Global Launch alum pursues dreams in sports business
Shaped by his experience improving his English and academic readiness through the ASU-USA Pathways program, Sungkwon Park is preparing for a career in sports business.
Sungkwon attending the 2023 Winter Meetings in Nashville, a valuable experience connecting him with Major League Baseball (MLB) and Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) professionals at the career fair.
When Sungkwon Park first arrived in Arizona from his hometown of Seoul, Korea, he was ready to dedicate his efforts to earn admission to Arizona State University (ASU) and pursue his dream career. The ASU-USA Pathways program allowed Sungkwon to showcase his academic readiness and strengthen his English skills for university admission. His hard work paid off, as he secured a spot at ASU, earned a place in Barrett Honors College and received the New American University Scholarship.
An accelerated path toward ASU admission
Sungkwon has always had a love for baseball and from a young age, he knew he wanted to work behind the scenes to build successful teams. “Even when I played sports video games, I preferred managing the team rather than playing,” he shared. This passion for team management and the intricacies of sports business inspired him to pursue a career that would allow him to merge his love for sports with his interest in business operations.
He knew that mastering English was essential to accessing the top-tier education and professional opportunities available in the U.S. “I wanted to learn English and start my university studies as quickly as possible and Global Launch helped me do just that,” he recalled. The Pathways program was a perfect fit for him—it provided the foundation he needed to thrive at on campus while offering an accelerated path toward ASU admission.
Academic readiness and support for the American university
Global Launch didn’t just help Sungkwon improve his English—it gave him the confidence and academic skills to pursue his sports business dreams in an international setting. Through courses designed to prepare students for American university life, Sungkwon developed critical skills like essay writing, public speaking and academic research. Courses like Academic Skills, taught by Associate Global Educator Dwayne Crites, sharpened his writing and research abilities. "The class significantly improved my writing skills, which are essential in my current field," Sungkwon said. Senior Global Educator Kristin Margalit also played a key role in his journey. “Kristin was the first professor I turned to whenever I faced challenges, and through our many conversations, she helped me better understand the culture here.” For students like Sungkwon, the mentorship and support from Global Launch Educators were key to both academic and personal growth.
Beyond the classroom, Global Launch helped Sungkwon adapt to the rigorous demands of a business degree at ASU. As he settled into the program, he found that the supportive environment at Global Launch made the transition smoother.
The Global Launch office was always available to answer my questions about life in America, scholarship details and navigating the university system. They were crucial in helping me maintain good grades and get into Barrett Honors College. Global Launch was extremely helpful in adapting to the workload of American university courses.
Sungkwon Park
Looking toward the future
With his education at ASU and the skills he gained from Global Launch, Sungkwon is well on his way to achieving his dream of becoming a baseball team’s general manager. After graduation, he plans to work in the sports industry to gain the experience necessary for his long-term goals.
"Reflecting on my experience, I would tell myself a year ago to get involved in more activities earlier, like joining the business fraternity and clubs related to my major. Networking and building connections are crucial," Sungkwon shared as advice to future ASU students.
Sungkwon’s journey from South Korea to Arizona has not only broadened his perspective but has also given him the tools and opportunities to turn his passion into a promising career of his dreams. With the support of Global Launch and the vast resources available at ASU, Sungkwon is confident that he’s on the right track to becoming a leader in the sports business world.