FIFA MASTER ALUMNI - WHERE ARE THEY NOW? - ALEXA VICKROY

Alexa Vickroy

Current Position: Manager of Member Relations, U.S. Soccer

Year of graduation: 2018 (18th edition)

Nationality: American

What does your current role involve?

I am only four months into this new role, but I am the Manager of Member Relations at U.S. Soccer. Like FIFA, U.S. Soccer has member associations that make up U.S. Soccer’s membership and legislative body – 113 members to be exact. My role consists of stakeholder management and providing consultation and guidance for sport development and governance matters to U.S. Soccer Members leadership.

In my role, I work very closely with our executive leadership, sport development, compliance and legal departments to ensure that Member Organizations stay updated and aligned in full accordance with FIFA regulations, U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee policies, and with U.S. Soccer’s overall strategy and vision to grow and develop the game in all disciplines around the country.

I am also responsible for leading the planning of member-focused events, which include U.S. Soccer’s Annual General Meeting and National Council Meeting (Congress).

Which aspects of the FIFA Master course have helped you most in your career?

I started my career working in women’s professional soccer but after a few years I decided to try working in tech start-ups. However, after four great years of working in tech, I realized I missed the game and wanted to see how I could get back to the sport at the international level.

The FIFA Master course was the transition point in my career that allowed me to make the jump of working at an international level. The main aspect of the course for me is the network you can build through the opportunities to meet with other sports organizations, alumni and people willing to help you succeed.

What advice would you give to future students on the course?

My advice to future students would be to take advantage and make the most of the time you have on the course. Eleven months goes by very quickly.  Be open to any opportunities and experiences that come from being a part of the FIFA Master. Develop relationships with your classmates and build your network while studying in Europe.

FIFA Master - International Master in Management, Law and Humanities of Sport, ranked No.1 Course in Europe 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 by the SportBusiness International global rankings.

Organised by CIES in partnership with De Montfort University (United Kingdom), SDA Bocconi School of Management (Italy) and the University of Neuchâtel (Switzerland).