Griffins Corporate Sales Intern
Mitchell
Experience Information
Employer: Grand Rapids Griffins
Job Title: Corporate Sales Intern
Major: Sport Management
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
The Grand Rapids Griffins are the AHL affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings and are located in the heart of Downtown Grand Rapids. The offices reside in the Van Andel Arena in a smaller portion of the building that one would expect. The office size is rather small and holds roughly 25-30 staff members, some of them interns. The organization has been around since 1996 and has been rather successful in recent years with Calder Cup Championships in 2013 and 2017.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
My day to day tasks were split into two different categories based on what I was in the office for. For my "office hours" I was tasked with different data entries for donations and promotional inquiries. I was also in charge of the Griffins Kids Club where we organized memberships and created packages for the kids that signed up. Other "office hours" activities included preparing the promotional giveaways that happened for each game. For the days that we had games, we would often show up several hours before puck drop to set of the arena. This meant hanging banners, signs, rolling shirts, preparing coupons, setting up promotional tables, allocating promotional material to different areas and departments. During the game we would be tasked with different game time events and activities such as t-shirt toss, the smoke show before the game, Zamboni riders and much more. This was a fast paced and incredibly fun environment! I was also given the opportunity to put on the Griff Costume and make various different appearances for different videos and events.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Through this experience I learned even more to think on my feet and be ready to be flexible. I learned that having good people skills was important because after all, we are trying to make sure that the attendants of the game are having the best time they can! Knowing your job and being confident in your abilities will help you succeed in this line of work!
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of the internship is the environment that I get to come to each game and shift. It is fast paced, fun, and challenging all at the same time. Being able to make the attendants happy and socializing with them is also a huge plus. Providing my friends and family with a great experience is also something that makes the internship quite fun.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This experience has proved that I would love to end up working in an environment like this, and the Internship being for a hometown favorite like the Griffins makes it all that better. This experience has showed me that I would enjoy working in this fast paced profession for quite some time. Ultimately, this assured what I already had expected. If you have the opportunity to apply for this internship, I highly suggest that you do!