As a BA (Hons) Sports Business & Sports Law student at UCFB Wembley, Georgia Ayton has secured a work placement at Premier Sports Network (PSN). Her role as Network Liaison Executive has helped steer the student in unexpected directions in the sports industry, as she tells us here…
Tell us how the opportunity at Premier Sports Network came about?
Through UCFB’s Employability & Enrichment Hub I used JobTeaser to find available internships. I saw the position available at Premier Sports Network (PSN) and thought that it would be the perfect place for me to gain experience. I had to write a cover letter along with my personal profile and CV and send it over to them.
What does a Network Liaison Executive role involve and what are the highlights of your experience so far?
PSN were incredible and were interested in finding out what I would enjoy the most. They wanted to help me get the most out of the experience so let me work within various departments to help me figure out what area within the sports industry I may wish to work in in the future. I have produced marketing campaigns to send to possible clients, while also completing market research to find suitable sponsors for events that PSN operate – things I have never done before.
The highlight of my experience so far has been meeting new people (online of course!) at PSN, as they have all been so helpful and friendly and made me feel part of the team.
How are you managing to balance this job with your Sports Business & Sports Law degree?
It is important to prioritize your studies of course, but making time to go above and beyond for any other roles is important too. Experience in the industry is invaluable and you have to make the most of the opportunities you are given. Time management skills are essential in our everyday lives and this internship alongside my studies is helping me to improve them as I go along.
My degree has taught me how important it is to work out your priorities first and set aside time to ensure all deadlines are met. I never let work pile up and I’m able to complete the work as soon as I can, depending on how important they are.
What other work experience have you completed in your time at UCFB and how has this benefited you?
While at UCFB I have been working at David Lloyd Leisure as a sports coach which has been incredible for my confidence, and I feel I have learnt so much. Although it is not work experience as such, I went to a courthouse as part of Year One and it really helped me understand what a career in law entails.
What advice can you offer to any potential students looking to study the Sports Business & Sports Law programme?
There are so many pathways available to you once you have completed this degree. You could be a player agent, a sports lawyer, a finance director or even a commercial director. This joint honours degree gives you incredible knowledge surrounding both the legal and financial side of the industry, so the possibilities are endless.
