In 2023, the Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute launched an internship program for students interested in sports communication and event management. Since then, the program has increased the number of interns each semester to help promote the mission of the Institute. Many of those interns have recently graduated and have shared how Clemson University and RHBSSI have helped their postgraduate careers.
Fall 2023
Kayla FitzWilliam, Communications Intern
Where are you now?
I am currently in the Vinik Sport and Entertainment Management Program at the University of South Florida getting my M.B.A and M.S. in Sport and Entertainment. I have a fellowship with USF Bulls Club (which is the donor arm of USF athletics, similar to IPTAY) and am a graduate assistant with the College of Business.
What has been your proudest project or accomplishment since graduation?
I just graduated in May, but so far, I would say making it into this grad program is something I’m very proud of. The VSEM program is ranked the 3rd best sports postgraduate program in the world. Even in the short time I’ve been in this program, I have had the opportunity to meet and network with some of the top leaders in the sports industry and gain experience in a multitude of areas.
How did Clemson help you in your career now?
Many of the classes I took at Clemson have made the transition to graduate-level classes much easier. Having to take classes outside of my major as a business student at Clemson prepared me for the variety of classes I now take in grad school. Outside of the classroom, the opportunities and organizations I got involved with at Clemson not only helped me grow as a professional but as an effective communicator and teammate as well.
What skills or experience gained from your internship with RHBSSI do you find most valuable now?
In my internship with RHBSSI, I gained valuable experience in communication, content creation, and audience engagement. Having the opportunity to explore different areas, including event planning, social media, and communications, gave me experience that I have been able to utilize in my current roles as a graduate assistant and fellow. Interviewing students and staff around campus and writing blog posts highlighting their achievements really strengthened my verbal and written communication skills, which has translated to the work I do leading students in my GA position and in speaking with donors in my fellowship with USF Athletics.
What are your future career goals/plans?
Following my graduation from the VSEM program, I hope to work for either a sports team or company doing sports marketing and partnerships. Right now, I’m still trying to figure out whether I want to be on the team side or brand side but either way, I know I want to be involved in the sports and events industry.
Are there any opportunities in your field that you know of that we should share with current Clemson students?
Applications for the VSEM program are now open for next year and I encourage anyone that is interested to apply and reach out to me with any questions.
Spring 2024
Lauren Crumley, Events Intern
Where are you now?
I am a postgraduate intern at the NCAA in championship operations, located in Indianapolis, Indiana.
What has been your proudest project or accomplishment since graduation?
My proudest accomplishment since graduation has been my personal and professional growth!
How did Clemson help you in your career now?
Clemson helped me tremendously with my career now. During my time at Clemson I was able to learn about what was important to me, to develop my interests, and to grow my skills in areas such as communication and leadership. All of these have impacted me greatly in my career so far. I was also a student-athlete at Clemson, something I am very grateful for and learned a lot from. Being able to be a small part of granting that same life-changing experience to future student-athletes is something I’m very passionate about.
What skills or experience gained from your internship with RHBSSI do you find most valuable now?
My role at the NCAA is very events focused. My time as an events intern at RHBSSI helped teached me the ins and outs of what goes into event planning and operations, which is something I definitely take with me into my daily work now.
What are your future career goals/plans?
After my internship at the NCAA is completed, I hope to continuing working in events role in sports, ideally for a conference office or a national level organization of some kind.
Are there any opportunities in your field that you know of that we should share with current Clemson students?
I could not recommend the NCAA Postgraduate Internship enough! The structure of the program is so intentional and really helps you grow as a young professional. Outside of your growth in your position, you are given so many opportunities for mentorship, networking, and professional development with over 30 other like minded young professionals.
Justin Robertson, Communications Intern
Where are you now?
I am a sports reporter for The Winchester Star in Winchester, Virginia.
What has been your proudest project or accomplishment since graduation?
Since taking my new job, I have had to cover high school sports on a daily basis. While I had some freelance experience covering them during my time at Clemson University, I had never worked full-time on covering high school sports. Over the last three months, I have learned so much about the journalism field and how to tell stories that make an impact on the community.
How did Clemson help you in your career now?
It’s tough to put into words just how much my time at Clemson has helped me in my career. Along with my experience in the classroom, my time at Clemson’s student newspaper, The Tiger, played an instrumental role in my development as a person, leader and reporter. Between the countless hours and late nights in The Tiger’s office and the 100-plus Clemson sports games and events I covered, working as a student journalist opened up the opportunities I have today. Becoming the sports editor and the associate editor of the newspaper also helped me become a better leader and develop a better work ethic. Working as an intern for the RHBSSI during my final semester was also a great experience to close out my time at Clemson. Not only did I gain valuable experience, but I learned more about the academic side of the school and the valuable research that the Institute’s fellows and staff do on a daily basis.
What skills or experience gained from your internship with RHBSSI do you find most valuable now?
Running the Institute’s blog and social media platforms gave me valuable experience that I use every day. From interviewing faculty members to creating graphics and flyers, the marketing side of the internship taught me how to promote an event and work with other departments. Creating a brand and developing it for the Institute was also a skill that I find valuable today.
What are your future career goals/plans?
I have only had my current job for three months, but I plan on continuing to work at The Winchester Star and growing as a writer, reporter and journalist.
Are there any opportunities in your field that you know of that we should share with current Clemson students?
I will always promote joining The Tiger to any student. While joining the student newspaper may sound one-dimensional, The Tiger literally has something for everyone, regardless of their interests. Between writing, podcasting, photography, design, art, layout and a whole host of other opportunities, The Tiger has opportunities for every student on Clemson’s campus.
Current undergraduate Clemson students interested in becoming a part-time RHBSSI intern for Spring 2025 can apply here by November 29.
