Ben JohnsonMAJOR: Double Major – Sports Management and Marketing

CLASS OF (GRADUATION YEAR): 2016

NAME/ LOCATION OF INTERN SITE: Athletic Director/Athletic Office

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: Hockey management/supervision, management of the concession stand for both hockey and basketball, and creation of a few marketing pieces for volleyball and mens basketball.

HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT THIS INTERNSHIP?: I found out about this internship through our athletic director, Nikki Fennern, she spoke with me about the opportunity to have an internship under her and what exactly it would entail.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST FAVORITE PART OF THE INTERNSHIP?: Being able to work with T.J. during the hockey game management/supervision. I have  been able to learn a lot from him and I have enjoyed being in the leadership position for this job.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THE INTERNSHIP?: The most challenging aspect of the internship has had to do with the management of the concession stand. With regards to being up to date on inventory for every product, and making sure that we will have enough products in order to cover the specific game. It is especially challenging when there is different games on the same day and needing to estimate what products are going to be sold and how much of each.

WHAT’S BEEN THE BIGGEST LESSON(S): Learning how important constant communication with everyone involved really is, with communication you are able to avoid minimize any potential problems that may arise during the games or leading up the events. Also, what exactly to do when problems may arise by having a plan prepared for if something does happen to go wrong.

ADVICE TO OTHER STUDENTS PREPARING FOR AN INTERNSHIP: The communication factor is the most important aspect of having any type of internship, this is how you are going to put in a place to be most successful with whatever you are trying to accomplish.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?: I have enjoyed the opportunity of having an internship and will be able to take away a lot of aspects from time during the internship.