University of Southern Maine Senior to Start his Career with the Portland Pirates!

USM senior, Bennett Cassidy, will graduate in May with a BSBA in sport management and immediately begin his first job in the sports industry. Bennett recently accepted a position as an Account Executive  with the Portland Pirates.  Bennett is “excited by the opportunity” and feels that this will be a great place to start his career in the sports industry. He will become a part of the Pirates sales team.

Bennett is a great example of a Maine student (he is from Presque Isle) who has taken advantage of the opportunities offered within the sport management program. This semester he interned with the Portland Pirates gaining great experience and exposure to the team.

Seven USM Students are Finalists in XFINITY Next Sports Media Star Contest

Seven USM Business students are among the 50 finalists in the XFINITY Next Sports Media Star contest to win a job as a social media reporter for XFINITY/Comcast Sports! To give our students the most support- and the best chance at winning- we’re asking our USM faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community to vote now and vote often (hyperlink to: http://www.facebook.com/xfinity?sk=app_174534235975530).

Our USM Finalists:

Renee S

“I was born and raised in New England. So yeah, I know a thing or two about sports.”

Vote for Renee! (hyperlink to: http://www.smarturl.it/xfinity?app_data=vote142)

Nate C

“Being from Maine, an opportunity for a job like this doesn’t come up very often.  Just like the opportunity to play sports year round is affected by our crazy and unpredictable weather.  But that’s never stopped me or my friends from going out and being active, whatever the conditions”

Vote for Nate! (hyperlink to: http://www.smarturl.it/xfinity?app_data=vote181)

Kelly D

“I am first and foremost a sports fan. I know what it’s like to want to talk about sports. I know what a fan wants to engage and get interactive about.”

Vote for Kelly! (hyperlink to: http://www.smarturl.it/xfinity?app_data=vote126)

Abby W 

“I am passionate about sports, I have the experience in social media marketing, and I bring enthusiasm to everything I do.”

Vote for Abby! (hyperlink to: http://www.smarturl.it/xfinity?app_data=vote128)

Blain T

“It takes a lot to be able to follow, understand, and report upon all these sports in social media outlets.“

Vote for Blain! (hyperlink to: http://www.smarturl.it/xfinity?app_data=vote120)

Kevin C

“As you can see, all I really care about is social media and nothing else.”

Vote for Kevin! (hyperlink to: http://www.smarturl.it/xfinity?app_data=vote123)

Brendan R

“I know a lot about social media, and EVERYTHING about sports.”

Vote for Brendan! (hyperlink to: http://www.smarturl.it/xfinity?app_data=vote124)

As a required class assignment, each student completed a short video describing why he or she should be the next sports social media star. But what started as an assignment can turn into an amazing opportunity. The top five finalists will be sent to a live sporting event for a final job audition, and the grand prize is a year-long job for XFINITY/Comcast Sports.

Like the XFINITY Facebook page (hyperlink to: http://www.facebook.com/xfinity) to view each student’s short video and to vote online. Voting will close February 19. Let’s help our USM students with their professional development!

USM Sport Management Students Talk About The Program and Their Internship Experiences

Check out this video to hear from USM Seniors Kyle Raynor and Justin Blake talk the sport management program and their internships with CBS Sports and Tri-Maine.

Into the Mud Challenge Raises $5,000 for Sport Management Scholarships!

In the Spring 2011, USM Sport Management students organized the first ever Into the Mud Challenge. The event, a 5K Mud Run, was designed as an Event Management class project and 27 students spent 3 months planning and coordinating marketing, communications, sponsorship sales, site operations, website management and registration.  The event was a great success from a practical perspective and provided students with a unique real-world experience. Over 370 people participated in the race, running in costumes and enjoying a fun time in a great deal of mud.

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The event was also created in an attempt to generate funding for a new Sport Management Scholarship Fund. That fund in now $5,000 better off and we hope to start making the first awards next year.

The Event Management Students Responsible for Organizing the ITMC!

Exciting Spring Internships Await USM Senior Students!!

During the Spring 2012 semester USM senior sport management students will work as interns in a variety of local and regional sports organizations. The current crop of interns include Leah Lawrence (Boston Bruins), Scott Vogel (Deutsche Bank Classic, PGA Tour Event), Gary Swoboda (Maine Red Claws), Bennett Cassidy (Portland Pirates) and Kyle Raynor (Portland Seadogs). These opportunities provide outstanding work experience that allows the students to learn and apply new skills and also to build their resume as they look for future employment. The USM Sport Management internship is a full-time 10-12 week internship that is designed to give students an in-depth experience in an area of interest.

USM Sport Management Students at the Portland Seadogs

Check back for updates from the students who will be updating us on their internship experiences throughout the semester.

University of Southern Maine Sport Management Club – Facebook

The purpose of the University of Southern Maine Sport Management Club is to apply classroom concepts to the sports entertainment world through internships, volunteer work, industry networking, event management and field trips. Using a hands on approach, the University of Southern Maine Sport Management Club members will gain a better understanding of the sports industry.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=48964412053

Turn your passion into your profession—Consider the sport management program at USM.

The sport industry—the fifth largest industry in the United States—is a multi-billion dollar enterprise that can provide exciting career opportunities in professional and collegiate athletic organizations and sport-related business. Opportunities exist in professional and amateur sports organizations, event management, sport facility management, sporting goods manufacturing, and collegiate athletics. Job functions include marketing, sales, ticket operations, facility operations management, and finance.

The sport management program at USM builds upon the undergraduate business administration curriculum and offers courses critical to success in the sport industry. The essential components of sport marketing, sport finance, and sport law give students the kind of preparation that serves professionals well in this field. In addition, students can explore career opportunities and develop professional skills through internship opportunities with the sport management industry.  Check out our website at http://usm.maine.edu/sb/sportmanagement.html

“The focus on business skills and the opportunities to gain practical experience ensures that USM students are well-prepared for careers in the sport industry.”
Brian Williams
President of the Portland Pirates