Formula One team is the ultimate goal. By learning to think creatively and strategically, I remain in a strong position to enter the fast-evolving, global sports landscape.
How has being a Hunt Leadership Scholar challenged or expanded your understanding of leadership, both inside and outside the classroom?
Undoubtedly, the Hunt Leadership Scholars program has completely shaped my college experience. Being a Hunt Scholar is a part of my life that I feel the most grateful for. Not only has it opened my world to a plethora of opportunities, but it has placed me in a community of world-changers and innovative thinkers, my peers and advisors included. It has expanded my understanding of leadership by redefining the meaning of being a leader, it being less about holding a position and more about the responsibility to serve, listen, and grow alongside others. The program has challenged me to think about the values that guide my decisions as I have worked to make a difference on campus.
Inside the classroom, in both my freshman year and current class, my peers and teachers have encouraged me to reflect on leadership through historical examples, ethical frameworks, and discussions about courage, humility, and integrity. These conversations have pushed me to think more critically about what it means to lead responsibly. It has been refreshing to discuss with like-minded students the greater meaning behind leadership as we work to conduct ourselves to the best extent, supporting and encouraging one another in the process.
Outside the classroom, the program has encouraged me to actively practice these ideas in my involvement across campus. Without the foundational understanding of leadership, I don’t think I would be as confident in the type of leader I want to portray in my actions. Beyond my active engagement in leadership, the Hunt community has truly become a family, pushing me to make a difference in SMU's community. They lead by example, and while each leader is different, they have shaped my understanding of leadership in practice. I have been afforded so many opportunities to grow as an individual that are directly tied to my role as a Hunt Scholar.
As you prepare for the Cox London Internship Program, what skills or perspectives are you most excited to develop in an international business environment?
Looking forward to the Cox London Internship Program, I’m excited to develop a broader global perspective on marketing, particularly how brands adapt their strategies to different cultural, economic, and consumer environments. London is one of the world’s most diverse and internationally connected cities, which makes it an incredible environment to observe how global brands connect with audiences from many different backgrounds. As mentioned earlier, my ultimate career goal is to work in Formula One, which encompasses a diverse and international market with a wide range of target audiences. So from a professional standpoint, my goal is to strengthen my creative and strategic marketing skills in a real-world international setting by gaining hands-on experience. Considering how marketing decisions are influenced by cultural context, international competition, and global consumer behavior will help me gain a deeper understanding of how brands operate beyond the U.S. Academically, the MKTG 4341: Marketing Management course with Professor Armstrong will provide a valuable opportunity to apply marketing theory to real-world environments. Through case analyses, marketing simulations, and experiential learning across London, I will be able to examine how global brands develop strategy, position themselves in competitive markets, and connect with diverse consumer audiences. This course will strengthen my ability to think strategically about marketing decisions while also encouraging me to analyze how cultural context influences branding, communication, and consumer engagement in an international market. Ultimately, I hope this experience will strengthen my ability to think both creatively and strategically in a global context, especially as someone interested in pursuing a career in the industry.
What clubs, organizations, or campus communities have become the most meaningful parts of your SMU experience so far, and why did you choose to get involved in them?
Two of my most meaningful involvements have been Student Foundation and Chi Omega, as they have truly shaped and defined my college experience. Both organizations have surrounded me with a strong community and allowed me to develop as a leader while creating friends and contributing to our campus experience.
Student Foundation’s focus on creating and promoting widespread traditions is not only exciting, but unifying. It has been so rewarding to visually see my impact on campus through my contribution to planning and executing events. I currently serve as the Communications Chair, where I have the opportunity to help shape how the organization connects with the student body through marketing, social media, and event promotion. I have learned brand strategy and consistency through my role, skills that will equip me for my future career. Beyond my position, my team and support system within Student Foundation has truly created an exciting and supportive environment. We are able to lean on each other to make a difference on the Hilltop, which is both inspiring and encouraging.
My membership in Chi Omega has also heavily defined my time at SMU, as it has given me a strong sense of community while encouraging me to pursue personal growth. Through my involvement, I have been able to further develop my leadership skills while creating meaningful connections and forming strong relationships that will last a lifetime. As Marketing and Graphics chair, I have been able to combine creativity with leadership by helping design materials, promote events, and strengthen our chapter’s brand and communication. Beyond the leadership experience, Chi Omega has connected me with an incredible group of women who motivate and support one another academically, socially, and philanthropically.
I chose to get involved in both organizations because they align with my interests in leadership, marketing, and community-building. They foster collaborative environments that build relationships with inspiring students. Together, they have allowed me to develop practical skills, work closely with teams, and contribute to initiatives that enhance the student experience at SMU.
How do you balance your academic workload with your leadership commitments and extracurricular activities?
While I will admit balancing my academic workload (18 hours) and my extracurricular commitments is difficult, I’ve learned the importance of intentional organization, prioritization, and time management. Mainly planning ahead and maintaining a structured schedule is essential to staying on top of my commitments. Furthermore, prioritizing tasks that are necessary, such as my education, has proved to be the most beneficial. While that’s not to say I don’t struggle at times, I am lucky enough to seek help from others in times of difficulty. Fortunately, my leadership commitments and extracurriculars come with an amazing support system who not only understand the demands I place on myself, but have my back in times of need.
At the same time, my leadership roles often complement my academic interests. For example, serving as Communications Chair for Student Foundation and Marketing Chair within Chi Omega allows me to apply concepts I learn in marketing and business courses to real organizational settings. Rather than viewing academics and leadership as competing priorities, I try to approach them as experiences that strengthen each other.
Ultimately, balancing these commitments has helped me develop strong discipline, adaptability, and accountability. It has taught me how to manage multiple responsibilities while still remaining engaged in the organizations and academic opportunities that make my SMU experience meaningful.
What advice would you give to students who are considering double-majoring and hoping to take advantage of SMU’s study abroad opportunities?
If I could go back in time and reconsider my academics, I would pick Marketing and Sport Management all over again. I would first encourage students to pursue majors that complement each other and support the type of career they want to explore. For me, pairing Marketing with Sports Management allows me to approach the sports industry from both a strategic business perspective and an operational understanding of athletic organizations. Having two related fields of study has made my coursework feel more connected and has helped me apply ideas from one discipline to another. Even if their two interests don’t seem connected at first, if they make sense for their future, pursue it.
Secondly, I would recommend planning early and choosing opportunities that genuinely align with your interests and long-term goals. Double-majoring can be incredibly rewarding, but it also requires thoughtful planning to make sure degree requirements, internships, and study abroad programs fit together smoothly. Meeting regularly with academic advisors and mapping out a four-year plan early can make it much easier to identify when study abroad will best fit into your schedule.
When it comes to studying abroad, I would recommend choosing a program that provides both academic and professional experiences. Programs like the Cox London Internship Program allow students to combine classroom learning with real-world exposure, which can deepen their understanding of global business and expand their professional perspective. Studying abroad is not only an academic opportunity but also a chance to develop independence, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication skills. If they are interested in seeing the world like I am, there are no drawbacks to putting yourself out there to go abroad.
Ultimately, double-majoring and studying abroad are both great ways to make the most of your time at SMU. If students stay organized, seek guidance, and remain open to new experiences, these opportunities can significantly enrich both their academic journey and personal growth.
Thank you for sharing your story, Rian! Your commitment to servant leadership is making a real impact on the Hilltop. We’re excited to watch your journey toward the F1 paddock!