Alexandra Granda Baertl
My Experience
Get to know my work
You will be able to see some of my work experience through the years
Professional Experience
Some of my work experience
Boston Breakers
Volunteer in operations
I traveled to Boston to volunteer on three home games at Harvard Stadium. These matches were part of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) regular season in 2014. I contributed with the pre and post-game set-up, putting together all the equipment needed for the match, hanging up some sponsors banners, and assisting the players at the autograph alley.
Retail
Sporting Goods
I worked for four years in a group that owns Marathon Sports and Nike (among other brands). I worked as a demand planner, product manager, and key account manager, learning about the different areas of the companies, communicating with other departments, working under pressure to achieve goals on time, and understanding how to select the correct product assortment for each store nationwide. I took part in several sales meetings to buy new collections from multiple brands: Puma, Asics, Lotto, Aquasphere, Arena, Onitsuka, Adidas, Under Armour, Nike.
Canada 2015
FIFA Women's World Cup
I had the chance to experience the World Cup from a very close perspective: certified as a photographer. I was able to work at the media center in several stadiums. I had the opportunity to take pictures of a training session in Montreal and to attend several matches from the first stage of the tournament to the final. I was part of the press conference with Carli Lloyd after winning the gold medal in Vancouver and understood a little bit more about how media work at a World Cup.
Georgetown University
Equipment for the Hoyas
Being part of the equipment team for the Georgetown Hoyas, I learned how intercollegiate sports work: just like any professional sport. I understood that student-athletes were treated similarly to other professional athletes. I found out how to set up everything needed on the pitch and in the dressing rooms before and after each game. I worked with several sports: lacrosse (men and women), field hockey, basketball, soccer, softball, and football.
Citi Open
Special Events
As part of the special events team for the tournament, we organized the players' party, tailgates to attract more fans to attend the events, and arrange everything related to clinics and tennis camps. This experience taught me the importance of having a partner who will help you create memorable experiences for the fans and players. I learned about how clinics work for kids and how to respond to different scenarios.
Minor League Baseball
Bowie Baysox
Working with the Minor League Baseball (MiLB) taught me the importance of the community. It is crucial to make the local community feel part of the team and feel an emotional connection. I was in charge of the announcements and the starting line up from the PA, which was a very new experience for me and pushed out of my comfort zone.
FIFA U-17 World Cup Peru
Head of Operations
The World Cup was my first job back in my country after graduating from my Master's. As the head of operations for the tournament, I had to lead a team and create the operational plan for several departments such as accreditations, safety and security, ticketing, energy, information and technology, venue management, overlays, and broadcast. I visited multiple venues to understand what we required in each city to fulfill FIFA's standards. My team and I had to adjust some of the stadium maps to create better flows for all the stakeholders involved in the tournament. This position, and the tournament, made me understand how important it is to communicate in an assertive way and try to adjust to whomever you are talking to, making sure they understand the message.
FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Uruguay
Competitions Coordinator
I arrived in Montevideo to the Headquarters only to be the competitions coordinator for the Local Organizing Committee (LOC). Working with FIFA was a great experience. I learned what needed to be done during official training days, on match days, and what was essential to making sure the teams had everything they required. I attended several team meetings with different delegations, which taught me how each group of people had specific requirements for practice and match days. I understood the protocols needed for such an important event to make sure it was professional and met FIFA's high standards. I was part of the closing ceremony organizing committee and was very impressed with all the details you have to keep in mind.
International Friendlies Peru - Colombia
Competitions Coordinator
I was in charge of the protocols and everything competitions related. As the first international friendly played in Peru, I made sure to make both teams feel in a professional environment. I set up the dressing rooms with food and beverages, towels, and everything they required for game day. Also, I looked out for the officials, making sure they had everything they needed. I prepared the countdown checking that the teams and officials knew when to go out for the warm-up and when to get ready for kick-off.
Mexican Open
Tennis in Acapulco
This event is organized almost like a Grand Slam. It has several activities for the fans and every other stakeholder, from games for the kids to international cuisine. The tournament has a unique atmosphere because it takes place next to the beach. Working at this event made me realize how important it is to have well-trained staff and volunteers to make it run smoothly.