Corporate
Athletes of the Week: RMC’s Ardell, Sherbrooke’s Veilleux honoured
U SPORTS sits down with each of its summer interns in our new interview series “Getting to know…”
- Name: Joelle Wood
- School: Ryerson University
- Program: Sport Media
- Internship position: Social Media
- Hometown: London, Ont.
1. What attracted you to Ryerson and your program?
Ryerson’s Sport Media program is the only one of its kinds in the country and I was immediately attracted to all it has to offer. Having heard amazing things about the program, and now having experienced a year of it first hand, I greatly enjoy the interactive learning environment and find that I thrive in this type of setting. The radio and broadcasting facilities at the university are amazing and being able to study the sport media industry at Ryerson, in the heart of busy and exciting downtown Toronto, is a bonus because it opens up so many opportunities when it comes to obtaining experience. I’m very happy that I chose Ryerson over other universities that offer sport-related programs.
2. Why were you interested in interning at U SPORTS?
I became familiar with U SPORTS during my varsity soccer season, appreciating everything they do in relation to university sport and thought it would be a great place to gain some sport industry experience for the future. Being in communications and seeing the various aspects of what goes on behind the scenes of Canadian university sports has provided me with a great opportunity to get a glimpse of possible career paths within my field of study.
3. What are your key learnings from your experience at U SPORTS?
I’ve learned how to work in an office environment, as well as in group settings and independently, as I had the opportunity to coordinate projects that touched base with the different department at U SPORTS. It’s also been interesting to learn about what goes on behind the scenes in Canadian university sports and to see how varsity sports are organized, ranked, and planned out across all universities. It’s really opened my eyes to all the different aspects that go into the corporate side of sports.
4. Any memorable moments over the course of your internship?
Some memorable moments have been fun office activities, and having the opportunity to meet and work with new people in a new environment.
5. What is one piece of advice you can give to someone interested in joining U SPORTS?
I believe it is very important to be open to whatever is tasked to you and to also be willing to try different things and not only stay within your areas of interest. Do your sport research and be aware of what’s going on in the sport world around you and inside of the office.
6. Why did you choose to pursue a career in sports and what is your dream job?
I have always found joy in being athletic and surrounded by sports. Whether playing or watching, sports has always interested and excited me.
I think it’s important to feel a connection to the work you do and choosing a career that’s all about sports was definitely the right decision for me.
My dream job and goal for the future would be to be an on-air talent for a sports network, but I also enjoy studio work as well as marketing and advertisement. I’m a very social person and I enjoy being creative, so I hope to have a job that keeps me engaged and on my toes.
7. If you could sit down with one person in the sports industry (athlete, coach, manager or professional), who would it be? Why? What would you talk about?
If I could sit down with one person in the sports industry it would have to be Ronaldo. I think he’s the best soccer player of his time (sorry Messi fans). The way he moves on the field and his finishing is incredible. He is such a strong and smart player and I think it would be great to hear about his ideology of the game and also get to hear about what his typical day is like on and off the field.
8. After joining U SPORTS and gaining a better understanding of what we do, how would you describe the organization and the culture at the national office?
I would describe the culture at the national office as welcoming and helpful when it comes to needing assistance. I really enjoy the people I work with here and that everyone is always very focused on doing an outstanding job. It’s been enlightening to see how much time and effort is put into building Canadian university sport as well as how much it continues to grow every day.
9. What do you enjoy doing when you’re away from your internship and school?
I enjoy spending time with family, hanging out with friends, relaxing and being active.
10. What is your most memorable sports moment?
My most memorable sport moment is basically growing up with the same group of girls during my youth soccer days and looking back now and remembering how fun it was to travel with parents and teammates, win crucial games, and be at tournaments. I’m really thankful for everything sport gave me growing up and all the great opportunities and experiences it’s provided me with.