Learning by Doing
In an effort to support our "Learning by Doing" philosophy, students are tasked with volunteering and interning throughout their time in our program. We believe this form of experiential education allows our students to determine which sport industry segment they may be interested in, build early professional experience and develop their professional network.
Volunteering
By volunteering at the numerous events held in the greater Tampa Bay area, students are able to actively participate in discovering what sport industry segments they may be interested in pursuing in their post-graduation careers.
Internships
Sport management majors are required to complete 480 work hours of academic internships prior to graduation. This type of experiential learning, generally completed during a student's senior year, is key to developing well-rounded graduates ready for the workforce. Not only do our students learn new skills, but they refine their career paths with real-world experiences.
Organizations
University of Tampa's Department of Sport Management is fortunate to have connections with the following greater Tampa Bay area organizations for volunteer, intern and job opportunities:
Professional Franchises: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay Rays and Tampa Bay Rowdies
MLB/MiLB Teams: New York Yankees/Tampa Tarpons, Philadelphia Phillies/Clearwater Threshers, Pittsburgh Pirates/Bradenton Marauders and Toronto/Dunedin Blue Jays
Professional Organizations: United Soccer League, IRONMAN Triathlons, Tampa Bay Sports Commission, SponsorUnited and various sport agencies
Collegiate and High School Athletic Departments: University of South Florida (D1), University of Tampa (D2), Tampa Preparatory School (HS), Berkeley Preparatory School (HS), Academy of the Holy Names (HS) and Tampa Catholic (HS)
Major Collegiate Events: College Football National Championship Game, Women's and Men's Basketball Final Four, Men's Hockey Frozen Four, Women's Volleyball Final Four, NCAA Regional Championship events and various football bowl games
Special Events: Super Bowl, Valspar Golf Championship, Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Wrestlemania and numerous one-off events
Off-Campus Trips
Our sport management classes frequently venture off campus in an effort to provide our students with an inside look into the sport industry. Students have had the opportunity to visit with local professional franchises (Tampa Bay Lightning, Buccaneers and Rays) as well as attend local conferences such as the Sport and Entertainment Analytics Conference.