Atlanta Spirit Reviews

Pros

-Hands on experience.
-Able to participate in different departments.
-I worked hard and was offered an opportunity to stay on.

Cons

Unpaid-however that is known going in.

Advice to Senior Management

This program allows interns to work closely with managers, and gain invaluable experience in the Sports and Entertainment industry.

Pros

Comp'd tickets to Hawks and Thrashers games in good to great seating sections.

Cons

The organization has an identity crisis. Too many silos to count. The accounting department is archaic in its processes. There are LOADS of people throughout the organization that are resistant to change. The Arena staff and the Teams (Hawks/Thrashers) staff do not function together as a "team." The relationship is very adversarial. The Sponsorship group makes promises that it can't keep and does not work in concert with Marketing. Every employee would be better suited to receive training from consultants who are experts in Emotional Intelligence versus having consultants in to examine what is wrong with the organization (the story never changes) and then provide a framework to management that no one has any interest in implementing. Several department heads need proper leadership training. The Affiliative Style of Leadership runs rampant throughout the organization although it may be effective for some organizations; it is not suited for Atlanta Spirit, LLC. Lastly, Atlanta Spirit must find another strong CEO (Bernard Mullin was outstanding) that knows how to lead an organization and be allowed to do just that - LEAD without the input of the wacky numerous owners blocking progress.

Advice to Senior Management

First, decide what page the organization will be on and then ensure that all units of Atlanta Spirit are aware and get on the same page. Move forward as a team rather than opponents.

Pros

- Highly professional workplace.
- Teamwork-oriented environment.
- If you fulfill your obligations as an intern, it is highly likely that you will have the opportunity to obtain a job within the company. (Several interns from my "Intern Class" are now full-time employees)
- This internship really will make your resume stand out if you are looking to work in the field of sports and entertainment.

Cons

-This is an unpaid internship (but most internships are).

Advice to Senior Management

Keep doing what you are doing. This is such a great place to intern, and that is largely due to how much respect and responsibility is given to the interns. After my internship, the company opened up a full time position for me, and I am very happy here.

Pros

Good training and good place to start your career

Cons

Can be micro-managed at times which can be frustrating

Advice to Senior Management

Let the sales people sell and not be as scripted as it could sometimes be

Pros

- Great on Resume
- Free tickets/Opportunity to watch sports events
- Discounts
- Course Credit
- Exposure to certain aspects of sports industry

Cons

- Unprofessional management- Favoritism, critisms of employees in front of others, unfair performace appraisals. Low employee moral due to lack of general management skills that are taught in basic management classes
- No opportunity for full-time employment after internship
- Unpaid
- No training, you are expected to learn on your own or have prior knowledge
- Schedule can be hectic, however, its sports so you should know that going in

Advice to Senior Management

Set clear goals for interns. They should not have to guess, or even worse not know what they should be doing at any point. Have individuals from outside departments come and critique how internships are going, and how interns are being managed. Could have one of the best internship programs if given more thought and planning! Instead, program is mediocre at best.

Pros

A good oportunity for those interested in a career in sports.
Treated like a real employee.
Get your own desk, email address, computer, etc.
Get tickets.

Cons

Next to no opportnity to be hired full-time after the internship.
Unpaid.
Expect you to work nights, weekends, anytime there is a company function.

Advice to Senior Management

Be more clear about expectations for interns. Also, be more honest with employees.