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Alumni Career Feature – Kathy Butsko

We feature alumni with interesting careers from a variety of career areas. To find out more about the alumnus profession contact them via the e-mail provided. Or if you are interested in being featured, e-mail us at alumni@pct.edu.

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Kathy Butsko

• A.A., Individual Studies, emphasizing Print Media and Public Relations, 1987
• Assistant General Manager/Director of Corporate Sales and Merchandising
• Employer's Web site

How did you choose your present career? Please explain how you decided to major in your area of study during college.

During college, my individualized program focused on a combination of journalism, print media and public relations. I have always been interested in writing, and excelled in high school in newspaper and magazine writing, winning several local and state awards.

I was hired at the Williamsport Area Community College before graduating, to work within the College Activities Department, primarily with student organizations. I enjoyed working with student leaders, but as a divorced mother of one, felt that my income needed a boost. I went to a local employment agency, which several months later found a position for me with the Williamsport Bills (at the time a Class AA affiliate of the Seattle Mariners).

In the spring of 1989, I became the Business Manager and Director of Community Relations for the Bills. It was ironic, because I had attended past games strictly as a fan, and had commented, "Wouldn't it be fun to work here?"

What advice do you have to offer to a student who is struggling with identification of a major/career field in college?

I struggled, at the beginning. I was facing a divorce in 1984, and had a four-year-old son. At first, I selected Dental Hygiene as a major, because I believed the career would not only be interesting but would provide me with a suitable income. After one semester, I realized I was not being loyal to my own desires, was not proficient in science and would not be happy as a dental hygienist.

I felt it was important to reassess my own desires, to hone my existing talents and to follow my gut instinct.

Did you use Career Counseling Services and/or Career/Placement Services while at W.A.C.C.? If yes, how did they help you?

As I struggled with my choice of major, I enlisted the assistance of Career Counseling Services. I worked through an assessment evaluation that helped me to realize my strengths and weaknesses, as well as my interests.

How were you hired at your present position?

I have worked for the same baseball franchise/ownership since I was first hired in 1989. I was promoted several times before reaching my current position.

What positions did you hold before this one?

Prior to my current position, I worked for a number of baseball organizations within the minor league system. I have been able to progress within the field to my current position.

What would you tell a Penn College graduating student about your career field?

It is different from any position I have ever held in the past. It is fast paced, ever changing, exciting and somewhat glamorous. I have become well known within the business community and have had an opportunity to meet celebrities, and to travel. And although it is not a direct focus on my college major, I definitely use writing, speaking and graphic design skills on a daily basis.

What was the most significant thing you learned on the job during your first year?

That everyone grows, with time and experience.

What was most difficult about your transition to the world of work?

It was different for me, because I was hired by the college while I was still a student. I was also considered a non-traditional student, as I was in my mid-twenties when I began taking classes. I had already spent some time in the work force, and was looking for a career and a better income. Mine was a smooth transition.

What was the greatest strength of your W.A.C.C. education? (What did you learn that helped you a great deal in your career?)

The teaching staff was absolutely, without exception, outstanding. I was provided with an extensive education by faculty who cared about their students on an individual level, and who helped me to further develop my strengths and to identify and overcome my weaknesses. I was encouraged to develop my leadership skills, and to realize how important such skills are in the overall picture.

What should students in your field do to prepare themselves for their career?

It is important to realize that, in most cases, skills are transferable. In other words, remain open-minded.....you might not end up in your specifically selected career. And you'll be just as successful!

What do you find the most enjoyable about your career field and your present position?

Our top senior managers (president and general manager) do not micro-manage. I am trusted to get the job done without someone looking over my shoulder.

How do you see your field changing in the next three to five years? Will this change require you to obtain additional training?

Minor League Baseball has a strong foothold in American tradition. It has not changed much over its history - perhaps only to offer more affordable family entertainment. It is just that - the entertainment business. I don't see a lot of change in the near future.

What are your plans for the future? Where do you see yourself in three years?

I am quite satisfied in my current position. We have had a very stable staff for the last eight years. In order for me to become a general manager, I would have to be willing to move again, perhaps even out of state. I am not willing to move because of my family situation. I would be willing, perhaps, to again work within our ownership group, to handle merchandising for multiple teams.

If you could redo your college experience, how would you prepare differently to enter the workplace?

It wasn't difficult going to work. I was working full-time at the college and going to school. My transition was smooth.

From your perspective, what are three to five needed skills that your employer was seeking in a new employee?

• Sales ability
• Good public relations skills
• Ability to work without supervision
• Management skills
• Good organizational skills

Have you received any special recognition or awards through your employment or professional organizations to which you belong?

In 1998, I was named the Rawlings Executive Woman of the Year for the New York-Penn League, which encompasses 14 Class A teams, spanning several states, including Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Vermont, Massachusetts and New Jersey. (This selection also nominated me for a national award, which I did not receive.)