Key Insights
Throughout my academic journey and professional experiences, I have gained valuable insights that have shaped both my personal and career development. By combining classroom knowledge with real-world event operations experience, I have developed a stronger understanding of the sport and entertainment industry, improved my professional skills, and clarified the career path I want to pursue. These key insights reflect how my education and hands-on involvement have prepared me for success in this field.
Academic
hroughout my time at the University of South Carolina, I’ve gained valuable knowledge from a variety of academic courses that have directly impacted my professional growth. My communication and professional development classes, in particular, have helped me become a confident and effective communicator in the workplace. I’ve learned the importance of punctuality, responding clearly and efficiently, and maintaining professionalism in a fast-paced environment.
In addition, my finance, accounting, and marketing classes provided me with a broad understanding of the business side of sports and events. This foundation has helped me better understand the marketing strategies used to promote events and premium club spaces, as well as how cash flow is managed during large-scale events throughout my internship with the Charleston RiverDogs.
My coursework in management and human resources has been especially impactful in developing my leadership abilities. During game days, I’ve taken on an informal leadership role within the Segra Club, particularly overseeing the front-of-house food service operations. This experience has allowed me to strengthen my leadership style, build rapport with both wait staff and kitchen staff, and ensure a smooth and positive experience for our guests. These experiences have motivated me to pursue a full-time position in event and venue management after graduation.
Work Experience Beyond the Classroom
In addition to my academic studies, my experiences working a variety of live events have shaped my understanding of the sport and entertainment industry. I completed my first internship in stadium operations with the Columbia Fireflies, worked as a beverage attendant at the 2024 Masters Tournament, volunteered at the Big South Indoor Track Championships assisting with pole vault, worked security at the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship, worked the Manchester United vs. Liverpool match at Williams-Brice Stadium in the summer of 2024, worked as a stagehand at Colonial Life Arena from November 2024 to May 2025, and returned to The Masters again in 2025.
While these positions varied in duties and scope, they have all reinforced the same core lesson: success in this industry comes from showing up, working hard, being on time, and communicating effectively. I’ve experienced firsthand the long, physically demanding hours that come with live events. I’ve worked through exhaustion, yet every time I leave an event knowing it went smoothly, I feel fulfilled. I love seeing fans create lasting memories at games and events, and I take pride in knowing I helped make those experiences possible.
These roles have helped me develop a strong work ethic and a passion for the behind-the-scenes work that brings events to life. I’ve learned that dedication and a positive attitude can go a long way, even when I’m still learning and gaining experience. This mindset continues to motivate me to grow professionally and pursue a career in event and venue operations.
Internship Experience and Career Direction
One of the most important takeaways from my current internship with the Charleston RiverDogs is the value of building relationships and staying persistent in the job search process. When I began searching for my required 495 internship, I applied to nearly 40 organizations over the course of several months. Out of those, I only heard back from three—two rejections and one interview opportunity with the Tennessee Titans. I advanced through multiple rounds of interviews and ultimately finished as a top-two finalist out of over 500 applicants, but did not get the position. That experience was discouraging, but it taught me an important lesson: connections and networking are often the key to unlocking opportunities.
Shortly after, through a personal connection, I was introduced to Lance Fletcher, the Vice President of Events with the Charleston RiverDogs. I reached out to him to learn more about his career path and the events industry. After a productive conversation, Lance offered me an internship opportunity with the RiverDogs, and I accepted. Originally, it was supposed to be a rotational position, but I was quickly placed in a dedicated events intern role. While I had previously envisioned a future in stadium or venue operations, this internship exposed me to a side of the industry I hadn’t fully considered: event operations and hospitality management.
Since starting in May, I’ve worked on a wide range of events, from running the Segra Club during games to managing private events like corporate meetings and graduation celebrations, as well as large community events such as the annual 5K and Legends in the South charity softball game. This experience has shown me how much I enjoy the fast-paced environment of event operations and the satisfaction of making sure every event runs smoothly from behind the scenes.
This internship has been a turning point in my career development, showing me that event operations is the direction I want to pursue professionally. The hands-on experience I’ve gained has helped sharpen my problem-solving, multitasking, leadership, and communication skills, preparing me for a career in this field after graduation.
