Building Leaders: Kaleigh Putnam & Charles Barnard’s America East Conference Internship
Endicott College has long been known as an internship-focused leader. While classroom learning is a large part of any educational experience, we all believe in the power of experiential learning and networking. We are passionate about hire-ability. We are proponents of connecting our students with industry leaders way before they submit their first post-grad application. Their first “real jobs” begin on campus and extend far beyond it, in some cases, even globally.
Today, on Bosses Day 2019, we want to highlight two such interns, Kaleigh Putnam '20, sport management, and Charles Barnard '20, also sport management, who are currently working for America East Conference under several bosses, including Marcus Bishop, assistant director, operations & championships.
Here are some of their key insights:
What qualities do you appreciate most about your internship boss?
My bosses at America East all want to see me succeed and develop. They are extremely helpful and supportive, and most importantly aren’t afraid to give constructive criticism. What I appreciate most as an intern is their trust in my ability to complete the tasks and assignments given to me. This has made my experience one that is enjoyable, but most importantly one that has provided a lot of personal growth. –Charles
Do you consider your relationship with your internship bosses to be collaborative?
I do think our relationship is collaborative. They are very receptive to feedback and often ask for our input or thoughts. I think a big part of this is because we are a bridge to their consumers and the students at their member institutions. Especially me because I’m an athlete and they want input on how to connect to their student athletes. –Kaleigh
What made you choose this internship over others? Did it have anything to do with the culture your boss has helped build?
I think the culture had a huge part to do with why I chose this internship over others. My first interaction with my boss, Chad Dwyer, associate commissioner, championships & sport policy, was a phone interview (after emailing for a little bit) and he had asked me about how my season was going. When I came in to interview he said that he was sorry that our team made it to our conference championship and lost. The fact that he had kept up with my season was really impactful to me because it showed that he was very interested and invested in me.
I immediately felt a sense of community that is shared within the office, especially when I went in to interview in person for the position. My boss spoke so highly of his boss, the Commissioner, Amy Huchthausen, which made me excited and hopeful that I would get this internship. Seeing that the employees genuinely liked their boss and wanted to work for her was really impactful to me as well. –Kaleigh
What is one thing you would like everyone to know about working at America East?
Although it is a smaller Division I conference, they are doing a lot of great initiatives to help be a catalyst for social change through the use of sport. For instance, right now their main focus mental health awareness and diversity inclusion. It is great to work for people who truly care about their jobs and want to contribute to something bigger than sports. –Kaleigh
Working at America East is a unique experience that is beneficial to anyone’s personal and professional growth. Even for those that may not see themselves working in collegiate athletics, the level and variety of responsibility given to you allows you to develop a vast set of skills that are relative anywhere. Most importantly, they value anyone who is willing to work hard and tackle any task thrown at them. America East is a well-run organization which values the input its their employees bring to the table. –Charles
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If you would like to learn more about how to launch your future, we encourage you to attend our Fall Open House.