495 Internship
Rashound
Experience Information
Employer: YMCA
Job Title: Sports Intern
Major: Sport Management
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: No
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
The YMCA is a Non-profit organization that has a very large staff that can sometimes seem more like second family rather than co-workers. There are multiple different branches in the Greater Grand Rapids area. The one i spent all of my time at was the David D. Hunting location. I worked mainly under the Sports Director Evan.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
My Main duties were on game days where I would help set up courts for Basketball or women's and co-ed volleyball. I made sure games ran smoothly and kept score and stats when needed. I helped teams fill out paperwork, and made sure that teams knew when their next games were and directed them to where they played. I also helped with Youth sports and that at times was a little more challenging dealing with parents. I helped run a kinder league class a couple times and supervised games and made sure no kids got hurt and parents did not get too rowdy.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
One skill that i learned and improved on was how to deescalate a situation quickly. In youth sports parents can sometimes get out of control and as someone who's in charge they more likely than not blame you for anything that happens that doesn't go their way. so i think this was an important skill to learn especially in the Sport Management field because sports come with high emoitions.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part was the people that I got to meet and network with. I got to know so many people and build relationships within an organization that could really be beneficial for me in the future. But not only for that but because i genuinely feel like I made new friends from this internship.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This Internship has made me realize that I did pick the right career path and motivated me more to succeed and really get into this field and find something that I love to do.