I can now say that I have experience not only in the Marketing/PR Department and the Ticketing and Fan Services Departments but also Events, Group Sales, Operations, and more because both of the organizations I have had the pleasure to work with take pride in the fact that we are one unit, one team, one family. If one department needs an extra hand you can count on anyone with a Philadelphia Eagles logo on their shirt to lend their free hand. Our motto here at Lincoln Financial Field is “To inspire and serve the greatest football city in America”. When you work for the Philadelphia Eagles you are not only a member of the team but you are basically required to be an Eagles fan as well.
Even though that concept contradicts what my professors have taught me throughout college I understand both sides. When interviewing I have been taught to not flaunt whether I am a big fan of the team itself. However, once you are hired and a part of an NFL Organization like the Philadelphia Eagles you have to cheer your team on and bleed green with the rest of your office. Even if you were not a fan prior to the job, like myself, it will just happen. I never thought I would be sitting at home watching our away games with my father who is a Giants fan and rooting for the Eagles over the Giants. That is what I love about this industry you feel like you are truly a part of a team just like the sports teams I played in back in high school. It is a great environment to start a career in.
I have always been a rather indecisive person, especially when it comes to making big decisions like picking a college to attend. In fact, I transferred three times before finally finding my ideal second home with the University of South Carolina. Being indecisive is not a characteristic that I can not stay with me as I continue my career in the sport industry. This became very clear to me during my internships in this industry time and time again. The real world does not wait for anybody. Every week that we have a home game we are required to invite season ticket members to our pregame experiences. It is one of my favorite parts of my job because I get to put a smile on our fans face by offering them such great experiences at no cost at all. I have included our informational sheet on a few of the pre game experiences so that you can get a feel for how amazing these opportunities that our organization offers our loyal season ticket members.
Pre-game Info Sheet – 10.23.16
If the mail needs to be taken down at 3 PM it needs to be taken care of 15 minutes prior. And if it is a two person job there is always a fellow intern willing to take the trip with you. That is what is so great about the unity and team work within the organizations I have been fortunate enough to work for. This is just a little example of what I have learned as far as time management and deadlines during my internships.
It is important to understand your strengths and flaws to figure out what career is the right one for you. I can not say for certain which department my heart belongs in just yet but I can say again I have chosen the perfect industry for myself. With the help of my superiors in and beyond the classroom I have learned so much about myself and my abilities. During my Professional Development Seminar class I took a few semesters ago I was tasked with find my true colors. Below is an assignment where I had to compare myself to a loved one of mine in our true colors. Not only did I learn a lot about my friend but I learned so much about myself when I had to sit down and truly focus on what characteristics I portray on a daily basis. Below is the assignment so you can fully understand what I mean by my true colors. Unfortunately, I do not yet have a copy of my evaluation from my current supervisor, Hannah Barber, but she did inform me that she gave me fives across the board. I know there is always room for improvement especially at the beginning of my career but it truly felt great to hear her say that.
The training I have received at both Colonial Life Arena and with the Philadelphia Eagles has opened my eyes to all aspects of the sport and entertainment industry and has made me even more eager to grow and succeed in this elite industry. I have learned so much from all of my superiors during my experiences to date. I am so incredibly thankful for this program and what it has allowed me to accomplish at such a young age. I am very excited to begin the rest of my career life with the sport and entertainment industry.
Mackenzie Williams 