INTERNSHIP REFLECTION: GAME DAY & EVENTS (CAITLIN CHRISTIE)
STUDENT NAME: | Caitlin Christie |
DEPARTMENT: | Game Day & Events |
CONTRIBUTION: What were 3 key ways that you contributed to this department during your internship?
GAME DAYS: I contributed by supporting the team with a range of operational tasks to ensure events ran smoothly. This included assisting with event set-up, supporting activations, pack down, and responding to the needs of the Game Day & Events team throughout the day.
MAJOR CLUB EVENTS: I was fortunate to contribute to the planning and execution of several events, with one highlight being the Eels Foundation Gala Dinner, celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the 1986 Premiership. This large-scale event involved over 600 guests and required collaboration across multiple departments. Prior to the event, I assisted with guest lists, communications and event planning, while on the night I contributed to venue preparation by setting up signage, organising seating arrangements and ensuring the event space was ready. During the event, I assisted with selling raffle tickets for the Eels Foundation and had the opportunity to engage with Eels staff, sponsors and special guests. Being involved in such a significant event allowed me to contribute to an experience that celebrated the club’s history while supporting the future of the Eels' community.
BEHIND-THE-SCENES: Alongside the hands-on, game day and major club event experiences, I contributed to the administrative side of Game Day & Events Team's operations. This included assisting with planning, coordinating information, preparing resources and supporting the team with various organisational tasks that lay the foundation for successful game days and major club events.
NETWORKING: Who were 3 key people that you built connections with during this internship?
Monique Austin - Game Day & Events Manager
Chris Fowler - Game Day & Events Executive
Laura Davidson - Executive Assistant
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING: What were 3 key things that you learnt about the sporting industry during this internship?
It's so important to be adaptable and to be willing to contribute wherever needed; the sporting industry is dynamic and no two events or game days are the same.
Collaboration is essential within a sporting organisation. Successful game days and events require multiple departments, staff members and stakeholders to work together towards a common goal. I learnt that effective communication, teamwork and supporting those around you are critical to creating successful outcomes, especially when working in a fast-paced environment where things can change quickly.
A high level of attention to detail is crucial when working in sport. From event planning and guest experiences to game day operations, even the smallest details can have a significant impact on the overall success of an event. I developed a greater appreciation for the preparation, organisation and behind-the-scenes work required to deliver professional sporting experiences.
PERSONAL LEARNING: What was ONE key thing that you learnt about yourself / your career goals during this internship?
One of the key things that I learnt about myself during this internship was that I really do thrive in a fast-paced, sporting environment. Being involved in game days, events and behind-the-scenes planning confirmed that I enjoy working in sport and it has strengthened my goal of building a career within the sporting industry.
