Summer Internships with basketballscotland

In the summer of 2011, Berta Galvez and Louise Gillespie came to work as interns with basketballscotland. Read on to find out about their experiences…

If you are interested in working as an intern with basketballscotland, please email operations@basketball-scotland.com

Berta Galvez – Membership & Communications Officer

“In March 2011 I was studying my Master’s degree in Sport and Recreation Business Management and Andy McSweeney, Operations Manager for basketballscotland, was a guest speaker at one of my lectures at Edinburgh University. I found I was interested in the work being delivered by basketballscotland and wanted to know more about the growth of basketball in Scotland. A few weeks later I was invited for an interview, and I was thrilled when they offered me an intern position for the summer. This was a unique opportunity to develop my skills and gain valuable professional experience in Scotland.
I started working as Performance Programmes Intern at the end of April 2011. The summer was really intense. I assisted in making travel and accommodation arrangements for the National squads, venue bookings for different events from training to competitions. I was fortunate enough to lead the team building, communication and leadership activities at two of the TDP national camps. In addition, working for basketballscotland gave me the chance to assist in the organisation and delivery of several national and international competitions. This I believe was an invaluable professional experience. I was also given the opportunity to travel as team manager/translator for the U14 National teams in the Tourneig Basquet Unnim 2011 to Barcelona.

Being involved in this organisation opened the doors to the basketball community and helped me to contact and interview key people in the sector in order to complete my dissertation: “Social networking sites as a marketing tool for sport organisations: challenges and opportunities for Basketball organisations in Scotland”. I also found time to design a sponsorship proposal draft for the National Squads, as well as designing and producing the “Summer Slam” promotional booklet. I have been given the chance to work with a fantastic professional team

My internship at basketballscotland has helped to improve my self-confidence, communication and organisational skills while developing my second language, English. My summer internship helped secure my current position as Membership and Communication Officer at basketballscotland. Five months later and I am enjoying working here as much as the first day, helping to grow the sport of basketball in Scotland. If you are willing to get involved, be proactive and multi-task on a day-to day basis, I would recommend you to apply for this post. This is an incredible learning experience for anyone passionate about a career in sport.”

Louise Gillespie – FutureStarz Support Officer

“I graduated in July 2010 with an honours degree in Physiotherapy in the midst of massive public sector cuts and a huge economic downturn. In April 2011 and wondering if anyone would ever give me a chance, I received a call from basketballscotland asking if I would like to come in for an interview for a summer internship. Having been involved in the sport for many years and knowing that this could be a priceless opportunity I was delighted when I was offered the position.
I began work within the next few weeks working with the Performance Team. The role allowed me a valuable insight into the day-to-day running of a sports governing body and I was able to get involved in a number of different areas: I was responsible for managing and updating information regarding venue bookings, national events, team lists and individual player information. I was also involved in organising and booking travel for national squads touring abroad. In addition, I assisted with the organisation and ‘on the ground’ running of the first Under 12 ‘National Challenge’ and several International Games including Senior Men v Andorra, U18 Men v Norway and U16 Men & Women v Ireland and Luxembourg. In the current economic climate, the practical experience I have gained has proved invaluable.

Also, during my internship, with my degree and previous experience I was added to the Under 16 Scotland Women’s National Basketball Squad as physiotherapist. I travelled with the team on a 10 day tour of Spain and worked with them during their Euro B challenge against Ireland and Luxembourg at home both of which were amazing opportunities for me. In this capacity, I also accompanied the U15 and U14 Girls squads. After last year’s successes and the knowledge and skills I have gained I have been asked to be part of the U16 Scotland Women’s Team again this season. I am excited to take on a new and ‘promoted’ role as physiotherapist and assistant coach. The team are currently working towards the FIBA European Championships to be held in Gibraltar in July 2012. In addition, towards the end of my internship, I was offered a position within the Development Team with Scottish Hockey – where I am currently employed full-time. I also continue to work part-time with basketballscotland on the new ‘Future Starz’ programme.

I would strongly encourage anyone with aspirations of a career in sports development to apply for this post. I have learnt so much, been given some amazing opportunities and worked with some inspirational colleagues, coaches, players and friends along the way!”