As MICC College seniors near graduation, they work extensively with the Careers program staff to secure their post-graduation employment! College participant Sophia, originally from a small town called Holmen, Wisconsin, is well-known on campus for being an avid football fan! Typically decked out in NFL wear, Sophia knows all there is to know about what’s happening on the field week-by-week.
In her hometown, Sophia had many friends in high school which is no surprise with her social personality! She spent four years as the equipment manager for her high school football team and attended every game. After graduating, Sophia’s mom found about MICC, and Sophia joined MICC’s College program in 2023 to discover what’s next after high school!
After working on her independent living skills in the early years of the program, Sophia says, “I like that I’m more independent and I get to do more stuff.” Though she expressed disappointment that MICC does not have a football team (yet)! So when it was time to look for a career, Sophia returned to her football roots. She looked at the US Bank Stadium website (her favorite place to tailgate!) and found they were hiring Guest Experience Representatives. Working with her MICC job developer Sarah, Sophia put together a resume and applied.
After completing a phone interview, Sophia was offered the job! To begin her new role, Sophia was invited onsite for a job orientation. Along with Sarah, Sophia was able to take a tour of the facility, check out the football field, private lounges, and locker rooms while learning about her new role. Sarah shared, “Sophia was absolutely bursting with excitement and made a great impression on her new colleagues. Working for the Vikings has been Sophia’s dream since she was a little girl, and it’s her passion for and dedication to the sport that makes her the perfect person for the job.”
Sophia’s work schedule is primarily on Sundays (of course), where she is responsible for checking tickets, helping guests find their seats, answering guest questions, and overall ensuring the attendees have a positive experience at the stadium. From her vantage point in the stands, she has an excellent view of the field! When asked what she likes about her job, she says, “I love everything about it. There’s nothing I don’t like.”
Sophia frequently used to wear Kansas City Chiefs gear, but now you will find her dressed head to toe in Vikings wear, including a signed hat from the players. Sophia is thrilled to be able to watch every Vikings home game and cheer on her favorite players like Justin Jefferson. She also expressed that guest experience has been an excellent fit for her skills, recently she took on a guest experience role at Twin Cities Con at the Minneapolis Convention Center in November. Once she has completed the College program, she hopes to fill the rest of her schedule by finding a guest experience job with the WNBA. She is a huge fan of Caitlin Clark!
We are so proud of Sophia for landing this amazing role that suits her so well. Congratulations, Sophia!