Corporate
Getting to know your U SPORTS interns: Carlton Osinde, Website, Statistics and IT
U SPORTS sits down with each of its interns this semester in our new interview series “Getting to know…”
- Name: Francesco Pennacchio
- School: George Brown College
- Program: Sport and Event Marketing
- Internship position: Communications
- Hometown: Richmond Hill, Ont.
1. What attracted you to George Brown and your program?
I was attracted to the sport and event marketing program at George Brown as I wanted to focus my career on my passion that revolves around sports. I have played, watched, and analyzed sports and athletes my whole life and wanted to take my career in the same direction. I wanted to know the inner workings of sport events, teams, and endorsements that have brought joy to billions of people worldwide and truly make a positive difference.
2. Why were you interested in interning at U SPORTS?
I really wanted to work for a company that seeks to transform the Canadian sport landscape. The gratification of being involved in a long-term goal of building an audience and a sport landscape at the university level really stuck with me. I wanted to be a part of something big that will eventually be talked about as an achievement later in my career. Sports also influenced me heavily as a young adult and thus wanted to bring that enjoyment to other university athletes.
3. What are your key learnings from your experience at U SPORTS?
I really developed my writing experience during my time here. I always thought I was a good writer until being tested through my work at U SPORTS. I had a great team around me that helped me refine my skills and really build my knowledge that academics wouldn’t necessarily teach me. I was able to sit in on key meetings that surrounded the strategy development and how an organization truly works and functions.
4. Any memorable moments over the course of your internship?
I really enjoyed having the opportunity to attend the Women’s Basketball Final 8 that was hosted in Toronto at Ryerson University. I had the privilege of attending the event and meeting many industry professionals that gave me key insight on a career in sports. It was also rewarding seeing my alma mater McMaster University win a national championship for the first time ever and the pure joy they brought to parents and fans who attended.
5. What is one piece of advice you can give to someone interested in joining U SPORTS?
My advice would be to just soak up as much information as possible and always listen. Be able to lend your opinion and ideas during meetings or to the department heads without being asked upon. It can get hectic at times and may seem like a lot of work, but in the end, it pays off. The knowledge and industry insight you learn from this internship really shows at the end of the contract. I feel like my skills as a sport professional have grown a lot and will stick with me throughout my career.
6. Why did you choose to pursue a career in sports and what is your dream job?
I enjoy helping people either physically or emotionally. I know the joy sports has brought to my life through games, events, or even partnership deals that made me feel closer to the team or sport I love. I want to replicate those feelings I got and create them for the new generation.
My dream job would have to be owning my own sports franchise one day. I would love to be the brains and operations behind a sports franchise in either hockey or soccer and fighting for the glory of winning a championship. I think the feeling of building something from scratch and creating success is the greatest feeling on earth.
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?
I would sit down with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. I have grown up watching him in WWE, and now Hollywood films. He has showcased his vibrant personality and dedication to his craft, something I aspire to have when I am further on in my career. I believe to never stop learning and transforming yourself into a better you and that’s exactly what The Rock does. He has created a lifestyle based off his most important values and goals. Sitting down with an icon like this would definitely help me build my personal brand and develop my goals in a superior way.
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?
Like I mentioned above, the culture within U SPORTS is unlike anything I’ve seen before. Everyone that works here is passionate and hard-working. They put in countless overtime hours without being told to just to go above and beyond to create something special. Everyone is friendly and approachable and willing to teach others new things when needed.
9. What do you enjoy doing when you’re away from your internship and school?
When I am away from school and work, I really like to focus on my personal growth, either mentally and/or physically. I enjoy reading new articles and books that can teach me life lessons or important values. Physically, I enjoy working out and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through sports and activities with family or friends. I have been playing in a hockey and soccer league during the winter seasons to destress and get my mind off of work and school.
10. What is your most memorable sports moment?
My most memorable sports moment was seeing Italy win the World Cup in 2006. I was with my family and friends watching the game on a big screen and remembering how proud and happy my family was. My favourite player was Francesco Totti and seeing him dominate the tournament and the loyal following he had really helped build my passion or sports. After the game, hundreds of cars were outside with flags celebrating together. That was truly the coolest memory I have to date as I was able to experience it.
The objective of the U SPORTS Internship program is to provide students currently enrolled in collegiate / university programs with concrete experience of what it is like to work in the Canadian sport industry.
To apply, click here.