West Michigan Whitecaps
Emily
Experience Information
Employer: West Michigan Whitecaps
Job Title: Ticket Sales Intern
Major: Sport Management
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
The West Michigan Whitecaps are the Class-A Affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. In 2018 they are celebrating their 25th season reminding fans that #EverySeasonHasAStory. The Whitecaps offer fans a more personable Minor League Baseball experience with owners that can be seen at many of the home contests. Fifth Third Ballpark, located in Comstock Park, MI, is a baseball fan's little slice of heaven.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
During my time with the West Michigan Whitecaps I have tried participate in as many things as possible. Although, the majority of my time has been spent focused on the Whitecaps Community Foundation Reading Club. This year I was able to grow the program to 322 schools (259 participated in 2017) from the West Michigan area. Students who complete the program during March is Reading Month receive the opportunity to attend a Whitecaps game for FREE! I have also attended mascot appearances, worked in the box office on game days, fulfilled phone and mail orders for tickets using Ticket Return, logged all group ticket orders for the Reading Club, assisted with parking on game days, and of course, pulled tarp.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
The most important skill for me during my internship has been time management. The daily office life is so different on a week-to-week basis. Whether it is the off-season or the middle of a seven game homestead, my schedule can be totally different. It is crucial to know how to handle your time when you have a lot happening, or if it is a slower day, so that you can attack tomorrow just as well as any other day. Sometimes I can just end up as my desk with my head spinning because I have so much that I need to do at once... But if I would have planned a little better the last time I had some free time, I could have avoided that feeling.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My absolute favorite part of my internship is getting to work with not only everyone in the ticket department, but all staff as a whole. I always look forward to getting to the ballpark at 8:30am to start my day.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This experience has showed me that the path I want to go down is the correct one. My dream has always been to work in Minor League Baseball, and this was my first taste of it. I have loved every moment of it so far. I cannot wait to see what the rest of the season brings.