In the summer of 2023, Master of Education in sport management student Amaya Harris interned as a Marketing and Hospitality Manager at Ballparks of America in Branson, Missouri. This experience immersed her in a fast-paced, hands-on environment where she was responsible for a variety of tasks that spanned photography, editing, team registration, hospitality management, and event preparation. 

Amaya first learned about this internship through The Sports Facilities Companies, which lists jobs in the sports management industry. After receiving and accepting the offer in March 2023, she anticipated an exciting summer but did not realize just how much she would learn and grow. Working approximately 20-30 hours per week, she gained real-world experience in a setting that blended her interests in marketing, hospitality, and sports.

One of her primary responsibilities was photography, where she captured over 3,000 action shots across 10 tournaments. Editing these images in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom allowed her to create player poster collages, team banners, and individual headshots that were both professional and memorable for the athletes and their families. Working with high-performance Canon and Nikon cameras, she ensured that every shot was high-quality, managing fast continuous shooting speeds, advanced autofocus systems, and challenging lighting conditions. Handling conflicting schedules and navigating demanding parents was a challenge, but it taught her the importance of adaptability and customer service in a high-energy environment.

Beyond photography, she played a crucial role in team registration and hospitality. Each week, she prepared and maintained team rooms, ensuring linens were stocked and merchandise was organized. During tournament check-ins, she was responsible for greeting teams, handling fee notifications, distributing room keys, and providing housing information. These tasks required strong organizational and communication skills, as she was often the first point of contact for teams arriving at Ballparks of America. One of the most exciting moments of the summer was assisting in preparations for the renowned Cal Ripken Major World Series, a prestigious event that brought in teams from across the country and beyond.

The location of this internship added an extra layer of excitement. Being right on the Branson Strip meant that on off-days, Amaya and her colleagues could explore the town, visiting family-friendly attractions and enjoying top-rated dining. What made this experience truly special was the people she met along the way. Ballparks of America welcomed teams from all over the world, creating opportunities for eye-opening cultural exchanges. She had conversations with visitors from Texas, Indiana, Louisiana, Japan, and the Dominican Republic, broadening her perspective and making the experience even more enriching.

This internship was more than just a job—it was a stepping stone for Amaya’s career and a summer filled with unforgettable memories.

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Wichita State's applied learning program gives students hands-on, paid experience with industry partners, helping them build careers before graduation.

For more information, contact the Shocker Career Accelerator at (316) 978-3688, SCA@wichita.edu, or visit wichita.edu/Career. You can also stop by in person at the Marcus Welcome Center, Suite 139, on the Wichita State campus.