GVSU Athletics Internship
Matthew
Experience Information
Employer: GVSU Athletics Marketing
Job Title: Marketing Intern
Major: Sport Management
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: No
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Grand Valley State Athletics is a well respected athletic department in not only Division II athletics, but collegiate athletics as a whole. They have received countless awards and recognition for their commitment to the success of the athletes as well as a commitment to a positive gameday experience for the fan. I worked in the marketing department where there were 4-6 interns working underneath the Director of Marketing. We worked closely with our Digital Media and communication team, between 8-12 people, under the direction of the Assistant AD of External Relations and AD. We also worked with Operations as well when it came to gameday execution.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
-Enhance fan game day experience through implementation of game and event promotion -Strategically promote athletic events to the local community, primarily students on campus -Develop relationships with local partners and sponsors -Liaison between the athletic department and on and off campus organizations -Work with other departments to create a seamless gameday experience
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Through this experience, I learned to be able to make decisions very quickly as sporting events are changing by the second and there not be times to make the best decision but the most efficient or effective one. Furthermore, I learned the importance of communication between multiple departments in order to execute a sporting event because every single person has a role to play that can have a important impact on the event.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of the internship was getting an inside look into the behind the scenes workings of a very successful athletic department and once again assured my interest in working in athletics for my future career. Furthermore, being able to be under pressure in different situations is something I somewhat enjoy. Being in this internship during my time as being the director of Rally with the Rapids definitely helped me in that role to plan and execute a successful event. I also got to build relationships and networks with very successful people in this industry. Lastly, I liked having a front row seat to athletic events and being able to accomplish my college credit for this internship.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This experience has impacted my future career goals by reassuring my desire to want to work in the sports industry. It may not come in the marketing area but I will continue to search for which department I would like to make a career out of. Furthermore, some people may not enjoy the long hours of working sports but I enjoy it and find everyday to be a challenge when I was working these games and preparing for them.