Silas Ruth, COL ’25, Rochester, NY
As someone who thrives on blending academic curiosity with personal passions, this summer offered me an invaluable opportunity to delve deeper into the world of sports economics—an intersection of fields that perfectly aligns with my interests in both economics and athletics. Entering this research project, I was eager to explore how sports tourism and sports mega events, like the Summer Olympics, influence sustainable economic development. My goal was to understand the long-term impact of these events on host nations.
During the academic year, my focus had largely been on understanding economic principles through the lens of traditional coursework and extracurricular activities. This summer, however, provided a unique chance to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios, challenging me to think critically about how major sporting events shape infrastructure development and economic growth.
A pleasant surprise for me was how the historical data and current projections I analyzed during this project deepened my understanding of the intricate relationship between sports and economics. I had initially expected to focus more on quantitative data analysis, but what truly captured my attention was the broader narrative of how hosting the Olympics has historically influenced national strategies and policies. This narrative revealed patterns and trends that not only answered my research questions but also sparked new curiosities about the global sports economy.
On a personal level, this research reinforced my passion for both economics and sports, while also highlighting the importance of strategic planning in shaping successful sports enterprises. The insights I gained this summer have already begun to influence how I approach my athletic and academic pursuits. I am now more mindful of the broader implications of my work, and I’ve become increasingly interested in the role that sports can play in driving economic development on a global scale.
These experiences have also inspired me to consider how I can contribute to the sports industry in the future. I now see my academic journey, including my aspirations to pursue a master’s or Ph.D. in economics, as a pathway to not only deepen my expertise but also to make meaningful contributions to the development and management of sports-related enterprises. I am excited to continue exploring the intersection of sports and business, with the goal of expanding opportunities for others to engage with and appreciate the world of sports.
As I reflect on this summer, I realize that this research has not only enhanced my understanding of sports economics but has also fueled my ambition to continue exploring the dynamic relationship between sports and economic policy. Looking ahead, I am eager to apply these insights to future research projects, academic endeavors, and eventually, a career that unites my passions for sports, economics, and data analysis.
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2024 Career Services Summer Funding Grant. We’ve asked funding recipients to reflect on their summer experiences and talk about the industries in which they spent their summer. You can read the entire series here
