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."

Students attend showpiece conference

First year Sport Business Management undergraduates were invited to attend the recent Leisure & Fitness exchange leadership conference at Middleton Arena, Manchester.

The conference included presentations from leaders at Fitpro, Technogym and Alliance Leisure. The event provided students with the opportunity to see what current leadership thinking is in the leisure and fitness industry, but also the chance to network with sport and leisure managers.

Student Rachael Durband said: "Everyone was really welcoming and we made a lot of contacts within the industry. A couple of these have even offered us some work experience within their facilities."

The group made a big impression on the organisers, with Burnley Leisure's Neil Hutchinson commenting they had represented UCLan well and had posed some excellent questions. Rachael is pictured with Tony Majakas, Vice-President of Technogym (2nd right) and fellow students Shawn Kaseke and Sam Tompkins.

Kazan links develop

Ingrid (left) with Kazan students at Manchester City

The recent visit of staff and students from the Volga State Institute for Physical Culture, Sport and Tourism in Kazan is the result of a growing relationship between the Institute and UCLan.

This began in 2012 with joint live video lectures and seminars between UCLan's Sue Minten & Ingrid Griffiths and the Sport Management course team in Kazan.

These provided students with a fascinating insight into the similarities and differences between policy and provision for sport in the UK and Russia.

In March 2013 Sue and Ingrid were invited to Kazan to teach at the institute for a week and to view the preparations for the World Students games which Kazan hosted in summer 2013. The live videos and seminars continued into 2013/14, while there will be a return visit by UCLan Sport Business Management students later this year.

Veronica Gayvoronskaya, Volga State Institute International Coordinator, commented: "Our students said it was a marvellous experience. They were especially impressed with your multinational academic environment - such a uniting spirit."

A selection of images from Sue & Ingrid's visit to Kazan and the subsequent return trip can be viewed here.

Internship boosts student's career prospects

Work placements and internships give our students a unique opportunity to put their studies into context. James Pattison's role at UCFB Burnley exposed him to business practices at some of football's top venues and he thinks this will greatly help his future job prospects.

James told us more about his placement: "UCFB Burnley is an enthralling place to work and take up an internship. During my time there I was also able to see behind the scenes at Wembley Stadium and St George's Park, as well as attending the North West Football Awards.

"I met a variety of people from the footballing world including commentators, managers, chairmen and players. I even got to meet Sir Bobby Charlton and have my picture taken with him! I also attended Sean Dyche's first press conference as Burnley FC manager which was a fantastic experience.

"UCFB also put me through my Prozone Match Analysis Level One. This was another tool I could add to my CV and gave me an in-depth look at match performance analysis using professional software.

"My main roles included working with the accommodation and facilities team. I also worked alongside the marketing team and I took a big involvement in running the men's football team at UCFB.

"The placement gave me first-hand experience of real-life situations and pressure within a work environment, while adding value to my studies at UCLan.

"When my internship finished, UCFB were keen to keep me on board and offered me a paid summer job, with the opportunity to come back and work for them once I've finished university.

"The biggest plus I believe about taking a placement is that it strengthens your CV immensely, often placing you above people you'll be competing with for a job."

Ben develops skills with The Golf Trust

Ben Lawrence (on right) with Trust colleagues

We advise all our students to undertake a work placement to help their future career prospects. Ben Lawrence secured an internship with The Golf Trust, London, and believes the experience will be invaluable.

He took time out from his busy schedule to tell us more: "My placement has given me hands-on experience and taught me a considerable amount about the day-to-day running of sporting organisations.

"I've learnt how to deal with situations in a real life environment while improving my social, teamwork and communication skills.

"I've also gained a huge insight into the world of disability sport, which has opened my eyes to all the possibilities out there. Some of the people I met and worked with were hugely inspirational.

"The Golf Trust aims to remove the barriers to participation and provides pathways to people wanting to play golf. It's mainly outreach focused, taking the sport to people working in sports centres, parks, community centres, hospitals, schools, rehabilitation clinics and many more.

"It's aimed at both mentally and/or physically disabled people, with some focus on young children and growing the sport. The Trust highlights the inclusive values of golf, not only and as a sport, but a perfect low impact activity with added social benefits.

"During my time with here I've organised fundraising events, developed funding proposals and bids and helped build partnerships with venues and customers. Every day provided different experiences and challenges which helped develop me as an employee and an individual."

'Real world learning' for students

UCLan Sports Business Management students received industry exposure in a 'real world environment' on recent trip to Bolton Arena.

Programmes Manger Sue Hayes met the students and shared her experiences from her extensive background in local sport associations and events.

Sue spoke with students about the diverse range of customers who attend the arena, their needs and preferences, as well as how management and staff strive to provide services that meet expectations.

Associate Lecturer Chris Gunn accompanied the group and said, "It was particularly interesting to discover the huge visitor numbers who attend the Arena per annum and the difficult dynamic presented by different cohorts of customers, often providing potential for conflict.

"The students asked Sue questions on a range of issues before touring the Arena. This study visit exposed the students to professional business management practices and allowed them to understand the complexities and challenges faced on a day-to-day basis."

UCLan becomes CIMSPA partner

UCLan has become a Skills Development Partner of the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

As a result of this, we are offering student membership of CIMSPA to our 1st year undergraduate and postgraduate students in Sports Business Management and Sports Marketing and Business Management.

This membership will allow students access to a range of resources, including courses, seminars, CPD and networking opportunities to enhance their knowledge, skills and employability in the sports industry.

The benefits to students of this membership are:

• Professional recognition in the workplace and sector
• Online access to S & PA Professional magazine
• Regular digital newsletter update
• Access to free regional CPD events by invitation
• Free access to the online CPD training programmes (aimed at entrance to supervisory level)

For more information about CIMSPA and its activities please click here.