Take Your Desk to the NFL

Ben Maurer '00
Communication Major
New Media Development/Publication Specialist
Minnesota Vikings, NFL
Eden Prairie, Minn.

Learning on the Job

"I learned and grew more in my four years at CSB/SJU than ever before. The education I received, the work I was able to do, and the friendships I made are the reason I am where I am today. While at CSB/SJU I worked for Michael Hemmesch in the Sports Information Department. Working for Michael put me on the path to my current career in the NFL."

Learning in the Pros

"After graduation I pursued a career in the NFL starting with an internship with the Seattle Seahawks. After wrapping up a season in Seattle I accepted a position with NFL Europe. I spent the NFL Europe season with the Frankfurt Galaxy, and lived in a small hotel outside of Frankfurt. The experience I gained personally and professionally in Europe helps me every day.

"Following that season, I had my choice of internships around the NFL, and accepted a position with the Indianapolis Colts. Following my stint with the Colts I worked the Pro Bowl in Hawaii and was invited back to NFL Europe for a second season. I took a job with the Scottish Claymores in Glasgow, Scotland.

"Half way through the season with the Claymores I was offered a fulltime job at the NFL Europe headquarters in London, England. I accepted the job but never made it to the office. One week before I was set to leave for London, I received a call from the Minnesota Vikings about a position in marketing. I interviewed for the job and accepted it a day later. I am currently in my fourth season with the Vikings. I run the Vikings Web site and do publications."

Learning to be Independent

"The biggest learning experience I've had since college would be learning what it means to truly be independent. When I was traveling around the globe for two straight years, I was removed from family and friends. At CSB/SJU a strong group of students surrounds you and that community is always there. While sitting in Germany or Scotland, that security was no longer there. 

"I turned my focus to my career and tried to gain as much experience in the NFL as possible. In Europe, I handled all the American media for the respective club so I was able to learn on the job and work through problems on my own. I didn't have a supervisor looking over me. I had assignments that needed to get done and I had to complete them on my schedule."

Office of Admission
College of Saint Benedict
Saint John's University
PO Box 7155
Collegeville, MN 56321
(800) 544-1489
(320) 363-2196
(320) 363-2750 (fax)

E-mail admissions@csbsju.edu