Page 1 of The Game
Chapter 1
Sarah
I look up at the NHL stadium in front of me. The home arena of the Chicago Coyotes stares back at me. This will be my workplace for the next eight months as I complete my internship.
The work that’s gone into getting this opportunity is all worth it, knowing I’ll get to work in a well-known hockey franchise. Being a part of a competitive industry like journalism means you must work hard to land the opportunities you want.
As I stand in front of the stadium, it’s exciting to think that the work paid off.
Late nights working on my application for the internship. Hours and days of research into the Chicago hockey team. Working on my own social media presence to stand out from the other applications for this specific position.
We are around one hundred students in my study program, each one heading off to their own internship. Studying sports journalism means being part of a study environment where students will do anything to land the big deals.
Even sabotage each other to strengthen their own position.
Although several spots were available in the NHL, many students wanted to work with the Chicago Coyotes.
They’re slowly but surely strengthening their team each season, making the whole of Chicago more interested in hockey than ever before.
They are one of the top teams in the league and the closest one to our campus, which is convenient in so many ways.
I don’t have to move away for my internship. I can keep my dorm and continue using our campus whilst conducting my internship.
It also means I’m close to my family, which is essential to me.
My dad is a former NHL player, and even though his career ended almost 30 years ago, he still follows the league religiously, and he’s nearly as excited as I am about this opportunity.
He’ll be at every home game possible, watching the action unfold front and centre.
He makes it sound like I’ll be out on the ice when, in reality, I will possibly be in an office, editing, creating content, and updating social media in real time.
My internship is mainly connected to the team’s social media and the building of the social profiles of the players.
Nevertheless, seeing his excitement for my chance in the NHL makes the whole experience all the more special.
I’m heading to a meeting with the head of PR, Henry Sheldon. Henry is a man in his fifties, and so far, my impression of the man is that he’s a leader with extensive knowledge from media, journalism, and the NHL.
I’ve been in touch with them by email, but it will be nice to meet Henry and learn more about what to expect.
So far, I’ve learned that the team is relatively small, with several departments handling a wide range of affairs.
I will work among the group closest to the players, developing a social media strategy for individual players and the team as a whole.
My phone beeps, and a good luck text from my dad awaits when I check. I quickly answer him before going inside the main entrance.
I’m greeted at the sleek reception by an elderly woman who welcomes me with a smile.
“Hello, dear. I’m Clarissa. Can I help you in the right direction?”
It must be evident that I don’t have a clue where I’m going in this massive arena.
“Hello. I’m Sarah, and I have a scheduled meeting with Henry Sheldon from PR.”
Clarissa quickly types on her computer, then prints a map of the building and circles the area I will be heading toward.
I realize I probably wouldn’t be able to find my way without Clarissa, so I thank her for her kind assistance and then get on my way.
When I reach the PR department, I find a small office area. There seem to be about five offices, with a central lounge and a meeting room to the right.
