U SPORTS News

U SPORTS sits down with each of its interns this semester in our new interview series “Getting to know…”

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  • Name: Brandonn Cole
  • School: Humber College
  • Program: Post Graduate Sports Business Management
  • Internship position: International Programs and Merchandise
  • Hometown: Mississauga

1. What attracted you to Humber College and your program?

I was looking for an opportunity to go back to school for one year. I did kinesiology at York University and I wanted a program that could help with sports related careers. I was also looking to improve my management and business skills. I came across Humber’s Post Graduate program in Sports Business Management and it suited a lot of what I wanted. I was also happy with the proximity to where I live and the option to visit the IMG Academy in Florida

2. Why were you interested in interning at U SPORTS?

U SPORTS is a major Multisports Organization (MSO). It’s a great opportunity to understand the inner-workings of an organization like this. Its brand is strong across Canada and it’s an honour to have it on your resume

3. What are your key learnings from your experience at U SPORTS?

I learned the scope of what it takes to 1) set up and run a national championship and 2) what it takes to send athletes internationally. There is a lot of administrative and behind the scenes work. A lot of prep and thought goes into getting athletes to these competitions. Most people just focus on the athletes at the games but don’t really think about how much work went into setting up the event.

4. Any memorable moments over the course of your internship?

I was very happy to be in charge of the U SPORTS Shop for the time period. It’s interesting to think that you’re in charge of a store that services the whole country.

5. What is one piece of advice you can give to someone interested in joining U SPORTS?

Be ambitious and willing to learn. You’ll get a lot more out of it.

6. Why did you choose to pursue a career in sports and what is your dream job?

I’ve always a fan of sports, which is why I completed a kinesiology degree. Sports and competition appeal to me. My dream job would be in an operations role, at the Olympics, either in Canada or abroad.

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 like it would be cool to ask Mark Shapiro/Ross Atkins about their timeline when they expect the Blue Jays will compete for championships. Why? Because I’m a Jays fan and want to see Toronto do well.

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?

It was easy to work in and everyone was helpful. Everyone wanted to see each other succeed. It was also a smooth transition, from starting to feeling comfortable in the role.

9. What do you enjoy doing when you’re away from your internship and school?

I play competitive baseball and will be doing a lot of that this summer.

10. What is your most memorable sports moment?

Jose Bautisa’s bat flip

 

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.