Internship Series

Interning in the Capital

November 8, 2016

By: Brandon Kironde, recent graduate at the University of Waterloo.

I am currently interning at Capital Sports and Entertainment (CSEI) as a Brand Intern within their Marketing Department. CSEI oversees the day to day operations of the Ottawa Senators. For this upcoming season and next season, the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club will celebrating it’s 25th season in the NHL. Most of my tasks revolve around the Ottawa Senators brand, and the promotion and marketing of the 25th season and it’s activities. This includes managing various contests and game day promotions that will run throughout the season and ongoing fan engagement.

Insights into the industry

Some insights that I have acquired during my internship so far is that everyday is an opportunity to learn. No matter what the task is or what it involves, I always offer my assistance. Taking the initiative is crucial as you only get as much out of your internship in what you put in.

Challenges

Internships are stepping stones or seen as a right of passage in getting a position within the sports industry. For me having the title of intern made me feel as if other team members saw me as inexperienced. I overcame this perception with being confident in my work and my skills. Showing that I am capable allowed me to be more comfortable with my surroundings as it is easy to feel intimidated in a new environment with people who have been in the sports industry for many years.

Advice for future interns

My advice to future interns is that being an intern is just the beginning of a long journey within the sports industry and even though it is cliche, it is crucial for your future success to network. You never know who the person you are next to knows, and it can open a lot of doors. In addition to networking, showing initiative and persistence is important. Having these qualities will help you propel your career within the industry and may land you a full time position at the conclusion of your internship.

Why you should consider Capital Sports and Entertainment

It is a great opportunity to live and work in the nation’s capital. There is no better way to learn the ins and outs of the sports industry than to work for an NHL franchise.

With working in the marketing department, you also interact with other departments such as corporate partnerships, ticketing, or premium seating to name a few. In addition, you get a lot of autonomy on projects being able to have a lasting impact on the organization.

In addition, the organization has plans to move to a new location in downtown Ottawa. Lastly, the organization just announced it’s plans to move it’s American Hockey League affiliate, Binghamton Senators to the City of Belleville for the 2017–18 season. So there is an opportunity to be apart of the relocation efforts for the AHL and NHL teams.

Capital Sports and Entertainment are currently looking for interns for January 2017. Current available positions.

We would like to thank Brandon for his time and sharing with us his experiencing interning at Capital Sports and Entertainment, and wish him the best in his journey in the sport industry. To learn more about his experience you can connect with Brandon on LinkedIn.