This story is the second in a series on the applied learning that takes place in a variety of ways through numerous majors at Westminster College.
Junior Madison Plybon is well on her way to professional success after scoring a premiere internship last summer with Mizzou Athletics at the University of Missouri in Columbia. The real-world, hands-on experience she acquired in sports marketing, communication and fan engagement is directing the remainder of Plybon’s education as the Fulton, Missouri, native plans a career in the sports industry.
Read more below about the busy sport and fitness management major who is minoring in business administration with a self-designed minor in marketing.
What made you apply for an internship with Mizzou Athletics? I wanted to gain real-world experience in sports marketing and learn more about the business side of college athletics. Because I am studying sports and fitness management and have an interest in marketing, I saw the internship as a great opportunity to build my professional skills while working in an athletics department.
What were you expecting before your first day on the job? Before my first day, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. I was a little nervous because it was a new environment, but I knew it was a huge opportunity to learn and gain experience. I was excited to see what I would be doing and how I could contribute to Mizzou Athletics.
What was a typical day on the job like? Every day was different, which made the internship really exciting. Some days I was in the office sending emails, working on trade contracts and helping with marketing projects. Other days, we went out into the community to help market Mizzou Athletics and connect with fans. I also had some really unique experiences, like meeting Coach Gates and getting to watch a live men’s basketball practice. No two days were the same, which gave me the opportunity to experience many different parts of working in collegiate athletics.
What were some challenges you faced on the job? One challenge I faced was learning how everything works in a professional environment. There were a lot of new systems, processes and responsibilities that I had never worked with before. At first, it was a little overwhelming, but I learned to be comfortable asking questions and being willing to learn. Over time, I became more comfortable and confident with my work.
How is Westminster guiding your future through the Office of Employer Connections? Although I found out about the internship elsewhere, Heather Stewart in the Office of Employer Connections has been a great resource in helping me build professional connections and explore opportunities for a jobs after graduation. She is helping me connect with people in the industry and think more about what I want to pursue in my career.
How would you sum up your internship experience? My experience with the internship was very positive and gave me the opportunity to learn what it is like to work in collegiate athletics. I gained hands-on experience in sports marketing, including creating emails, helping with marketing campaigns, working with Salesforce and assisting with the Mizzou Athletics website. I also learned how important communication, organization and teamwork are in a professional environment. Overall, the internship helped me become more confident and prepared for a career in the sports industry.
For more information on internship opportunities or in acquiring career confidence before graduation, please contact Heather.Stewart@wcmo.edu. Read more about Stewart on Westminster’s news site.
