Feature Stories Campus Events All Stories

Eye on the Ball Washington Term, study abroad opportunities and internships—including one with the Philadelphia Eagles—have helped to shape Jason Renner's plans for the future.

Jason_cropped-600x400 Eye on the BallJason Renner ’19 is currently interning with the Philadelphia Eagles as he looks forward to post-graduate plans in the world of sports.

“With the numerous career services that are offered at W&L, and the personal connections you have with professors and faculty, I have been prepared to succeed in the professional world.”

~ Jason Renner ’19

Hometown: Coopersburg, Pennsylvania
Major: Politics, American Government
Minor: Film Studies

What factors led you to choose W&L and your major?

I chose W&L mostly because I was looking to play collegiate tennis at an academically rigorous school. I stumbled upon W&L, and after learning more about it and taking a visit to Lexington, I knew I wanted to spend my next four years at this campus. I chose politics because at the time I had a great interest in government and public policy. I was impressed with the faculty and the program and felt the major really fit me.

You spent two summers interning at consulting groups. Did they reaffirm your future career goals or cause you to rethink the path you want to take?

Spending the two summers with lobbying firms was incredibly enriching. I learned a lot about advocacy efforts in health care, finance, telecommunications and technology. I was able to sit in on multiple Fortune 500 company lobbying team meetings, and learned how to politically strategize at a federal level. While this was all interesting and valuable, it did make me realize that I wanted to pursue a different career path, in sports.

How was your Washington Term experience? Did it help you shape your career or academic goals?

My Washington Term experience was spent interning with W&L alumni John McManus ’91 at his lobbying firm. Taught by Professor Bill Connelly, the course was rigorous and gave us all a deep look at Washington politics. It gave me an introduction to working in the nation’s capitol, which helped set me up for future opportunities.

How was your study abroad experience? How and why did you choose your program and destination?

I really enjoyed my study abroad experience in Shanghai, China. I chose to go there because I wanted to go to a country with a rich political history and in a continent I might not visit again. Living in China really put me out of my comfort zone, but I grew a lot personally in my time there.

How did W&L help you for your internship and study abroad experience?

W&L has really helped me professionally. With the numerous career services that are offered at W&L, and the personal connections you have with professors and faculty, I have been prepared to succeed in the professional world.

Jason1-400x600 Eye on the BallRenner holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy at Philadelphia Eagles headquarters.

You are currently interning with the Philadelphia Eagles. Tell us more about it. Is this opportunity related to your W&L academic experience?

Because I was ahead on my major at school, I decided to intern for the Fall Term of my senior year. Over the past year I have made the decision to transition my career and have decided to pursue a career in sports rather than politics. I believed that interning within the industry would be valuable for me to both evaluate my fit in the industry as well as acquire experience before I apply to graduate school for a sports-related degree. My time with the Eagles has been spent in the Ticket and Fan Services Department. It’s helped teach me about the role ticket operations and guest services play within a major professional organization.

If you know any W&L students who would be great profile subjects, tell us about them! Nominate them for a web profile.

More About Jason

What extracurriculars are you involved in at W&L?

At school, I am currently involved in University Phonathon, Traveller and the work study program.

What is on your personal required reading list each day?

Every day I tend to read from the same sites. Those include NBA.com, Sports Business Journal, JohnWallStreet, and TheRinger.com.

Has anyone on campus especially inspired you?

Professor Jemma Levy has been a big inspiration for me since I arrived as a freshman. I’m glad to have had a professor like her in my time at school.

What’s your personal motto?

Work hard.

What’s your favorite place to eat in Lexington and what do you order?

Favorite place to eat in Lexington is actually Matsumoto. It is a pretty good Japanese restaurant for being in such a small town. Whenever I go, I always get an eel roll.

What one film or book do you recommend to everyone?

I am a really big NBA junkie, and I just began a recent basketball documentary series on ESPN called “Basketball: A Love Story.” For any NBA fan, this series is a must-watch.

What do you wish you’d known before you came to campus?

That there are limited dining options on campus

Favorite W&L memory?

Washington Term and spending time in D.C. as a class

Favorite class?

Physics 151, Stellar Evolution and Cosmology, with Professor David Sukow. He is an awesome professor and the class was incredibly interesting.

Favorite W&L event?

Young Alumni Weekend, because I get to see all of my friends who have recently graduated and left W&L.

What’s something people wouldn’t guess about you?

I am ethnically Filipino and my mother is a first-generation immigrant.