Name: Jim Bochenek
Job Title/Employer:Director of Event Operations, US Airways Center/Phoenix Suns
Year of Graduation: 1991
Degree/Major: B.A./English
 
What is your favorite part of your current job?
The exciting atmosphere during games and concerts here at the US Airways Center. I also greatly enjoy a yearly talk and tour I give to an events class from the Recreation and Tourism Management program at ASU’s West campus.
 
What career path did you follow from your ASU degree to your present job?
My original plan was to become a writer or English teacher, but a part-time job at Gammage Auditorium got me hooked on the world of events. I worked a few different jobs at ASU Public Events before taking a position at North Carolina State University doing just about all those ASU jobs rolled into one (I found out about the job after working the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta with a member of the Wolfpack’s Athletic Department).

After a year in Raleigh, I came back to Tempe looking for work and my connections at ASU put me in touch with a representative of Tucson Electric Park who was looking for someone to assist in opening up their new ballpark for the inaugural season of Diamondbacks Spring Training baseball. From there, I moved back up north to take a job overseeing the Guest Services Department for Bank One Ballpark (now Chase Field)  and America West Arena (now US Airways Center). About four years ago, I moved into my current role.
 
Describe one skill learned at ASU that you use daily in your job.
I don’t think the ability to communicate well through the written word can be stressed enough, and my writing classes at ASU helped me improve that skill. So much professional work takes place through the computer and over e-mail; a well-written e-mail with proper grammar and spelling, and a poorly-written e-mail with grammar and spelling mistakes both communicate a lot about you and your work to those who receive the correspondence.

Were any ASU-affiliated persons helpful to you in advancing your career?
Having worked at ASU Public Events, the list of those from whom I learned and benefited is long: Charles Bethea, Bonnie Tauss, Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, Michelle Johnson, Jacky Alling, Shelly Murray, Clyde Parker and Jeff Nored are the ones that quickly jump to mind.

What advice would you give to current students or job-seekers about finding work in your field?
It can be a tough field to break into so start by simply getting your foot in the door — take a part-time job or apply for an internship. My advancement has also sprung out of staying connected with contacts, so don’t be afraid to keep in touch with those who may have an opportunity for you in the future.