NBA internship offers all the challenges and thrills of a championship game.

Yvonne Nelson

New York City. The National Basketball Association. All-star events. Globally recognized brands. It all added up to an exciting internship for Yvonne Nelson (IMBA ’06, BBA ’03).

She’s felt the adrenaline rush, complete with the pressure and competitiveness of, say, a Miami Heat game.

“Working as an intern with the marketing and media department at NBA headquarters has been an incredible experience. The environment is as fast and dynamic as a championship basketball game—or a walk through mid-town Manhattan any day of the week,” Nelson said.

Depth and breadth of skills are put into play.

As a true team member of the international marketing and partnership events group, Nelson’s responsibilities focused on helping manage NBA initiatives such as brand advertising campaigns, promotional platforms, and grass-roots event sponsorships.

On a daily basis, she used the skills and knowledge gained while earning her undergraduate degree in marketing as well as her International MBA (IMBA) from the College of Business Administration.

Nelson's primary job was to coordinate the internal review process of international marketing partners’ advertising initiatives with other internal groups, including merchandising, legal, corporate communications, events, and international television.

She also assisted in creating promotional materials, planning international events, and sharing best practices across various regions as well as handling ad hoc assignments as needed.

“I had the chance to work on a business analysis project for moving existing NBA partners into new markets in Asia and the Middle East,” she said.

Nelson believes that this internship gave her “an incredible opportunity to see the inner workings of a global operation like the NBA.”

Yvonne Nelson

Networking is as important as everyone says it is.

When asked what advice she would share with other students looking to score internships and post-internship jobs, Nelson was quick to respond.

“Network. Network. Network. It’s advice you’ll hear over and over again, but that’s because it’s indisputably good advice,” she said. “At the NBA, I worked with some very savvy marketing professionals as well as with interns from other top-notch business schools. I feel I’ve made connections that will outlast the internship itself.”

Make sure to visit Career Management Services early and often.

Nelson also encourages students to learn about and take full advantage of the resources and support available through the college’s Career Management Services.

“Don't wait until the semester before you graduate to check on internships and job listings,” she said. “The Career Management Services office is there to help you during every phase. I viewed the staff as career mentors, helping me with everything from making the right internship connections to improving my communication and interpersonal skills.”

Barry Shiflett, director of Career Management Services, returns the compliment.