When applying to this program, it was the internship opportunity that interested me more than anything. I mean, 110 hours of unpaid work does seem unfortunate at first glance, but the experience gained from it is invaluable to say the least. Sports - more specifically hockey - has always been my passion so it came as no surprise to myself when I was applying to a bevy of different major junior and minor junior hockey teams within the Golden Horseshoe area last week.
Actually applying for these was something that took quite a while for me to get into. This program has kept us all on our toes at certain points and before I knew it, it was December and I still had not applied to any teams or workplaces. Part of this was being lazy and the other was my lack of an impressive resume. Regardless, I am currently waiting to hear back from a few different hockey teams with hopes I'll find an internship as a game-day communications coordinator.
I could be merely writing media releases for the entire internships and I would still applied for it. But the details involved with the internship opportunities are actually quite interesting. For sports teams, a lot of what the public relations staff does is ensure smooth communication between the media and the team itself prior to, during and following every hockey game. Compiling team lists and stat sheets are necessary for commentators to have the names of the players they are watching as well as statistics and additional information to be discussed in-between plays and during intermissions. Preparing broadcast and media booths is also a requirement so that journalists, scouts and reporters have a location suitable to their professional needs to watch the game.
During the game it is necessary for public relations staff to provide game information to on-site and off-site media. This can include live blogging and social media interactions such as posting in game updates on mediums such as twitter. After the game is when a majority of the interpersonal activity heats up though. It is necessary to act as a liaison for all press and media who want to interview coaches and players following the game. This includes escorting them to the press and locker room and interacting with team management to establish which players are being requested for interview and relaying who can be interviewed following the game (players will not always be given clearance by team personnel). In addition to this, much written work is done following the game - including press releases, game notes and compiling the nights statistics for season totals to be added to the team website and submitted to the league for review.
Writing this all out really makes me realize how busy I could potentially be if I do get the chance to land an internship with a junior hockey team. Despite this though, it's an opportunity that I truly believe will prepare me well for a full time job in the sports industry while also allowing me the chance to actually enjoy my internship. Although it might just seem like I'll be running around an arena for the next four months, that's exactly what I hope I end up doing.
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