What's Happening?
Claire Donlon, a student-athlete at Siena College and a competitive diver, is gaining significant experience in professional sports content creation through her social media internship with the Rochester Red Wings, a Triple-A baseball team. Donlon, a sports communications
major, has been actively promoting games across social channels, shooting video highlights, and capturing photos from the dugout. Her work includes covering nearly every Red Wings homestand this summer. Notably, she also had the opportunity to cover the Greg Rousseau Charity Softball Game, an annual event featuring the Buffalo Bills offense against its defense, fulfilling a long-held aspiration to work the sidelines at a 'Bills game.' Donlon's proactive approach, starting as a freshman by utilizing opportunities provided by the Siena Athletics department to build her portfolio, has allowed her to secure this competitive internship. She has also served as a social media manager for the Siena baseball team for two years, demonstrating a consistent commitment to her career goals in sports media.
Why It's Important?
This internship highlights a growing trend in sports media where aspiring professionals, even at the collegiate level, are leveraging hands-on experience to build robust portfolios. For U.S. sports organizations, particularly minor league teams like the Rochester Red Wings, engaging with talented student interns like Donlon provides valuable support for their social media and content creation efforts, often at a lower cost than hiring full-time staff. This mutually beneficial relationship allows teams to maintain a strong digital presence and connect with fans, while interns gain practical skills and networking opportunities crucial for entering a competitive industry. Donlon's experience with both a Triple-A baseball team and a charity event involving NFL players demonstrates the diverse skill set required in modern sports communications, encompassing everything from game-day coverage to event promotion. Her story also underscores the importance of collegiate athletic departments in fostering career development beyond traditional sports participation, offering students unique avenues to pursue their professional aspirations.
What's Next?
Claire Donlon plans to complete her bachelor's degree a year early and pursue an MBA at Siena College. Following her academic pursuits, she intends to seek content creation positions in professional sports, with an ultimate goal of becoming a director of marketing relations for an NFL team. Her current internship with the Rochester Red Wings and previous experience with Siena Athletics are foundational steps toward achieving these long-term career objectives. The continued development of her portfolio and professional network through such experiences will be crucial. As the sports industry increasingly relies on digital content and social media engagement, individuals with Donlon's practical experience and strategic vision will be well-positioned for future roles. Her focus on making athletes seem 'human' through behind-the-scenes content suggests a forward-thinking approach to sports storytelling that aligns with evolving fan expectations.
Beyond the Headlines
Donlon's journey reflects a broader shift in how professional sports organizations engage with their audience and the evolving role of media professionals. The emphasis on 'behind-the-scenes' content and humanizing athletes, as Donlon aims to do, moves beyond traditional game statistics to create deeper fan connections. This approach is vital in an era where social media platforms are primary channels for fan interaction and brand building. Furthermore, her inspiration from female photojournalists and content creators highlights the increasing visibility and influence of women in sports media, challenging historical gender imbalances in sideline roles. This trend not only diversifies perspectives in sports coverage but also provides role models for future generations. The accessibility of opportunities at smaller institutions like Siena College, which allows students to gain hands-on experience that might be harder to secure at larger universities, also points to the critical role of such programs in nurturing talent for the professional sports landscape.
