Abstract

In today’s competitive workplace, with high unemployment, people with competent skills are all vying for the same jobs. What makes some successful and other successful? It has always been true that it is often who you know rather than what you have to offer or the types of real world experiences that you have that makes the difference. In today’s world, it is essential that graduating students have the opportunity to network and make connections that will prove to give them the edge they need to kick off their careers. They also need multiple first hand experiences in the work place. Summer or semester long internships are very important, but today they are not enough. Students need workplace experiences within, and as part of, their regular classes. Because of its relevance in education, I have made experiential opportunities available to sports management students to motivate them and make their ideas and aspirations come alive.