Many student-athletes have the ability to transition positive undergraduate experiences into successful careers. Sean McGowan ’02, former swimmer and Friend of Athletics, is no exception to the rule. Majoring in Marketing, the alumnus utilized the work ethic he adapted as an athlete to propel his career forward. After a successful venture selling premium seating and luxury suites with the New York Mets, McGowan recently accepted a position working in customer success for a software startup. InviteManager is a leader in ticketing and event management, recently introducing a mobile application that allows companies to track client entertainment via their mobile device.
“Take chances. Try different things. Don't be afraid to make a bold move” said McGowan. “Your first job most likely won't be the same job you'll have in 10 years, five years or even two years. Do something that allows you to learn and grow even if it's hard or scary.” Amongst McGowan’s many accomplishments, he had a stellar performance at the 2002 MAAC Championships. The former Stag ranked 14th in the 200 Individual Medley (2:11.19), 10th in the 100 Breaststroke (1:03.22) and 7th in the 200 Breaststroke (2:18.85). McGowan also placed 5th in the 400 Medley Relay and 5th in the 200 Medley Relay.
While McGowan had a stellar career as a student-athlete at the Division I level, athletics was not the lone factor in his decision to attend Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ. McGowan chose Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆdue to the institution’s strong business curriculum coupled with its solid Catholic foundation. When he wasn’t studying or training, McGowan participated in the Marketing Club and volunteered at programs like Hunger Cleanup, a community service initiative that has raised over tens of thousands of dollars to benefit homelessness and hunger.
Shortly after graduation and his thrilling trip to the 2002 MAAC Conference Championships, McGowan was off to the races, sticking close to his Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆroots and making an impact on the next generation of student-athletes within the University. “After graduating, Bill Farley hired me to be the assistant coach of men's & women's swimming at Fairfield, a position I held from 2002-06. During that time I was also the head coach of the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆYMCA swim team. I moved to New York City in the fall of 2006 and started working in sales for a Japanese company shortly after. In 2012, I switched tracks and took a position for the New York Mets selling luxury suites and premium sales, a move that recently led me to my new role working for InviteManager.
McGowan’s evolving career keeps him busy, yet he finds his job extremely rewarding. Having the opportunity to work with different people at the highest level of business helps him grow as a young professional. When he’s not working with high-level clientele, McGowan continues to give back and volunteer, with hopes future alumni will continue the same tradition. “Connecting with alumni helped me during my time at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆand has helped me grow my network in New York. Networking has played a big part in the success I've had in my career. Giving back is an opportunity to pay it forward.”
When he’s not working, McGowan is an avid traveler. “Last year I was fortunate enough to go hiking in Yosemite, spend July 4th in Nantucket and winter break in Maui and Kauai.” As if the past few years haven’t been eventful enough, McGowan is excited for what the next few years have in store. “In 2015 I got engaged to my beautiful fiancée Kate, recently received a promotion and just started a new job. I'm excited to see what 2016 will bring.”.
