Sean Bielawski, GB'15
If you’re a sports fan, you may recognize Roanoke, Va. native Sean Bielawski’s work and maybe even his voice. Bielawski, GB’15, is a part-time producer and fill-in host at ESPN 950 in Richmond, Va.
“I got involved with sports media at the University of Virginia writing for the school newspaper and interning at a local ESPN radio affiliate,” he said. After graduating in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in economics, Bielawski moved to Blacksburg, Va. to work for the local ESPN radio station. “I hosted a daily sports radio show from December 1, 2008 to June 1, 2012, when I moved Richmond to marry my wife. Since then, I have been working with ESPN 950 here in town. Currently, I produce SportsPhone with Big Al, and I fill in on any shows where the station needs help. Occasionally, I will fill in producing University of Richmond football and basketball games.”
Not just a radio producer and host, Bielawski has written extensively on college football and basketball for numerous outlets including CBSSports.com and BleacherReport.com from 2010 to 2013.
Bielawski shared what drew him to The Richmond MBA. “Going back to school was always in the plan. In March 2013 I took the GMAT and had my scores sent to Richmond. Shortly thereafter, I got a letter in the mail from Dr. Coughlan about setting up a meeting to learn more about the program. I took him up on the offer, and after the meeting, I was sold.”
Beginning in July, Bielawski will begin embark on his new career path as an associate on the commercial and industrial investment banking team at BB&T Capital Markets. “When I started the MBA program back in August I never would have guessed I would be pursuing the investment banking career path. As I still try to wrap my head around my new career, I want to be ready when July rolls around.”
He described the position in more detail. “My work will primarily involve sell-side mergers and acquisitions advisory. I will work on teams representing various companies that are going through the sale process, and I will help put together pitch books, write marketing materials and do whatever else is necessary to help the group. Even though some may not expect it given my unique work background, I hope to come in able to contribute from day one.”
He concluded, “The Richmond MBA is the reason I was able to make a successful career shift. Through my work in the classroom I have acquired the technical and analytical skills necessary to tackle any business problem, and on top of that, I have met so many knowledgeable and talented faculty, alumni and fellow students who will be a part of my professional life long after I graduate.”
Photo: Lake Wagner (left) and Bielawski at a recent MBA Leadership Council event