INTERNSHIPS
Looking for a spring or summer intership? Click here.
Internships are a great way to gain real world experience. Below are brief descriptions of the internship experiences of several SMA members...
Ed Sullivan -
PGA Champions Tour,
Bank of America Championship
" Summer 2004, a position as one the Tour’s Fan
Features Coordinator was a demanding opportunity to drive corporate and
spectator support in the Bank’s newest market. Created and
implemented promotional events for title sponsor, as well as other corporate
partners; managed fan programs; reported directly to Tournament Director and Pro
Links Sports Presidents, and to the Champion Tour’s Director of Business
Relations. Drove tournament brand marketing with significant media outlets
including The Golf Channel, Comcast, Boston Globe, local Boston television/radio
stations. Marketed and sold VIP packages for suites/chalets/skyboxes/
pavilions to corporate audience. "
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Luis Connor - Arizona Heat
“I had a lot of great experiences with the Arizona Heat Women's Pro Fastpitch team. My internship allowed me to gain more insight and get a behind-the-scene look on how a professional sports organization is operated. From selling single-game tickets in the front office to participating on the field with the team, there was never a dull moment. The most important thing I learned was that if you're going to work in sports, you need to be ready to take on new tasks. Nonetheless, the experience was a lot of fun, I met some great people, and made some good memories!”Kristie Valenzuela - Arizona Heat
"During my time with the HEAT, I was able to serve as Assistant Supervisor of Ticket Operations, as well as Marketing Manager and Director of Season Ticket Holder / Fan Services. I assisted the Director of Ticket Operations with ticket sales, was responsible for training the ticket sales staff of 9, bought and wrote radio advertisements, organized fan appreciation nights from fireworks to giveaways, as well as all Season Ticket Holder Appreciation activities. It was an amazing experience and I learned so much."---
Steve
Francisco - ATHLETES IN TRAINING (AIT)
"At Athletes in Training (AIT), Tucson, my position, along with my other
co-worker, is Director of Marketing... As Director of
Marketing, my top priority is to create brand recognition amongst local
home/charter schools and local businesses. Brand recognition
will allow AIT to expand to other schools as well as to help raise money through
donations and sponsorships through local businesses and corporations.
Other activities include organizing Tucson-wide home/charter school PE
events, where we promote our programs to potential home/charter schools."
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Meg Nimmo
- Tucson Sidewinders
"This last summer I was lucky enough to chosen, along with 12 other
people college students, to work for the Tucson Sidewinders (a Triple A
affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks) for their 2004 season. My duties included
pre-game activities, group sales, concessions, on- field activities, stadium
operations, and customer services. I specifically started working pre-game
activities which included coordinating the national anthem, young Little League
baseball players on the field, and any other in game ceremonies with the General
Manager. Half way through the season I then worked with the Group Sales
department. I ushered people to their seats and managed seven suites during the
game while making sure customers were happily watching the game. I learned more
then I ever thought! When going into the job, I thought I would learn something
but not enough and my experience would not take me very far when looking for a
permanent job after graduation. The front office was so enjoyable and made me
realize how demanding a career in sports can be with long hours and tireless
efforts they put in each day. I now have many contacts for a further career in
baseball and a job with the Group Sales department. A minor league internship is
one of the best internships one can get because you have more of a chance to
receive one-on-one help, advise, and friends forever!"
---
Meg Nimmo
- KOLD News
"I was
an intern at KOLD (a CBS affiliate) the spring semester of my sophomore year in
2003. I went to the studios once a week and assisting the two news anchors with
their daily activities. These activities were things such as going on location
to high school basketball games, U of A baseball, women's basketball, and men's
basketball games, and other random sports related stories. I was given the
chance to interview a baseball player at the Tucson Sidewinders also. While in
the studios I edited tapes, logged in scores, watched the gentlemen tape their
segments, and spoke to them about their experiences of working in their field.
All in all, the studio and station was smaller then an average news station and
had its pluses and minuses. The people were very friendly and made me feel
comfortable. Scott and Todd (the two sports anchors) were always very friendly
and made sure I was always learning the 'tricks of the trade.'"
---
John
Rattay - NIKE
"This past summer I was fortunate enough to
experience a summer internship with the Entertainment Marketing Division of
Nike, Inc. When most people think Nike, they think SPORTS. However, Nike is
making a conscious effort to crossover and be an influencer in broader markets
such as movies, television, music, and celebrity talent. Located in Los Angeles,
CA, this office is responsible for placing Nike product in such projects like
"Friday Night Lights", "King of Queens", "Eve", the "O.C.", "One Tree Hill"; and
on artists such as Ludacris, Good Charlotte, Justin Timberlake, Ashton Kutcher,
Britney Spears, and much much more. Job responsibilities during this internship
were extremely wide ranged. I reported to 4 different managers (film, tv, music,
talent) during each day. Depending on the needs for that day, one of the main
responsibilities was choosing what product to put on each person or send to that
particular show/movie. For instance, Ludacris had a concert coming up and wanted
some Nike apparel for the shows. I was responsible for picking out shoes (Air
Force 1's of course), jerseys, sweatsuits, watches, hats, etc. (It was very
rewarding to look on MTV or BET the next week and see those celebrities wearing
what you gave them.) Another way to reach these influencers was to bring them in
the office, where they built a showroom to display new Nike product. Celebrities
such as Britney Spears, Taye Diggs, Ben Affleck, Good Charlotte, Jimmy Kimmel,
the cast from the O.C., and much more would come in to sample and take new Nike
product. The experience of meeting these people was incredible in that it was a
great way to learn how market influencers have a direct correlation with new
emerging trends and styles. One project that was extremely exciting to be a part
of was the Lance Armstrong "LIVESTRONG" campaign. The yellow bracelets were
given to my office just before the beginning of summer. Using their connections
with celebrities such as Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Robin Williams, Julia Roberts,
Britney Spears, and more; the expected goal of reaching 5 million dollars for
cancer families has recently reached over 22 million dollars. Overall, the
internship was an incredible learning experience. Nike is an incredible company
that takes pride in their employees. Whether it is sports or entertainment, the
people at Nike do not think of their jobs as work, but a chance to be involved
with something they are passionate about."
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Kristie Valenzuela -
Colorado Rockies
"I worked in Ticket Operations during the Colorado
Rockies' 2004 Spring Training Season. In 2005, I worked closely with the
Director of Spring Training Marketing on various game day events including group
ticket sales, pre-game promotions, group picnics, anthem singers, color guard
and first pitch. The Rockies are a wonderful baseball club to work for. It was
an amazing experience."