NIU marketing student Jasmin Kenzie’s internship with the Milwaukee Bucks last summer was a slam dunk.
As a junior sales associate for the NBA basketball team, Kenzie became a resource to the Bucks community.
“I sold a full menu of ticket products for the Milwaukee Bucks, including, but not limited to, full- and partial- season ticket packages, group tickets and hospitality packages,” she said. “In order to do that, I got to know each consumer and found out what was important to them, then provided a recommendation. I also conducted in-arena appointments and tours of Fiserv Forum to assist in closing new business and developing new relationships. Companywide, our internship class also spent hours volunteering in the Milwaukee community.”
She learned many new sales skills while working for the Bucks, but one of her biggest internship takeaways was learning about what makes an employer a good fit for her.
“The culture of the Milwaukee Bucks organization is hard for me to put into words. I thank them for investing in me. Not only did they help me grow as a sales rep, but they helped me grow as a person,” she said. “They gave me the tools and resources I needed to be successful, and they pushed me to learn and grow in so many new ways.”
Kenzie noted that she is also grateful that the organization invited its interns to get involved in the Bucks’ Employee Resource Groups (ERG).
“We got to sit in on many meetings and attend many events. I am especially grateful to the members of Black Leaders and Advocates Creating Change (BLACC),” she said. “The mission of BLACC is to build a community centered around authentic conversations with the goal of educating others, empowering black employees and enacting change. BLACC is committed to cultivating an inclusive community for Black employees that prioritizes personal and professional growth. I was eager to get involved. They listened, and they created additional ways for me to get involved.”
Kenzie added that the most fun part of this experience was getting to explore a city that was unfamiliar to her.
“I loved meeting so many wonderful human beings,” she said. “Sports can bring people together in many different ways. I was surrounded by people who shared my passion and pushed me to be the best possible version of myself every day.”
Kenzie’s incredible internship opportunity came about when, in 2022, she spoke with the former director of the NIU professional sales program, Chuck Howlett, and expressed her passion for sports.
“I told him how I needed a place to start,” she said. “He connected me with the right people, and I learned about the TeamWork Online Sport Sales Workshop and Job Fair. This event is hosted annually at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. I attended the event in February 2023 with my classmates from NIU’s sports management program. I met many great individuals in the sports industry who have continued to support me and help me navigate through my college years. I interviewed with many organizations at the conference. After the workshop, I applied to the Bucks internship program, interviewed and landed the position!”
As a child in Swanton, Ohio, Kenzie was influenced by her own creativity, her love of sports and her admiration of her older brothers’ athleticism.
“For the longest time, I was sure I would be a fashion designer. As a kid, I always found a way to express my creativity. Having four older brothers, and being quite active myself, sports were deeply rooted in my lifestyle, but at the time I thought the only way into the sports industry was to be a professional athlete,” she said. “One thing has remained important to me, and that is my desire to make a positive impact.”
Swanton was a tight-knit community that fostered “a sense of belonging and support” in Kenzie and allowed her to chase her dreams. In 2021, she graduated from Swanton High School.
“When considering my options for higher education, I was drawn to Northern Illinois University for several reasons. Growing up attending Toledo Rockets games instilled a love for college sports and a sense of connection to the MAC schools in me,” she said. “As a first-generation college student, navigating the college selection process felt daunting. However, upon researching various institutions within the conference, NIU stood out to me for its esteemed College of Business. I was confident that NIU could offer me the resources and support necessary to thrive academically and professionally. Ultimately, my decision to attend NIU was driven by the opportunity it presented for personal growth and future success.”
As a senior in marketing, Kenzie is pursuing a sport sales minor and a professional sales certificate. Postgraduation, she hopes to work in the sports industry and find a way to connect her strengths and values to an organization’s mission.
While on campus, Kenzie has been an active member of the Beta Rho Chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority, having held the positions of chapter president, VP of programming and ritual, scholarship chair, standards chair and DEI chair. She is also a member of the College of Business Dean’s Student Advisory Board.
These types of hands-on experiences have meant a lot to Kenzie as she eyes graduation in May and considers what will come next.
“Internships are invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth. Regardless of your academic year or field of study, I highly recommend seeking out internships to gain experience, explore different industries and start applying the lessons we learn in the classroom,” she said.
For Kenzie, her internship provided a platform to discover her interests, strengths and areas for development.
“We should approach each opportunity with an open mind, willing to learn and adapt to new challenges. Be proactive in seeking out diverse experiences and be receptive to feedback,” she said. “It’s easy to get caught up in the routine of classes and stick to the familiar path dictated by your major. However, internships offer a chance to break free from that bubble and explore alternative career paths.”
Kenzie encourages other students to listen to the advice of mentors and professors who may see potential in areas they haven’t considered.
“Ultimately, internships are about more than just building your résumé; they’re about building your confidence, expanding your network and shaping your future. So, seize every opportunity to intern, embrace the challenges and don’t be afraid to carve out your path to success,” she said.
Marketing students who are interested in finding an internship that fits your strengths and interests can contact Michele Kaczka, marketing internship coordinator, at 815-753-1156 or mkaczka@niu.edu. You can also drop by her office in Barsema Hall, Room 128L, to discuss your options for summer.
