“You never know who you are going to meet or what doors could open for you.” Ava Mitchell’s Man City Undergraduate Summer Experience
Meet Ava Mitchell, a 20-year-old student from Seattle, Washington, studying International Business with a concentration in Marketing and a minor in Spanish at Howard University.
With a passion for sports business, Ava chose the Man City Undergraduate Summer programme to gain first-hand insight into the industry and develop her understanding of ideas within and beyond global sports operations.
She saw the programme as an opportunity to build valuable industry connections, explore different career paths within sport, and take an important step towards achieving her long-term career goals.
Why did you choose to study with us at Man City Undergraduate Summer, and what were you hoping to get out of the experience?
I chose to study with Man City Undergraduate Summer because it is my goal to work in sports business. I felt that this programme would not only help me get my foot in the door but also teach me about multiple areas, such as finance and marketing.
What was the most valuable lesson, skill, or insight you learned during your course?
The most valuable lesson I learned during the course is that connections are everything. Whether it was my peers, instructors, or guest speakers, I know that they are people I can reach out to in the future for guidance and support.
Who you know, along with your skill set, is important in building your career, especially in the sports world. Can you tell us about a memorable moment from your time there?
A memorable moment from my time here was presenting the capstone project with my group to the CFG panel. My group chose to do our presentation on expanding ESTAC Troyes at a more international level through their recruiting and marketing.
This presentation gave me insight into the fact that international expansion is an area I want to pursue. I was proud of the work and idea that my group and I created, and it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to give a presentation to such a prestigious panel, knowing that they were actively listening and invested in what we had to share.
What was your student experience like?
My experience was amazing; I met amazing people and made the most of my time as well. The people I met and became friends with are people I will remember for a long time, and I created memories that I will not forget. I was able to see and experience so many things that I do not think I would have if I had not taken this opportunity.
Did Man City Undergraduate Summer influence any decisions you made about your education?
The programme helped reinforce my decision to study abroad; getting a feel for how education and companies operate not only in their own country but also on a global level is very intriguing to me. I also think it is very important to broaden your horizons and learn from people of different backgrounds and cultures.
Which industry or role would you like to work in once you have graduated?
Once I graduate, I would like to work in sports partnerships, whether for a team, sports brand, or athlete. I want to help tell stories and bring them to an international audience.
What advice would you give to a student who is attending Man City Undergraduate Summer for the first time?
The advice I would give to a first-time student is to take it all in and come with an open mind. You never know who you are going to meet or what doors could open for you. When I came into the programme, I did not know what area of sports I wanted to go into.
After listening carefully and asking questions during guest lectures, I was able to discover that I want to work in partnerships after hearing from a lecturer who works in that department within Man City.
