Professional Sports Experience
Ben
Experience Information
Employer: Grand Rapids Gold
Job Title: Game Day Intern
Major: Sport Management
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: No
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
The Grand Rapids Gold are an NBA G-League Team affiliated with the Denver Nuggets. The team rebranded from the Drive to the Gold in 2021.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
A game day intern can have several different tasks throughout the season. - Rebound and Mopping: Rebound for players during pre-game warmups/halftime. Mop the floor during the game (when players fall, something spills, etc.) -Bench Security/Bench Assist: Assure players are safe from fans, and escort players in and out of tunnels when ejected. Bench assist requires you to help the coaching staff/players with anything they need. (Towels, water, athletic training equipment, warmups, etc.) - Tunnels: Throw T-shirts to the crowd after every made 3-pointer, assist with giveaways, crowd engagement, etc.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Understanding how important the details are, especially the little ones. Attention to detail and learning how a professional sports team operates will be invaluable information for me throughout my professional career. Being organized and prepared to work in a fast-paced environment is vital when running a professional operation.
Favorite Part of the Experience
Meeting new people and establishing new connections has been one of the many positive experiences I've had throughout this internship. A hands-on learning experience that has been both informative and enjoyable, and it will serve as the foundation of my professional career.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
It has influenced me to apply for jobs in other professional sports leagues. It reassured me that working within the professional industry is something I want to pursue, and has gotten me excited to learn more things on how different professional organizations operate.
Internship Format
In Person