Sierra Mizer, a recent graduate of the Business Administration/Sport Management program, spent the summer interning for the Buffalo Bisons, a professional AAA baseball team affiliated with the Toronto Blue Jays. Breaking into the professional sports industry can be a difficult task. But as Mizer found out can be accomplished by having a strong professional network combined with a solid academic foundation.
Mizer prepared for the candidacy process by utilizing ˿Ƶ's Career Services. Ashley Breth, a career advisor at ˿Ƶ, worked closely with Mizer throughout the entire application process.
"I worked with Sierra in preparation for the Bisons internship by reviewing her resume, cover letter, and application questions, said Breth. We also discussed what traits, values, and experiences made her the best candidate for the position and how she could use that in her interview.
With the help of Bridget Niland, ˿Ƶ’s director of athletics, Mizer and fellow ˿Ƶ student, Brian Bilski, began the formal application process.
“I applied to the Marketing and Promotions Department, got an interview a couple of weeks later, and was offered the position,” said Mizer. The internship provided her with valuable hands-on experience in promotions and event planning.
“We did everything, said Mizer. We were involved in every pregame event including first pitches, anthem singers, New Era Dream Teams, and other awards and special guests. On ballpark promotion nights I was involved in supervising the itinerary of special guests to ensure their needs were met.”
The teamwork and positive environment that surrounded the Bisons impressed Mizer.
“Getting to see how a minor league baseball team works was the best part of the internship for me. Everyone is involved and wants to see the team succeed to their fullest potential,” said Mizer.
Her Bison’s internship proved valuable for a number of reasons. The experience provided her with professional marketing and event-planning experience.
“This internship helped me become more prepared for the future by giving me a first-hand look into what an employer expects out of a professional employee, all while doing what I love and getting to enjoy a free season of baseball!”
The position strengthened her desire to work in either professional or collegiate sports after graduation.
“I am open to working wherever the job takes me, but would eventually like to make it back home to Boston,” said Mizer.