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CoSIDA.com/ThankYourSID
This feature is part of our series of profiles showcasing members throughout the CoSIDA membership during the celebration of CoSIDA Membership Recognition Week for 2019. See more features at CoSIDA.com/ThankYourSID.
Shannon Malone – Big Ten Conference, Assistant Director of Communications
by Dan Ruede – University of New Haven, Associate Director of Athletics/Strategic Communications
A former women’s basketball player for the Wisconsin Badgers, Shannon Malone returned to her Big Ten roots in August 2017 when she was named the Bob Hammel Communications Intern at the Big Ten Conference office. She recently was promoted to Assistant Director in the Big Ten communications department. Malone got her start as an intern at her alma mater before working in public relations for both the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and as an athletic public relations assistant with the SMU Mustangs.
Currently, Malone serves as the communications contact for Big Ten volleyball, men’s swimming and diving, women’s gymnastics and men’s and women’s lacrosse. She is also the men’s basketball secondary contact and serves as the assistant media coordinator for the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament.
It doesn’t come as much of a surprise that Malone made her way to the Big Ten to play as well as returning to the Big Ten to work. She comes from a family with extended Big Ten connections; both of her parents and her sister also attended Big Ten schools. Her dad, John, graduated from Purdue; mom, Fredella, graduated from Illinois; older sister Monique, graduated from Ohio State and is currently working towards her MBA at Michigan.
Malone with boyfriend Aaron Mazibuko at the Michigan-Wisconsin football game on Sept. 21, 2019.
How has being a former student-athlete shaped the way you look at your job?
Being a former student-athlete has shaped so much in my life. The most obvious aspect would be the importance of teamwork. However, work ethic, adaptability, organization and time management are all equally necessary in my day-to-day work now.
What is your top professional development tip to share with colleagues both young and old?
My tip would be to raise your hand. Ask the question. Volunteer for an event. Development requires action and initiation.
Malone at the Big Ten Football Kickoff Luncheon in Chicago (June 2019 with co-workers Jenn Dominguez (M) and Grace Bonoma (R).
What’s the biggest career lesson that you’ve learned?
The biggest career lesson I’ve learned is this career is all about timing. Timing is everything.
What advice would you give someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
Start asking questions and volunteer for events, games, media days and anything else you can fit in your schedule. Also, start writing! Even if no one will read it but you.
What have been the most memorable and/or rewarding moments of your career?
Championship events are especially neat to be a part of. Watching student-athletes achieve goals and win championships at the end of a long season of hard work is really special.
Malone and Leigh McGuirk after they ran the Big Ten Network 10K with coworkers in Chicago in August 2019.
How do you have fun at work?
I try to keep things in perspective and for the most part, pretty light-hearted. Thankfully, I work with some really great people who make work not feel like work all the time.
What's one communications/social/PR tool that you could not live without and why?
Twitter. Hands down. It’s my source of news, humor, creative inspiration, networking and work!
At the United States Women’s National Soccer Team game in Chicago on Oct. 6, 2019: Malone with co-workers and friends Leigh McGuirk (M), Jenn Dominguez (R). Dominguez is the Big Ten Associate Director, Compliance and McGuirk is the conference’s Bob Hammel Communications Intern.