My name is Alauna and my aspiration is to major in sports journalism or media production. During my internship with the Jacksonville Sharks Media team allowed me to learn and observe how operations are handled behind the scenes, from game preparation to social media marketing. Prior to my first day, I was eager to understand the media side of sports although I had no prior experience. My only knowledge came from a journalism class at Paxon and watching the sports journalist on ESPN or any of the other various sports networks. Once I arrived at the Sharks office, my desire to grow my skills and learn all I could about content creation, digital marketing, and media production only grew stronger. Watching everyone in action and being able to encounter everyone’s welcoming and vibrant nature calmed my nerves. I was no longer anxious about what the day would bring; I was excited.
Throughout my internship, I contributed to various projects, including creating player bios, game day roster cards, and lineups. I also supported digital engagement by drafting posts for the team’s official social media accounts and updating the website. I enjoyed having the creative freedom to help coordinate gameday trivia and fun facts activities for fans. One of the highlights of my internship was being trusted to film the head coach’s leadership conference with investors and board members. This experience taught me the importance of professionalism and precision in media coverage. Shortly after the meeting, I received my first individual project: creating a video from the clips I recorded at the meeting to post on the Instagram account. I worked closely with team staff and gained real-time exposure to the various media and marketing efforts coordinated during the season. I learned how demanding and important the offseason is for media teams. I helped the Sharks prepare for the offseason by updating the player portals and adding information about new signings.
By the AnnieRuth Foundation pairing me with the Jacksonville Sharks, I was able to look into the fast-paced, detail-oriented world of sports media. I saw firsthand how important teamwork, planning, and creativity are to building a professional brand. This experience has not only improved my writing, video, and communication skills but also confirmed my interest in pursuing a future in sports journalism or media production. I can confidently say that sports media/ journalism is a field for me. This experience of working behind the scenes with the team has exceeded all my expectations. It has been engaging, educational, and incredibly rewarding. I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited to carry the lessons I’ve learned into my next step.