Jia Skrudland
Sophomore
Sports Media major, Marketing and Creative Media and Entertainment double minor
Arlington Heights, Illinois

Where are you interning and what are your day-to-day responsibilities? 
I am a Game Operations Intern with Indianapolis’ professional ice hockey team, Indy Fuel. Most of my responsibilities occur on game days to help ensure the game and fan engagement activities run smoothly. Some tasks include pre-game set up and post-game tear down of sponsor displays, choosing participants and facilitating intermission activities, and acting as a handler for the team mascot, Nitro. I also go into the Fuel office once a week to prepare for upcoming games and create video board graphics.

What do you like most about your internship?
Indy Fuel wants their interns to get the most out of the experience. I’ve learned a little about everything, including graphic design creation and game operations. Having a “behind-the-scenes” look at game days is also exciting.

What are your career goals, and how is this internship preparing you?
I’m still figuring out the route I want to take in the sports media industry, whether that be digital content, game operations, sports marketing, production, etc. I love the fast-pace and constant movement in sports. I’d like to make my way into working in baseball and women’s basketball sometime throughout my future career. My internship with Indy Fuel has allowed me to gain skills I know will benefit any industry. 

What advice would you give another student looking for an internship?
There are great opportunities out there and many ways to find them. For internships in the sports and entertainment industry, teamworksonline.com has tons of available job postings in different areas. Also, network with your peers and professors. They support you and want to see you succeed outside the classroom.