GVSU Marketing & Fan Development
Cooper
Experience Information
Employer: GVSU
Job Title: Marketing Student Assistant
Major: Sport Management
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: No
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Grand Valley State is a division II college in the Greater Lakes Intercollegiate Athletics Conference. The GVSU Lakers have over 20 varsity sports, with this year being the inaugural season for women's wrestling. Many different departments are within GVSU Athletics, such as Game and Event Operations, Ticketing, Communications, Corporate Sponsorships, etc. Each have their own responsibilities, but without even one of them, the game days aren't the same.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
Being a marketing student assistant, I have done various tasks. This includes playing music, operating the videoboard, handing out promotional items, facilitating in-game promotions, writing game scripts, sponsorship fulfillment, on-campus marketing, etc. These tasks are in every sport we host: soccer, volleyball, football, basketball, wrestling, baseball, softball, lacrosse. Within my time in this position, I've been fortunate enough to have gotten to run some of these events myself, with other students being my main assistance during the games.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
The knowledge I've gained through this experience is astounding. Being able to work closely with everyone around the Athletics department has allowed me learn so many different, invaluable skills that I would not have learned had I not been in this situation. Some of the key skills would include time management, the ability to problem solve, communication, as well as leadership skills.
Favorite Part of the Experience
The people. Every time I walked into the Fieldhouse, I was happy to see the people in there. Yes, shooting the T-shirt cannon at football games and choosing which song plays next at volleyball games is cool, but being able to walk into the office and have a smile on my face is easy the best part of my experience here at GVSU Athletics.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This experience confirmed I wanted to work in sports. Yes, you work long hours. Yes, you work a lot of weekends. But, yes, it's worth it.
Internship Format
In Person