Melanie Seiser, an alumni of Philadelphia Union’s Major Molly’s Army, has been given the opportunity to expand her career in Major League Soccer. Starting in Major Molly’s Army, she used her connections to transition into MLS' National Sales center, as a trainee in the highly selective sales department. She then moved to Columbus Crew, and eventually found her way back to the National Sales Center, in a management role. Seiser will begin later this month.
She started her career in the inaugural Major Molly’s Army in 2010- because of the opportunity to start something new.
“Being a Molly was something I started out doing because it sounded cool,” said Melanie, “but it ended up carving out my career path for me without me even realizing what was happening.”
View: More on Major Molly's Army and how you can get involved!
From there the magic was born. As part of Major Molly’s Army, Melanie attended Philadelphia Union games and events. “Just taking it all in — the chants coming from the Sons of Ben, the sold-out crowd, the entire stadium on their feet — it was breathtaking.” She used that newfound passion to apply for a starting position with the National Sales Center.
“When I applied to be a trainee at the National Sales Center, I was unsure that I would want to move to Minnesota on the chance that I could get a job with a club afterward.” Melanie took the chance and was accepted into the highly selective sales department.
Seiser added:
“The success this league has seen in its 19 short years is nothing compared to what we’re going to see in the next 5, 10, 20 years. You want a cool story to tell at the end of your career? Work in MLS. As for the NSC — I’m undeniably loyal to the program that helped me discover my love for ticket sales.”
Seiser also noted that while the glitz in her new role with the league won't rival the intensity on the field, it will be an adventure. One she's confident she's ready for.
“If you’re interested in the glitz and glamour that people associate with professional sports, then this might not be the job for you — but you’d make a fantastic season ticket holder, so let me know if you need a ticket guy and I’ll gladly make an introduction," Seiser joked.
Ticket sales are not for everyone and she even admits that she is open to other ventures in the future.
“When the next step presents itself, I’ll be ready” she says. “All I know is that I love working in sales, and I love being a part of Major League Soccer. My guess is, whatever it is that I end up being when I grow up hasn’t even been created yet...at the end of the day, it’s the beautiful game connecting complete strangers and I just can’t imagine doing anything else with my life.
So while the future is open, Melanie’s passion was first flourished in the Philadelphia Union’s supporters club and will continue to grow in her new role in MLS.
Contact Union writer Chelsea Rhoads at crhoads@philadelphiaunion.com
