Molly Danielson

Tell us a little about your career so far.

I'm a Premium Sales Manager for the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA. I love basketball, I love my clients, colleagues and the industry I work in. This is genuinely the right career for me and I couldn't be happier. Doing what you love every day is something I never take for granted.

So, what does a typical day actually look like for you?

I connect businesses and people with premium in-game experiences: courtside seats, clubs and suites with a white-glove service. Networking is huge in my role; I aim to attend three or four events a week, meeting people and later hosting them at our arena. It's fast-paced, people-focused and never boring.

What's been your proudest career moment so far?

Championing DEI work and helping different communities connect with the Trail Blazers through ticketing and special experiences. My favourite project involved a Lunar New Year celebration where Chinese and Asian members of the Portland community played basketball on our court. Seeing people feel genuinely included in something they love, that's what this job is really about.

Why did you choose Solent for your master's?

I completed my undergraduate degree in Oregon, at Linfield University, took a gap year, then came to Solent on a full basketball scholarship for my master's. I loved chatting with the academic staff before I accepted the offer. People were my ultimate reason for saying yes. The sports facilities were brilliant too.

Did your studies actually help you in your career?

Absolutely. The international experience made me far more open-minded with clients and colleagues. My sport management studies at Solent also made me much more client-focused, a skill that's central to everything I do in my role with the Trail Blazers today.

What's the most valuable thing you took away from your studies?

Learning to adapt. Studying in the UK (i.e. understanding different cultural expectations, personalities and systems) pushed me to grow in ways I didn't expect. Meeting people from all over the world and learning how sport operates across different countries gave me a perspective I genuinely use every day.

What made you decide to do a postgraduate degree?

Career progression was the initial driver, but the chance to study abroad and meet people passionate about sport business from around the world made it a no-brainer, especially with a basketball scholarship on the table. It ticked every box at once.

What was life as a postgraduate student really like?

I balanced lectures, basketball and work, travelled across Europe, and built a network I still carry with me today. It was genuinely one of the richest experiences of my life academically, personally and professionally. I came back to the US a more confident, well-rounded person.

Did you get any hands-on industry experience?

I gained work experience through the University's basketball performance programme, Team Solent Kestrels, working across sponsorship and broadcasting. Collaborating with students from different nationalities and courses was one of the highlights.

What advice would you give anyone thinking about a postgraduate course?

Reach out to lecturers before you start and make sure the course genuinely fits your career goals. A master's should add real value to your undergraduate degree, so be fully invested before you commit. If you're ready to engage with every aspect of it, it will absolutely pay off.

And finally, what's your number one tip for breaking into sport?

Network. Work hard. Show up. Do what you say you're going to do and do it with conviction. There's no room for half-measures in this industry.