Eric Theisen is a member of the Sports Product Management program’s class of 2019. Prior to joining the master’s program, Theisen received a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Illinois State University. He utilized his degree as a fitness specialist at Apple Inc., Edward Health Care, and Stanford Health Care. Since joining the program, Theisen has gained more experience as an innovation and product intern for Revant Optics in Portland, Oregon and worked on a product creation team focused on footwear customization.

What brought you to the SPM program?

I wanted to pursue an opportunity in a field that I’ve always had a passion for and be able to have a hand in product creation for athletes around the world. The program has been able to bridge my exercise science and technical background with the product creation competencies expected from the industry.

What has been your favorite part of the program?

The international and domestic study tours. The world is bigger than what you see in front of you, so I have been very lucky and fortunate to learn from different cultures and experiences in each of the different places we have visited.

Where do you see yourself post-graduation?

I’d like to see myself in the product development or product management areas. I love product and being able to solve problems for the consumer, so being the bridge between the consumer and how the product is actually created is something I have a passion for.

What drives you?

Everybody deserves a chance to feel valued. Through sports and athletics, it’s an opportunity for everybody to find their outlet and discover their own potential. I’m driven to help create products for athletes of all abilities and skills so they become their own best athlete, and best version of themselves.