GV Football Summer 2013
Mitch
Experience Information
Employer: Grand Valley State Football
Job Title: Recruiting Intern
Major: Sport Management
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: No
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
During my internship I worked for Grand Valley State's football team, the winningest football program in NCAA Division II history. I was able to build numerous relationships with the coaching staff this summer and they were really a joy to work with.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
While working for Coach Mitchell and Grand Valley's football team I was able to monitor and oversee numerous events. I worked as the liaison during the MHSAA All-Star game, ensuring each high school team on campus had everything they needed, working 14 hour days and multiple practices. I also monitored Grand Valley's annual youth camps that they hold each summer, keeping track of timing and scheduling so that the camp didn't go to long. Seeing that it was the off season for the football program there wasn't a lot of hands on experience, but I learned a lot from shadowing and networking with the coaching staff. I look forward to coming back in the fall and working with the Coach Mitchell throughout the season.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
During the internship I was able to see the off-season side of a Division II football program; sitting in on staff meetings and learning how Grand Valley evaluates player talent and upcoming recruits for the 2014 season. I enjoyed learning how the program works and I now understand why they are so successful. My passion will and always be football and this experience as helped me gain valuable knowledge that I can use in my future career path.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of my experience was interacting with the athletes and their parents. I really enjoy meeting new people and seeing new faces, building genuine relationships. Speaking with the parents made me realize how fortunate I am to go to such a great university with so many opportunities, from hearing their feedback and happiness with Grand Valley's campus. I was once a student athlete myself, and to speak with the athletes about my experiences, and talk to them about what a wonderful place Grand Valley can be helped me realize I wanted to work in recruiting and Intercollegiate Athletics.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
My experience with Grand Valley State Football has really impacted and influenced my career goals. I would like to become a Recruiting Coordinator at a college or university, and seeing the off-season side of a football program has helped me understand that this is a full time, year round position. A coaches job is never done, and hopefully I can be part of a football program as successful as Grand Valley some day, overseeing the ins and outs of what it takes to be a winner and a champion multiple times.