How UNLV Football Made Me Better

This semester I have been interning with the UNLV Football Team. I not only have gained skills and insights for my personal career growth, but have gained leadership skills that I will continue to carry with me through life that I will pass down to my team (and maybe even my own interns) once I have reached my success goals. My major has shifted a little bit this semester, I a still graduating with my bachelors in psychology. But I went from wanting to minor in kinesiology to declaring marketing and enrolling in marketing classes next semester. I also am moving forward with getting my certification in sport leadership and management, as well as making my next steps to going to grad school for sports management. Choices I have made from all the wonderful people I have met, com to know, and continue to network with. As far as any educational requirements for the internship program, be passionate for learning and sports, be flexible and adaptable and you'll see yourself do some amazing things with some amazing people (also some Microsoft Office skills are quite useful, you'll need them). It is an experience that I would highly recommend to anyone that either wants to just get more involved with school spirit and be apart of a team, or for anyone that wants to build a bridge to their own sports industry goals. I firmly believe this has been a successful internship for me, I have gained much personal growth as well as inside knowledge to the sports industry ethics. I now believe a career with a sports team is where I belong and will shine the brightest. It helps that my sight supervisor, Kelsea Winkle, recognizes my accomplishes and makes it known that I am a force to be reconned with and will do amazing things ( I have my doubts at times). Ms.Winkle is an incredible asset to not only for the Football team but for any students she takes on in the future, because after all that is what interns are. Her teaching skills, work ethic, and vibrant personality should be recognized by all, and a mentor that I will look back on and continue to be thankful for. I have also come to understand that this particular job might not be exactly what I am going for in the future, but the skills I have gained will secure me for the sports industry as I continue building my aspirations and determination for what I do want out of a career.

A piece of advise I would give to incoming inters are: be optimistic, show up with a fully determined attitude, and have fun with it, even if it is cheesy at times. You'll get more out of it than you think. Both the COLA program and the football internship are to help mold you as the person you choose to be as a working part of our society. You have the opportunity that most people only dream to have so take every moment in stride and don't sweat the small stuff, just learn and be happy.

The COLA program and this team have granted me gifts of experience, and I am eternally grateful for it.