As one of only a few programs of it kind in Canada, the MBA in Sport & Recreation Management program is a perfect example of why It’s Never Business as Usual in the Faculty of Business Administration. One of the things that the Faculty prides itself on is our unique experiential learning options and the Sport & Recreation Management program is no exception with its internship option.

Since the program began in 2005, students have gone all over North America working for organizations such as the American Hockey League, Softball Canada, and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League teams like the Saint John Sea Dogs. Two of the program’s biggest internship opportunities have come this year with students going to work for the Los Angeles Kings and Ottawa Senators of the NHL.

Second-year student Mark Francis worked with the Kings this past summer in their Community Relations & Fan Development Department and was thrilled with the experience.

“My experience was, in a word, tremendous. My supervisor, James Cefaly and his staff were very welcoming and provided me with a lot of support and autonomy in everything I was involved in. I was exposed to multiple events and projects including the Kings Draft Party, Rookie Development Camp, Kings Beach Hockey Blowout in Santa Monica, and the Kings Adult Fantasy Camp,” said Francis.

In addition to the work experience the internship provided, Francis was able to make contact with organizations and executives all over the sports industry, including such prominent figures as Kings' President of Business Operations, Luc Robitaille and Brian Burke, new President and General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The contacts and on the job experience weren’t the only things that Francis gained during his summer in Los Angeles.

“The most valuable thing I've learned through my experience is to really go after your dream. We often get stuck in our everyday lives and never stop to think that opportunities like this are possible,” he said.

“I have always wanted to do something like this and I am so glad that I took the risk of going back to school in pursuit of an MBA and an internship in Los Angeles. I would like to mention that none of this would have been possible without the help of the faculty and administration at UNB and, of course, [Kings Associate Coach] Mike Johnston, Luc Robitaille, James Cefaly and the entire Kings Organization.”