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Reflection NSU
Antonio McClan
SPT-710-X4474 Internship 23TW4
6/4/2023
Reflection
During my internship at NSU, I encountered a situation where I had to deal with a last-minute change in the schedule for an athletic event. Initially, the event was scheduled to take place the following week, but due to unforeseen circumstances, it had to be rescheduled for the very next day. This unexpected change created a significant amount of pressure and required immediate action. In hindsight, my response to this situation could have been improved (Askari et al., 2021). If faced with a similar scenario in the future, I would strive to enhance my ability to adapt and maintain composure under pressure. Instead of succumbing to panic or becoming overwhelmed, I would adopt a more composed approach by taking a step back, evaluating the situation objectively, and identifying the most critical tasks and priorities. I would be better equipped to lead a team effectively during such high-pressure situations by remaining calm and focused. I communicate clearly with my team members, delegate tasks efficiently, and make the necessary adjustments to ensure that the event proceeds smoothly and successfully. Additionally, I would actively seek assistance or advice from more experienced colleagues to leverage their expertise and support in navigating the challenges of unexpected changes. Ultimately, the key to handling such situations more effectively lies in maintaining a level-headed approach, swiftly assessing the situation, and prioritizing tasks based on their urgency and impact. This would enable me to lead my team confidently and make the necessary adjustments to ensure the event's success despite unexpected circumstances.
As an intern at NSU, there was a specific goal that I could not achieve due to time constraints. I had aspired to take on a leadership role in planning and executing a full-scale marketing campaign for a major event. Although I had the opportunity to learn about marketing and sponsorship, I needed to immerse myself in this internship aspect fully. Leading a marketing campaign for a significant event would have been a valuable experience for me to apply my knowledge and skills in a real-world setting. It would have allowed me to put into practice the concepts and strategies I had learned and gain a deeper understanding of marketing tactics specific to the sports industry.
As the leader of a marketing campaign, I would have been responsible for developing a comprehensive marketing plan, identifying target audiences, creating promotional materials, and implementing various marketing strategies to attract attendees and maximize the event's visibility (Askari et al., 2021). This hands-on experience would have given me invaluable insights into the challenges and intricacies of executing a successful marketing campaign within the sports industry.
Unfortunately, due to time constraints and other priorities during my internship, I could not dedicate the necessary time and resources to lead such a campaign. However, I recognize the significance of this missed opportunity and the potential it held for my professional growth. Moving forward, I will seek opportunities to plan and execute marketing campaigns actively. This may involve seeking internships or entry-level positions in sports organizations or marketing agencies. By gaining practical experience in leading marketing campaigns, I can further enhance my skills, broaden my understanding of the industry, and contribute more effectively to the success of future events and initiatives.
I suggest introducing two crucial methods, regular interdepartmental meetings, and cross-functional project teams, to improve interdepartmental synergy at NSU. First, setting up frequent interdepartmental meetings would give officials from other departments a venue to interact and promote improved coordination and communication (Schot et al., 2019). These gatherings provide a venue for discussing difficulties and finding chances for collaboration while also providing updates on ongoing projects. Departments can more effectively synchronize their activities and take advantage of one another's experience and resources by establishing a designated location to exchange information and insights. A climate at work that is more integrated and cohesive would result from this open discussion.
Second, creating cross-functional project teams would promote cooperation, creativity, and idea-sharing between divisions. These teams can work on certain projects or initiatives that call for a variety of skill sets and perspectives by assembling employees from several fields of expertise. This strategy promotes collaboration and encourages people to collaborate across silos to achieve a common objective. Employees can draw on the skills of each department and produce results that might not have been attainable in teams because of this idea-cross-pollination and collective responsibility (Schot et al., 2019). Consider a project to enhance the fan experience at athletic events. A cross-functional team made up of representatives from the marketing, operations, and customer service departments may work together to pinpoint problem areas, generate creative solutions, and put plans in place to improve the overall fan experience. By using a multidisciplinary approach, it would be possible to give fans a more coherent and enjoyable experience by ensuring that many factors, including ticketing, concessions, and engagement activities, are considered holistically. Regular interdepartmental meetings and the creation of cross-functional project teams are two ways NSU might promote a climate of cooperation, innovation, and common objectives. Removing boundaries across departments would make it easier to share knowledge, improve problem-solving skills, and contribute to the organization's overall performance.
Interdepartmental synergies at NSU can be greatly improved by implementing training and development programs that involve staff from many departments. These programs can come in various formats, including workshops, seminars, and even possibilities for job rotation. The major goal is to allow employees to learn alongside one another, develop a deeper understanding of one another's roles and responsibilities, and promote improved collaboration and synergy. Employees can broaden their knowledge beyond their job duties and understand the difficulties and views of coworkers from various departments by participating in joint training and development programs (Schot et al., 2019). For instance, a marketing employee taking operations management training can better comprehend how their choices and plans affect the logistical elements of putting on a successful event. This cross-functional learning encourages individuals to think outside of their own area and cooperate more successfully with others and promotes a holistic understanding of the organization.
Enhancing interdepartmental synergy also requires creating digital platforms or intranet systems where staff may quickly access and share information across departments. Regardless of where they are physically located within the firm, these platforms offer a central portal for employees to exchange knowledge, best practices, and updates. Employees can distribute critical updates, share resources, and work together on projects more rapidly by having a dedicated information-sharing platform (Askari et al., 2021). For instance, a digital platform might house a knowledge base with instructions, models, and files tailored to particular departments. The lack of lengthy email chains or physical file transfers caused by this concentrated access to information streamlines communication and boosts productivity.
Conclusion
I learned a lot from my internship time at NSU and saw areas where I could have done better. In light of the situation with the last-minute schedule adjustment, I understand how crucial it is to remain composed and flexible under pressure. I can better lead my team and guarantee the success of events despite unforeseen circumstances by taking a step back, assessing the situation objectively, and prioritizing activities. I see the value of having first-hand expertise using marketing tactics particular to the sports business in relation to the wasted chance to lead a marketing campaign. I am determined to seek out situations going forward where I can actively participate in designing and executing marketing campaigns to improve my abilities and significantly contribute to upcoming events and initiatives. Regular interdepartmental meetings and the creation of cross-functional project teams are essential for enhancing interdepartmental synergy at NSU. These programs support cooperation, coordination, knowledge exchange, and sharing of resources.
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References
Askari, G., Asghri, N., Gordji, M. E., Asgari, H., Filipe, J. A., & Azar, A. (2020). The Impact of Teamwork on an Organization’s Performance: A Cooperative Game’s Approach. Mathematics, 8(10), 1804.
Schot, E., Tummers, L., & Noordegraaf, M. (2019). Working on working together. A systematic review of how healthcare professionals contribute to interprofessional collaboration. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 33(3), 332-342.