As part of a new educational partnership with the San Francisco 49ers, nearly 50 students from University of the Pacific traveled to Levi’s Stadium Tuesday to learn about careers in the sports industry, from marketing and analytics to community engagement and operations.

The annual Students at the Stadium event brought together more than 200 college students from Northern California for a day of career development and networking opportunities.

School of Engineering and Computer Science Professor of Civil Engineering Luke Lee gave a rousing start to the program, energizing the crowd with a presentation on resilience and curiosity.

“This was an incredible opportunity for our students to get a behind-the-scenes look at the many career opportunities available in the sports industry,” said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert. “They were able to see the collaboration that goes into operating a major sports organization and stadium. Seeing how all those moving parts come together at the highest level will help prepare them for whatever careers they pursue.”

49ers interns, staff and executive leadership also offered invaluable career advice and shared insights into their day-to-day roles—from ReShawn Bell's work as the team's player engagement coordinator, to how Assistant General Manager Brian Hampton applies math, finance and data to build championship-caliber teams.

“This year’s Students at the Stadium provided an opportunity for college students across the Bay Area to learn more about the sports industry, personal branding and networking,” said Christina Jefferson, 49ers senior director of inclusion and culture.

“With support from the University of the Pacific team, the event successfully served over 200 local students with a valuable opportunity to learn from over 50 members of staff across the San Francisco 49ers organization.”

For finance major Andres Tobalina-Iverson ’28, the day opened his eyes to career possibilities he hadn’t previously imagined.

“My whole life has been based in sports, but I've never really thought about working in the sports industry. This was really good insight into possible career paths that I could have,” he said. “As a finance major, I realized there are finance options within a stadium, because you always think, okay, it’s marketing or sales, but not necessarily finance as a whole. It opened my eyes to where I could take my career with my degree.”

As the presenting sponsor of the event and the 49ers' Official Higher Education Partner, Pacific shared graduate program information with interested students and supported a networking session.

“It makes me feel proud and excited,” said Catalina Franco-Gomez ’26, a business marketing and media arts and production major. “I'm proud of representing my school as well as my favorite team. They are actually partnered up, which also opens opportunities for all students at Pacific for a sports internship and beyond. Go Niners and go Tigers!”