Lia Simmons, COL ’26, Oakland, CA
During my internship with the Oakland Athletics, where I served as the Office of the President Intern, I gained invaluable experience in the dynamic and fast-paced environment of professional sports management. This opportunity allowed me to contribute directly to various high-impact projects, while also providing me with a comprehensive understanding of the inner workings of a major league baseball organization.
One of my many responsibilities was coordinating and managing different aspects of game day activities. This task required meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills, as I was responsible for ensuring the smooth and efficient execution of events that catered to thousands of fans. Beyond the day-to-day operations, my internship also offered me the unique opportunity to assist in overseeing and implementing the Oakland Athletics’ relocation plans to Las Vegas and Sacramento. This project was particularly significant, as it involved a major shift in the organization’s operations and required careful logistical planning and stakeholder engagement as this is their last season playing in Oakland. I contributed to various aspects of the relocation process, including coordinating meetings, preparing reports, compiling office inventory, heading walkthroughs, and ensuring that all parties involved were aligned with the organization’s goals. My involvement in this project not only deepened my understanding of the complexities of relocation in professional sports but also provided me with hands-on experience in managing large-scale transitions, which required strategic thinking, effective communication, and the ability to manage multiple moving parts.
Additionally, my internship included participation in a rotational program that was designed to provide a well-rounded understanding of the sports business industry. This program allowed me to gain hands-on experience across multiple departments, including marketing, finance, and community while working alongside the Office of the President. Through this rotational experience, I was able to develop a comprehensive understanding of how these different departments contribute to the overall success of the organization.
This internship has allowed me to apply the theoretical knowledge I have gained in the classroom to real-world situations, while also equipping me with new skills and insights that will be invaluable in my future career. The exposure to different aspects of sports management, coupled with the opportunity to work on high-impact projects, has provided me with the versatile skills that I can apply to any field I pursue. As I continue to develop my career, I am confident that the skills and experiences I have gained during my time with the Oakland Athletics will serve as a strong foundation for my future endeavors.
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2024 Career Services Summer Funding Grant. We’ve asked funding recipients to reflect on their summer experiences and talk about the industries in which they spent their summer. You can read the entire series here
