Josh Kahn served as a staff member of the West Virginia Men’s Basketball program where he honed his communication skills and built technical skills in sports analytics software.
Why did you choose this internship?
I chose this internship because it was an opportunity to begin working in my dream field. It can be hard to break into sports, so you have to make the most of any and all opportunities that may come your way. Being around an NCAA Division I athletics program provided me with a very unique perspective of the industry. I have always dreamed of working in college sports, and this opportunity made me want to pursue that career even more.
What is unique about your situation that impacted your internship experience?
My experience was impacted greatly by the unique situation of the team I was working for. They had just undergone a tumultuous off-season, which led to even more unique opportunities while on the job. When we had to problem-solve as a staff, I had opportunities to expand my responsibilities beyond what I had originally planned, which led to an even more fulfilling internship.
How did your Applied Humanities major coursework help prepare you for the internship experience?
My project from the PAH 498: Capstone course helped prepare me most for this experience. The opportunity to work closely with a team on one major project served as great preparation for developing teamwork and communication skills. The best part of the Applied Humanities program is that we constantly had the ability to problem-solve in groups. Addressing real-world problems in each of the Applied Humanities courses that I took prepared me for anything that came my way during my internship.
What new skills did you develop in this internship?
I picked up a lot of technical skills during my internship because I learned to use several software programs that I was unfamiliar with. However, the most transferable skills that I developed were soft skills. I had to adapt quickly to a very different environment than I was used to, and I learned more about effective communication than ever before. I had to learn to adapt my modes and tones of communication for coaches, players, and administrators as well. This experience of switching between groups of people and communicating in a work setting will help me in any industry.
What did you find challenging about your internship?
The most challenging part of my internship was maintaining confidence every day. When you are new to any work environment, whether or not you have worked in that industry before, it can take a long time to adjust to the situation and feel comfortable in your role. While this was a challenge, I made a point not only to act like I belonged in the role I was in but also to prove my value. I learned that if you put in your best effort 100% of the time, you will gain the respect of others, and from that respect, you will build confidence.
How has your internship experience influenced your plans for your future?
My internship experience confirmed that I want to continue working in college athletics. I had the opportunity to work with some incredible people during my internship, who inspired me to pursue my dream of staying in this industry. With the network that I was able to build during my time interning, I feel that it is possible that I will work for another Division I program in the future. I look forward to having the opportunity to apply all that I learned during this past internship experience.
What advice do you have for other students as they begin their internship?
My advice would be to put yourself out there! Whether taking on an extra project you may not feel equipped for or making a new connection and inviting them to lunch, now is the time to take risks. An internship provides a rare opportunity where you are expected to learn and make mistakes, so take advantage and make those mistakes. While there may be some tough people out there, most people want to help you. Put yourself out there, try your best, and don’t be afraid to ask for help!