The Department of Sport Management hosted its annual fall internship forum on Sept. 30 that featured a student-led panel discussion and informational tables highlighting summer internships.
Fifty-two students completed the Department of Sport Management’s 320-hour internship requirement this past summer, gaining real-world experience with organizations and companies across the sport industry. The department offered a look at how its students spent their summer months at the 2024 Sport Management Internship Forum.
The Sept. 30 event was headlined by a 30-minute, student-led panel discussion featuring five sport management majors reflecting on their internship experiences. Panelists included: Laker Figueroa (Iowa Cubs), Lily Barker (Duke University), Jack Sheppard (Cleveland Browns), Aidan Blake (Winston-Salem Dash) and Christian Atwater (Atlantic Coast Conference). The discussion was moderated by Will Ferris, president of the Sport Management Society.
Click here to see our photo gallery from the forum.
During the informal conversation in Turner Theatre, the five panelists shared advice, challenges and insights from their time at their respective organizations. The students didn’t mince words, reflecting on the perks and benefits of working in sport, as well as the struggles.
Sheppard recalled tasks that required hours in a sweaty warehouse. Blake talked about the challenge of gathering all the necessary digital content of an ever-changing minor league roster. And Barker discussed the ebbs and flows of helping manage events and facilities for 27 varsity sports teams.
Figueroa also recounted his internship search with an amusing tale of leveraging a trial of LinkedIn Premium, as well as searching the Iowa Cubs’ online directory hoping to make a connection.
Shaina Dabbs, associate professor and chair of the Department of Sport Management, said she appreciated that the panel represented the wide spectrum of the sport industry, from college to professional sports, marketing, operations, content creation, and educational programming.
“I thought our panelists provided valuable insights into the process of searching for an internship, the challenges and surprises they encountered during their internships, and how the internship either reinforced an existing career interest or revealed aspects of the role that may redirect a students’ career path,” she said. “The panelists helped our future interns better understand what to expect and how to prepare, which may set them up for success.”
Following the panel discussion, the forum branched off to laptop presentations on tables thorough Snow Family Grand Atrium. Students spoke with one another regarding their summer internships, which included positions with the Boston Red Sox, USA Lacrosse, Miami Heat, the University of Colorado and numerous other organizations.
According to Dabbs, there were several key takeaways she hopes attendees observed and understood. These insights included that internships aren’t just about technical skills, but encourage the development of soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving – which are just as crucial for long-term career growth.
And networking is key – and not just when a student is in the office.
“The significance of networking, not only within the organization but also with fellow interns can opens doors to mentorship opportunities and potential job prospects in the future,” Dabbs said.
Student presentations
Alex Frame – Carolina Core FC
Anabella Shpak – Duke Athletics
Andrew Ferris – USTA
Annabel Callahan – STA Soccer
Brian Herrlein – Volo Sports
Brynja Burton – CU Athletics Digital/Creative Department
Camilla Bondy – The Miami Heat
Charlie Bertoldo – New York Red Bulls
Chase Augustus – Winstate Sports & Entertainment
Chase Strawser – USA Lacrosse
Cierra Hopson – Villanova University Athletics
Devyn Belitz – Burlington Sock Puppets
Elizabeth Goodwin – Carolina Legacy
Erik Winikur – Hartford Athletic
Eryn Saye – Boston Red Sox
Grant Springer – High Point Rockers
Harry Haber – Greensboro Grasshoppers
Isaac Ripp – Elon Campus Recreation & Wellness
Jack Cullen – Lagardere/COFFEE Labs
Jake Louro – Elon Sports Performance
Luke Duska – Elon University Phoenix Club
Manny Peralta – Queens University – CLT
Mitch Ashberg – London Inclusion Sports Academy
Nate Farrington – Fredericksburg Nationals
Nick Straub – Westchester Country Club
Ryan Harper – Burlington Sock Puppets
Sam Fox – Camp Androscoggin
Sammy Fisher – FAU Sports Properties
Sammy Johnson – Fredericksburg Nationals
Sandro Musumeci – Soccer Shots
Sarah Davis – North Carolina FC
Sarah Katz – Joe Favorito Consulting
Sasha Barnett – Pittsburgh Steelers
Sawyer Kickham – New England Revolution
Sebastian Schroeter – Queens University – CLT
Sera Massetti – University of San Francisco
Sonya Gladstone – US Golf Association
Sophia Waldron – Soundwaters
Tess Hawthorne – Pierce Camps
Tim Fonde – laybook Sports
Tristin Oberg – Connecticut Sports Group
Will Ferris – Elon Men’s Basketball
Will Weiskopf – Carolina Core
Zack Hartman – Whitehall-Coplay School District