Loyola Ramblers Athletic Internship
Franchesca
Experience Information
Employer: Loyola University Chicago Athletics
Job Title: Intern
Major: Sport Management
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: No
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
I interned for the Loyola University Chicago Athletic Department. Specifically, I worked with the Senior Associate Athletic Director of Operations, the Director for Finance and Business Operations, and the Staff Accountant. My internship was a combination of learning about the financial side of college athletics, along with completing business operations projects for the athletic department.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
My internship included learning more about what each position is responsible for within the athletic department, and completing various business administrative projects throughout the summer. My three largest projects were putting together the 2020-2021 athletic department calendar, creating a 'Wikipedia' of up-to-date athletic alumni information, and conducting a research summary for a new ticket sales system. My supervisor and other staff were always willing to help if I had any questions, and point me in the right direction to get things done efficiently. I appreciate that they trusted me to work independently and get things done on time with high quality work.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
My internship gave me direct experience to learn about the business administrative side of sports, specifically in a Division 1 collegiate setting. I learned more about the Sport Finance and Business Operations aspect of the sport industry. My communication skills definitely increased throughout the summer due to a virtual internship. I was in contact with various Loyola staff, hundreds of athletic alumni, and staff from other universities' athletic departments. This exposure really helped develop my professional writing and verbal communication skills. Also, because I was working independently from home, my time management skills improved in order to stay on top of projects and deadlines.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite memory from my internship was getting to talk with Loyola's 100 year old basketball Chaplain, Sister Jean, on Zoom. She is a very big part of the Loyola athletic department, and my supervisor set up a Zoom call so I could have the opportunity to meet and talk with her. She had a lot of words of wisdom to give to me as a young professional. Her dedication and investment in the success of Loyola Athletics is so apparent, and was inspiring to learn about. I appreciated her advice, along with all of the advice that my supervisor and co-workers gave me throughout the entire summer.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
Loyola's athletic department staff have created an amazing work environment to be a part of. Their culture immediately welcomed me in, and I will strive to be part of a team like that in my future career. The athletic staff have a great passion for the university, and everyone is sincerely invested in the betterment of every student-athlete. Being a part of a team like this has opened my options to working on the financial side of college athletics in the future. I have learned that every person in the department serves a role to help improve Loyola as a whole. This has impacted me because I will take that lesson wherever I end up in my career path, and do my part to make every organization I work for better.