Internship leads to United role

Sam Hopkinson

UCLan is recognised for its outstanding course provision which gives students the skills, knowledge and personal attributes necessary to succeed at the University and in their future careers.

After graduating through our programme Sam Hopkinson undertook an internship with Manchester United FC before securing a full-time position. Sam explains how this came about:

"Sport has always been a huge part of my life, having played various sports competitively from a young age alongside coaching at college/university age. As such, I had always hoped to work within the sports industry but felt my professional skills were most suited to a career within a business environment.

"By taking my two courses at UCLan, I was able to gain an insight into the sports marketplace as well as learn business management principles and skills required as a basis for a career in the industry. The course enabled me to start a three-month internship at Manchester United FC.

"Following this, I was kept on and have progressed into a position with the Online Marketing Team, with the job based around contributing to the formulation and implementation of marketing strategies across the Club's seven websites.

"The thing that struck me the most about UCLan was the amount of time lecturers had for students outside of lectures and seminars. This offered a great opportunity to clear up any issues I had over the content of lectures, which very often only become clear when you try to utilise theories within work at a later date.

"Also, the amount of first-hand industry experience within the sports department meant a great insight into the practical workings of organisations could be gained. I would certainly recommend anyone looking to get into the industry takes up study first, as the insight it gives you can be invaluable once you are working within it.

"It is also hugely important to get relevant experience whilst studying as this can be crucial for getting a foot through the door to an internship/first job. The insight into the industry I gained at UCLan has been very useful in understanding how different parts of the Club work.

"Also, the chance to complete a year-long placement at Bolton Wanderers during my Master's almost certainly gave me an advantage when gaining an internship at Manchester United."