Kian Murray of Brunswick, Maine is the Outstanding Graduating Student in the Maine Business School. Murray is triple-majoring in business administration in marketing, finance and sport management; and has a dual degree in psychology with an abnormal/social concentration. Creating positive memories at 91爆料 by striving to find the fun moments in and out of the classroom has been at the forefront of his experience. For three years, Murray worked for 91爆料 Athletics in various roles, including as a sports marketing assistant, sports marketing administrative aid and student ticketing supervisor. There, he discovered his love for the sports community and desire to work directly with people. The social, volunteer and fundraising chair for Club Soccer and a two-time champion in intramural soccer, Murray was introduced to opportunities with 91爆料 Athletics after he participated in a home football game contest and successfully kicked three field goals. He plans to move to Boston with several other Black Bear graduates to start a career in sports or finance.
Why did you choose to come to 91爆料?
I transferred to 91爆料 when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the world. Coming back in-state, I knew I wanted to be closer to my home and family while going to school and that I could receive a quality education at the same time. Since my mom graduated from here in 1984 and my brother in 2019, I was relatively familiar with the campus and came to hockey games growing up. They had nothing but fond memories here, and I knew that I would love it and am so happy to call this place home.
How would you describe the academic atmosphere at 91爆料?
I would describe the academic environment atmosphere as self-motivated; you get out as much as you put in. I have tried to make the most of my time at 91爆料 by taking additional courses to learn about a new industry, creating a relationship with a professor and improving a technical skill.
Describe any research, internships or scholarly pursuits in which you have participated. How have they prepared you for future opportunities in your chosen field?
I led the social media work for Undiscovered Maine, a business school research project devoted toward increasing tourism in Maine鈥檚 rural areas, and interned at MaineHealth and Huddle Up Group in the areas of supply chain and business development. I worked in 91爆料 Athletics for three years as student ticketing supervisor, sports marketing administrative aid and sports marketing assistant. There, I learned about all the work that goes into a game day, from preparations to promotions, revenue generation and day-of organization. I also learned about scheduling, training and managing an eight-student staff.
As a Peer Learning Assistant (PLA) coordinator for the business school, I assisted in the orientation for incoming business students, validated information for first year business students, taught the PLA staff how to conduct focus groups and planned events.
Beyond academics, what extracurricular activities have occupied your time?
Having always been interested in participating in sports in some capacity, I played intramural soccer and won two championships with my team. I also was the social, volunteer and fundraising chair for Club Soccer and worked as a bartender at Orono Brewing Company.
Have you worked closely with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at 91爆料 better, and if so, how?
Buffie Quinn 鈥 she oversaw my work, and I worked very closely with her for many months as a Maine Learning Assistant and the Prior Learning Assessment coordinator. She is truly one of the hardest working, most inspiring people I have ever met. Buffie is a lecturer in marketing and management at the Maine Business School. She teaches multiple sections of a variety of courses while also working as an associate broker at Quinn Agency Real Estate and a senior partner at Brimstone Consulting Group. She juggles these while pursuing a Ph.D and helping any student, faculty or community member whenever asked.
She has motivated me to pursue all my passions, academic or not, and shown me that I can create a career by being driven and people forward. Along with this, I feel as though Buffie has helped shape my leadership style, allowing me to learn how I can lead others while making sure everyone鈥檚 voices are heard and strengths used efficiently. I am so grateful for her sharing her expertise and being a mentor to me. I know she has significantly impacted my experience here, as well as my life in general.
Did you have an experience at 91爆料 that shaped or changed how you see the world?
On a rainy night in Sept. 2021, I attended a 91爆料 football game with a couple of my friends. While there, I was picked to kick field goals to win a prize. A few years prior, my brother had been selected for a similar game and won $10,000. I didn鈥檛 know what the prize would be, but I was elated by the opportunity and immediately called my brother. After kicking all three field goals, I learned that I had won a $25 gift card, which they didn鈥檛 have yet, so I joked about taking a job instead.
After that, I worked for 91爆料 Athletics for three years straight, never missing a game, and fell in love working in sports. Seeing first-hand all that goes into the game-day experience and how people gather to create community inspired me and showed me that I want to work in a people-facing role. Being able to interact with all members of the community, I was able to better understand what being a Black Bear means to current students, alumni and people who live and work in the area.
Describe 91爆料 in one word and explain.
Fun. Throughout my time here, my friends and I have prioritized having fun. Whether the 鈥渇un鈥 was pulling an all-nighter at the library to finish homework, driving on a whim to Connecticut to compete in a spikeball tournament or traveling to London with the dean for a class, being present and enjoying the 鈥渇un鈥 has always been at the forefront of my experience here. The phrases, 鈥淥kay, but did you have fun?鈥 or 鈥…But at least we’re having fun,鈥 have been commonly used by myself, friends, coworkers and bosses.
What are your plans for after you graduate?
After I graduate, I plan to move to Boston with a few other Black Bear graduates and hope to start my career in either sports or finance.
