The Launch Point: A Conversation with Wake Forest SPS Alum Chase Walter

The Launch Point is a series where we check in with Wake Forest SPS graduates one year after graduation to learn more about their careers, their successes, and the impact of their degrees.

A lifelong baseball player, Chase Walter knew the importance of being part of a team.

When given the opportunity to join Wake Forest’s Athletic Office, Chase jumped at the chance to join a group of individuals dedicated to two of the most significant influences in his personal and professional life: Wake Forest and sports.

What he didn’t expect was that within the first few months in his new role, he’d tap into the practical, pragmatic lessons he’d learned during his Wake Forest SPS Certificate in Project Management. 

We interviewed Chase less than 365 days after he started his first post-graduate job, and here’s his reflection on the impact of his own Wake Forest SPS launch point.

Lesson Learned: How to Lead Right Out of the Gate

Wake Forest School of Professional Studies (SPS): How did the Project Management program help shape your career trajectory?

Chase Walter (CW): It shaped my career trajectory for the better. Last year, I started my first job after finishing graduate school and the Certificate in Project Management Program at Wake Forest SPS. I joined the Athletic Office at Wake Forest University as an Account Executive in ticket sales. Within my first month on the job, the department experienced several organizational changes. As a 25-year-old navigating the early stages of my career, I was experiencing everything for the first time. One of my classes at Wake SPS — Leadership and Change Management — prepared me well: I learned the theory behind project cycles and how to navigate change in real time.

Wake Forest SPS: What was an unexpected benefit from your experience in the program?

CW: Because my Wake SPS project management program was online, I met classmates from across the country. Many of us weren’t based in Winston-Salem, but we built strong connections virtually. That experience grew my network, and I still keep in touch with many of them today. 

Wake Forest SPS: Over the last year, have there been any milestones or anything you’re particularly proud of professionally?

CW: Over the past year, I was part of growing record-breaking football revenue for the university. In ticket sales and fundraising combined, we reached the highest total to date. Personally, I sold nearly $2 million, including more than $600,000 in new business. Growing that Wake Forest network has been a good reminder of the power of networking.

Wake Forest SPS: Was there a particular course that sticks with you for any reason?

CW: For me, it’s the “Leadership and Change Management” course, because I used it right out of the gate. One thing I really took away from the overall program was how to communicate with cross-functional teams. Teams in other departments don’t always think like you do, or in my case how a Sales Team thinks. I feel like I learned how to adapt to that concept, and now I can strategize going into a meeting, even though I don’t always know what to expect.

Wake Forest SPS: What advice would you give to students starting the program or currently in the program? 

CW: Networking is essential. In an online program, it’s easy to feel disconnected, but reach out to classmates via email or Zoom, ask questions, and learn what others do. You never know how someone might help you — or how you might help them. You’re all going to go in different directions, so take advantage of that networking now.

Wake Forest SPS: What’s next in your professional and personal journey? What are you looking forward to?

CW: I want to be an athletic director one day. I had the opportunity to speak with the current Athletic Director here at Wake Forest, as well as several other athletic directors and their advice was to gain experience across the spectrum: Get into sales, learn how to network, and come to know people who will ultimately contribute to the overall University fundraising goal.

For Wake Forest SPS, Project Management is a multifaceted discipline that requires mastery in both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of business. Topics like leadership and analytics each have an equal seat at the table in our program, and we feel that’s a significant part of why alumni like Chase Walter succeed in their fields. 

Connect with Chase Walter on Linkedin.

Take the next step in your career and learn more about the online Certificate in Project Management and the online Master of Project Management degree from Wake Forest University School of Professional Studies.