Jack McDonald completed two summers as an equipment manager intern with the Los Angeles Chargers.
How did you get your internship and what type of work did you do?
I got an internship with the LA Chargers because my dad had a client who worked in the building. This was actually my second summer working with equipment management; prior to last summer I had zero prior experience working in equipment management at this level. This internship is especially cool because I was a huge fan of the team prior to starting work for them. I’ve learned from being in this sports industry that getting your foot in the door is all about connections and who you know.
Some of the main responsibilities I had was doing laundry, assisting at practice, and accommodating player and coaches needs and miscellaneous tasks around the locker room. Everyday is pretty long and laundering the uniforms and equipment is pretty much ongoing, so there is always work to be done. Supporting practices and games are definitely my favorite part because I enjoy being outside and tossing a football around.
What was your favorite part of your internship?
My favorite part of the internship will always be gameday. I love everything about it, especially as I walk onto the sideline at Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles and see the crowd. I loved being in the locker room before and after the game and seeing all of the players' routines and all the behind-the-scenes production it takes to create an NFL gameday experience.
What did you find challenging about your internship?
For me the most challenging part is just the long days. Pre-season training camp is all-encompassing and intense. In just one of the weeks of preseason I logged 89 hours in my Activity Journal, which is just absurd to even think about. The days are very long, but I’ve learned that this is just how it goes when you work with an NFL team this time of year. The late nights with the other interns in the laundry room was fun though. We made a lot of memories in the process.
What is the impact of your internship experience?
The impact of my internship experience is opening my eyes to the vastness of the sports world and realizing the hours are very long, regardless of what department you are in. I am not entirely sure what I will be doing in sports in my future, but the two summers as an intern have been a great start to my journey. I know now that I will likely not pursue equipment management as a full-time position, but it has been very fun to gain this experience in the sports industry. I’ve been able to meet people within the organization, which could possibly open the door to a new type of role if I continue to pursue this route. If not, I have this on my resume and can branch out in the sports world further.
What advice do you have for other students as they search for their internship?
I would tell them that your first internship doesn’t have to be something you are going to do the rest of your life. It can be, but it doesn’t have to be if you don't want it to be. It is just a learning experience to see if you like a certain type of work or not. Also, if you don’t land your dream internship then it’s alright because there are plenty of opportunities out there.