Overview

SPM 390 pre-requisites: SPM 202, SPM 356, and MOV 102 or First Aid/CPR/AED certification. Valid certification is required during the semester in which students complete SPM 390.

SPM 360: Students should be enrolled in the GVSU Sport Coaching Certificate

The practicum experience will enable a student to work for a minimum of 135 hours over the course of one semester, primarily with an organization related to the sport management field that would include experience in areas such as coaching, marketing, finance, event management, administration, etc. Students will benefit from both observation and hands-on experience while working with qualified professionals in the sport industry.

Steps:
1. Course registration
2. Find a practicum site
3. Site registration 

Don't Forget!

SPM 390 (Sport Management Practicum) - required for the Sport Management major

SPM 360 (Sport Coaching Practicum) - required for the Coaching Certificate

Finding a Fieldwork Site

Students are required to seek a location on their own prior to the start of the semester in which they are taking SPM 390. The Sport Management department is not responsible for finding you a location but will always assist when a student needs help. Once students have secured a site, they should follow the REGISTER YOUR SITE (step 3) process.

*If an organization you are interested in doesn't have internships marketed on their website, you can definitely reach out and ask!

Questions about the practicum experience or process can be directed to Dr. Jon Coles ([email protected]). 

Registering Your Site

In addition to registering for the course, students must also register their practicum location with the Career Center Internship Management System (IMS). Students are encouraged to discuss their fieldwork location options with the faculty coordinator (Dr. Jon Coles) to ensure approval. Students are not to begin working at their fieldwork location until approval has been granted by the faculty coordinator. To better understand the site registration process, please read the brief.

Click here to register your site  

Practicum Objectives

1.  Gain practical experience in a specific area in the sport industry under professional supervision and guidance         

2.  Apply theories and principles from their formal education to specific situations within the sport industry       

3.  Use interpersonal and professional communication skills       

4.  Learn to work with other individuals trained in the sport industry     

5.  Demonstrate creativity, initiative, and responsibility     

6.  Exercise and improve time and stress management skills     

7.  Observe and analyze professional behavior in the sport industry     

8.  Develop/cultivate problem solving skills

9.  Create a professional resume

10.  Assess and evaluate organization’s business and management practices.