Sport Management Internships
A critical component of the Sport Management curriculum are the experiential learning opportunities offered through the practicum and internship courses, and our program stands out in its focus on real-life opportunities for students. Unlike most programs where faculty members juggle classroom responsibilities with oversight of practica and internships, Fisher’s Sport Management Program offers a dedicated staff member whose primary responsibility it is to assist students with pairing their interests with the vast practical opportunities available throughout the sport industry. Sport Management requirements dictate students take a 120-hour practical experience in a students’ junior year and a 400-hour opportunity during the senior year of their studies. Practicum and internship credits allow students to learn more effectively by applying classroom theory to real work experience. These courses also provide continuous feedback on the academic training students receive throughout the program.
Various on-campus internship opportunities for Sport Management students include the Athletic Business Office, Student Life Center, Growney Stadium, Media Relations, Intramurals, and The Cardinal Courier (campus newspaper). In addition, the College’s location provides a unique opportunity for valuable internship experiences off-campus. Numerous opportunities exist in the Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse areas. In Rochester alone, a number of minor league sport teams exist offering potential internship experiences in soccer, baseball, ice hockey, and indoor/outdoor lacrosse. Beyond professional sport, students have garnered experiences with private high schools athletic departments; not-for profit organizations like the Monroe County Sports Commission and Boys’ And Girls’ Club; as well as municipal recreation departments in the region. In addition to the varied experiences available within the Rochester area, St. John Fisher College serves as the site of the Buffalo Bills’ preseason summer training camp.
Below is a partial list of placements sport management students have participated in:
- United States Olympic Training Center, Lake Placid
- Phoenix Coyotes, National Hockey League
- Monroe County Sports Commission
- 85th PGA Championship, Oak Hill Country Club
- Arena Football League Office, Chicago, IL
- Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America
- Syracuse University Athletic Department
- Rochester Americans, American Hockey League
- Buffalo Bills, National Football League
- Monroe County Special Olympics
- Brighton Parks and Recreation Department
- Mid-town Athletic Club
- Total Sports Experience, Facility Management, Rochester, NY
- The Golf Channel
- American Junior Golf Association
- Madison Square Garden
- Florida Marlins, Major League Baseball
- WHAM-TV Sports department
- Delaware North Company
- Eastside YMCA
- Cleveland Cavaliers, National Basketball League
- Turning Stone Resort PGA Championship
- Troyer Motor Sports
- Empire State Games - New York
- Disney Hilton Head Resort
- Canisius College Athletic Department
Kristi Bradley '09
I came into Fisher as a Sport Management minor and quickly discovered the benefits of making it my second major. The professors all have a great deal of real world experience that shines through in the classroom and the networking opportunities are endless. Classes are hands-on and the projects make you stretch beyond what you thought you were capable of. With real-world situations and assignments, resume building is easy and your attributes as an employee begin to foster right in the classroom.
As the major matures, the amount of alumni contacts the department has grows exponentially, making for easier access to some of the best internships in the country. I wouldn't be where I am now if it wasn't for the endless opportunities presented to me by the department. Through classroom projects, alumni meet & greets, roundtable discussions, and luncheons I was able to make contacts outside of Fisher that helped to propel me into my position at the American Junior Golf Association.
I also took advantage of the resources right on campus. One on one time with professors helped me realize where I wanted to take my career, connections with fellow majors provided me with contacts all over the country after graduation, and time at the career center helped to strengthen my resume and show off my skills in the best possible way.
I credit many of my strengths to the time I spent at Fisher. From the first day learning about the proper handshake to the final capstone presentation, my time as a sport management major helped me grow as both an individual and as a professional.
Kristi Bradley is the Media Relations Coordinator for the American Junior Golf Association.