Action at a Memphis Grizzlies game is found not only on thecourt, but also behind the scenes. Like a well-oiled machine, theGrizzlies organization is held together by a variety of people inmany different specialties.
"It's a common misnomer that sports involves activities justduring the game," said Richard Irwin, University of Memphis'director of the Bureau of Sport and Leisure Commerce.
Now University of Memphis students have the opportunity to meetand be mentored by the people responsible for running all aspectsof the Grizzlies organization.
"This is an opportunity that appeals to a broad spectrum ofmajors," Irwin said.
The mentorship program starts this month and will allow studentsto shadow a member of the Grizzlies staff over the course of theseason. Mentors will be from all areas of operations, includingfinance, human resources, marketing, media relations, arenaoperations, event presentation, sponsorship and ticket sales andservice.
The mentor will be available for at least one e-mail or phonecall per week and one in-person meeting per month. In addition,there will be four hours of job shadowing, where the student willfollow the mentor at least once during a Grizzlies home game to geta hands-on view of what goes into that particular job.
Students who want to apply must have finished 75 percent ofcourse work toward their degree program and have a cumulative gradepoint average of 3.0. They also must submit a letter of interest,resume, a letter of recommendation from a professor in their majorand a 500-word essay about why they are interested in thementorship program to Irwin. The deadline for applications is Oct.17.
"This is a way for us to give back to our community," said KirkClayborn, director of Media Relations for the Grizzlies.
Clayborn also said the mentorship program could be a launchingpoint to an internship or career with the Grizzlies. Even if astudent's plans take them elsewhere, Irwin said a Grizzlies mentoris a great person to add to a references list.
Christy Haynes, director of Human Resources for the Grizzlies,approached Irwin about the mentor idea.
"Sport management programs are rapidly increasing in popularityand enrollment in universities across the country, including TheUniversity of Memphis," Haynes said in a prepared statement."There's no better way for students to get a taste of what they canexpect in the field of study they have chosen to gain practical,real-life experience in the sport industry."
