It is hard to believe that I am now exiting my internship at the Centre for Sport Capacity (CSC) as the Marketing, Communications and Event Intern. Looking back at my four months at the Centre, I have grown so much in both my professional and personal development. 

At the CSC, I had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects which allowed me to enhance my skills and knowledge in various areas. From organizing events to creating engaging content for the CSC’s social media platforms, I was able to utilize a lot of what I have learned from my Sport Management (SPMA) program, such as marketing, event management, and working with non-profit organizations. I took on several important roles, the first was overseeing the CSC’s social media including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X, and I was then able to analyze the data on each of these social media platforms. I had the opportunity to partner with Canoe Kayak Canada to create a website for the 2024 National Sprint Championships. I also played a key role in organizing the 2024 Niagara Hope on the Horizon workshop, by securing sponsorships for the event and creating copy for communications and promotional materials. Managing the CSC’s social media offered me valuable insights into the impact of digital marketing and its ability to reach a broader audience. Analyzing data on each platform provided me with a deeper understanding of audience preferences and helped me tailor our content to better engage with our followers. Additionally, planning the Hope on the Horizon tour provided me with valuable experience in event management and the intricacies of planning successful events, such as securing funding, crafting sponsorship packages, and working with partners. 

It is great to reflect on the areas where I have notably improved including: 

• Enhanced digital skills in WordPress, Canva, Google Analytics, and Meta Business Suite through social media management and website design.  
• Developed project management skills through event planning like the Hope on the Horizon Tour.  
• Strengthened decision-making abilities and professional communication skills in verbal and written forms, focusing on conveying messages effectively and considering the audience. 

Getting hands-on experience with different digital platforms like WordPress, Canva, and Meta Business Suite was truly invaluable. It not only broadened my skill set but also gave me a deeper understanding of how I can effectively utilize these tools in a professional setting. One of the most rewarding aspects of my internship was gaining insight into data management and analytics. Learning how to collect, analyze, and draw meaningful insights from data has been an eye-opening experience that I know will be beneficial in my future endeavors. For example, using platforms such as Meta Business Suite enhanced my understanding of digital marketing tactics and audience engagement and allowed me to view what kind of posts get the most engagement. 

Understanding the principles of marketing, communications, and event planning is essential in Sport Management. Having a strong foundation in marketing allows me to effectively promote an organization to a wide audience and maintain their brand image. Communication skills are vital for building relationships with numerous partners and collaborators. Also, proficiency in event planning ensures that events run smoothly and successfully. By mastering these skills, I can navigate the sport industry with confidence and achieve my goals effectively.  

This internship has significantly influenced my career goals by introducing me to a wider range of opportunities in Sport Management. While my initial focus was to work in the management side of the hockey industry, this experience has broadened my perspective to include skills in marketing, communications, and event planning across different sectors. While working on the management side of hockey remains my ultimate goal, I now see other sectors as promising career options. 

I highly recommend this placement for future SPMA internship students. It offers valuable exposure to job opportunities in the sport and recreation sector. The CSC provides diverse learning opportunities, treating the internship as a chance for students to develop industry knowledge and skills. I am grateful for the opportunities I had and the relationships I formed during my tenure, and I look forward to applying the skills and knowledge I gained in my future career. Overall, my time at the CSC has been very beneficial. Thank you to Dr. Julie Stevens and Grace Nelson, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow in such a supportive and dynamic environment.