Social media has really taken off within the last few years and organization are acknowledging this and taking advantage of it. The Minnesota Timberwolves recently posted an opening for a new job position: "Social Networking Intern." The job description states that the intern will work closely with the manager of Interactive Services and the vice president of Marketing Communications. The intern will update the Timberwolves social networking sites and monitor other social networking sites such as, blogs, forums, message boards, etc. The main responsibility of the intern holding this new position is to aid in online contests, promotion and interact with fans online. In addition, the job requires the person to update supervisors about any "online buzz" about the team.
The UFC is also offering a new position entitled, "New Media Marketing Internship." The intern will be working with the Business and Marketing departments closely and "will help influence the direction of online and other forms of new media marketing campaigns." The UFC has been trying to promote its brand and knowledge of mixed martial arts for the last couple of years now.
I think it's great that these sports organizations are now taking advantage of social media knowing that they can reach their fans in an interactive and efficient way. It will help fans feel more connected with the team or a specific fighter. One aspect I find interesting is the fact that these positions are for interns and "new media" or "social networking" do not yet have their own departments in these organizations. Maybe the Timberwolves and the UFC are offering these types of positions as internships knowing that it will draw a younger group of people who just so happen to know the most about social media. Perhaps these organizations hope to learn more about social networking from a younger age group....or maybe that's just how I'm interpreting it.
I think you are right, Stevie. These organizations are trying to get young professionals into their circle of employees so they can connect with fans and educate themselves on social media. However, I think they are also taking advantage of a weak economy by hiring interns would are probably qualified for full-time positions. But who can blame them? Cheap labor is always good for companies and these positions give aspiring professionals a way to break into the industry. As we all know, social media are becoming more and more important with each day that passes so I am happy to see athletic organizations starting to embrace the so-called "new" media.
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