I started my third year at the University of San Diego with a great big smile on my face and determination in my heart. Beginning my internship at Upper Deck in the Marketing and Events Department was something out of a childhood dream. When I was a little girl, I had a goal to become the first woman in the NBA. Unfortunately, my dreams were very unrealistic given my size, but my passion for sports still burns strong within. I was an avid collector of Upper Deck NBA cards when I was younger so it was a dream come true when I started my internship with the trading card giant.
I had an array of responsibilities during my time there, but what I loved most was becoming part of the company culture. Upper Deck is a company with “PASSION and ATTITUDE about sports, about authenticity, about quality and innovation.” I lived, breathed and learned from this culture every time I walked into the office and took it with me when I walked out for the last time.
During my time at Upper Deck, I “learned by doing.” In the beginning of my internship, I responded to consumer emails about NHL #1 Draft Pick Connor McDavid Puzzle Sweepstakes, organized our Entertainment business mailing list, responded to Volunteer Alliance members about new ideas to promote the hobby, and even authenticated autographed sports memorabilia using the company’s five-step authentication process.
My first event with Upper Deck was the Trick or Trade Charity event. I contacted over 30 San Diego Police, Sheriff, and Border Patrol & Fire Departments to attend our event and stuff their bags full of more than 30,000 packs of sports and entertainment cards to pass out to the kids for Halloween.
Seeing my hard work come together along with supporting the local youth community during the Halloween season was very accomplishing and memorable to me.
Upper Deck also participates in a sports and entertainment trade shows. One of my highlights of my internship was being lucky enough to help out at the 2016 NHL Fan Fair during the NHL All-Star Game hosted in Nashville, Tennessee. I was amazed by all the NHL fans both young and old who went crazy for Upper Deck packs and giveaways. I was responsible for the Puck-O Station at our Upper Deck booth. Fans with the best puck drop could win a variety of prizes and it was great to be able to engage with them like that.
I could not stop smiling at the NHL All-Star Fan Fair as I spent time with the company’s fantastic fans!
I continued my internship throughout the busy summer filled with promotions, new releases and being a part of some of the biggest events of the year. I helped with huge trade shows like San Diego Comic-Con International, Gen Con Indy, and the National Sports Collectors Convention. During this time, I really felt part of the team because we all worked together to make these events the best they can be and it would not be possible without all the behind-the-scenes work that takes place leading up to them. I became a part of Upper Deck as much as they have become a part of me.
My Upper Deck internship was my first exposure to a powerful worldwide sports and entertainment company. I owe so much to all my supervisors and the down-to-earth individuals at this company who taught me that a successful business is possible with passion, hard-work, creativity, and support. I am forever grateful of this opportunity to grow, learn, and become an even more passionate sports lover as I am today. My “Big League Adventure” with Upper Deck has come to a close, but my hands-on experience and amazing memories will stay close to me forever.
If you are currently enrolled in college and are interested in an internship opportunity with Upper Deck, please email your resume to [email protected] along with information on your availability. We are always looking to bring on a few good interns to help with fall, spring and summer positions!
