Antonio Jimenez, a junior majoring in sport management, recently completed the Frank and Peggy Steele Internship Program for Youth Leadership Development at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York.
Jimenez spent much of the 10-week internship in the Hall of Fame’s membership department, where he was responsible for renewing memberships, selling memberships and assisting visitors and donors with questions about the Hall of Fame’s special events.
“Of course, it wouldn’t be the Hall of Fame if there weren’t some fun stories to be able to share with visitors, such as the Athletics’ elephant logo, or the Phil Rizzuto’s cow we have in the museum,” Jimenez said.
Jimenez led presentations featuring items from the Hall of Fame’s collection and wrote articles for the museum’s website about the sport of baseball, its legendary players and contributors, and the impact of the sport on American culture.
Check out the Q&A below to learn more about Jimenez’s experience and how the College of Natural Resources helped to prepare him.
How did you find out about this internship and why were you interested in it?
I found out about this internship opportunity while taking PRT 375: Professional Development and Internship Orientation. My instructor, Erin Adair, notified our class of the opportunity with the Steele Internship Program. Without a doubt, I knew I had to apply. I had experience working in baseball with the Charlotte Knights, and this opportunity was too good to miss.
My family has always loved baseball and some of my favorite memories include going to Milwaukee Brewers games and watching the World Series in the living room with my family. Baseball is also intricately linked with our nation’s history, and you can’t tell American history without baseball.
What new skills or information have you learned?
As a membership intern, some of the key skills I have improved on have been sales, public speaking and communication. Whether it’s a phone call, short interaction at the ticket booth or walking the floor, it’s vital to be able to communicate effectively with a variety of visitors, from a diverse range of backgrounds. One day I could be on the phone with an older gentleman, trying to renew his membership, and the next I could be on the floor communicating in Spanish with a family to help them navigate the museum.
Additionally, part of our internship requires us to prepare and present “artifact spotlights” on pieces in our collection that are not on display. As a result, my public speaking skills have gotten better, as well as learning the skills of museum acquisitions, accession processes and artifact handling. Few things bring out that childlike wonder than measuring Hank Aaron’s Atlanta Braves jersey or seeing a Babe Ruth bat up close.
How did the College of Natural Resources prepare you?
The College of Natural Resources has done such an incredible job helping me prepare for this internship. From the public speaking class that is part of the sport management major to the faculty that have helped me find this opportunity, I wouldn’t be in the position I am in right now without their unwavering support.
Erin Adair has really helped me chase this opportunity, and of course, Jason Bocarro and the James Buzzard Leadership Program have given me invaluable lessons and skills that are in constant use. Having the chance to speak with delegates from the British Embassy in Washington D.C., speaking with Chancellor Randy Woodson and meeting with entrepreneur coach Randy Nelson have allowed me to grow as a professional — and separate my fandom with my role working in sports.
What are your long-term goals and how does this internship factor in?
I strive to pursue a career as either a general manager or director of player operations for a professional sports organization, preferably in Major League Baseball or the National Hockey League. This internship has not only helped me develop my professional skills, but it has also given me access to 25 years’ worth of Steele Intern alumni, a fantastic network.
During my internship, I had the chance to meet Sarah Coffin, the alumni relations coordinator and team curator for the Boston Red Sox, as well as Brian Richards, the senior museum curator for the New York Yankees. Through a combination of meaningful work and strong networking opportunities, this internship has been incredibly beneficial to my career.
What advice would you give students who are looking for internships?
For any student who is looking for an internship, treat each one like an exam. Study the position you are applying for, research the company and practice your pitch. Applying for internships isn’t an easy process. You spend a lot of time scouting for opportunities, comparing the logistics in it, and reaching out to individuals with applications or referrals.
I must have applied to nearly a hundred internships, but the ones where I took the time to research the program, tailor an individual resume and cover letter to better match what they were looking for— and just be myself — were the ones I heard back from. Finally, rely on your support system. Utilize your network, including College of Natural Resources faculty and even your friends and peers. You never know who somebody knows and who may be hiring.
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