Planting a career seed in Birdland

Sport management major Alex Blanks ’21 got his first professional experience through an internship with the Baltimore Orioles.

By Kyle Hobstetter on April 25, 2019

TU Sophomore Alex Blanks was an Orioles Intern
After attending a sports management major networking event, TU sophomore Alex Blanks spent last season in the Baltimore Orioles' Career Introductory Internship program. 

Last year, the Orioles had one of the worst seasons in Major League Baseball history. Although the team struggled on the field, TU sophomore Alex Blanks couldn’t help but smile.

That is because Blanks was working behind the scenes as part of the O’s Career Introductory Internship program. The internship was perfect for the sport management major, because it allowed him to get a feel for the promotions and marketing aspects of a pro sports team.

His duties included creating and distributing game day notes, escorting the bird mascot, helping with promotions between innings and 10 other jobs for each home game.

He was also able to shadow different Orioles employees and supervisors. They included the director of operations, who oversees the team’s public relations, community relations and is the point person for community events.

Before joining the Orioles, Blanks wasn’t that big of a baseball fan. But his time with the team helped grow his appreciation for the sport. More important, getting this experience as a freshman allowed him to gain managerial perspective early in his college career. 

“I was really grateful for the opportunity,” Blanks says. “In the sport management field you strive for the top, so this was great start for my resume.”

As a lifelong Baltimore Ravens fan, the Marlton, New Jersey, native always dreamed of working for the Ravens. Towson University was one of his top choices because he could get a good education here and establish himself in the Baltimore area.

And after touring seven other schools, TU was the only place where Blanks felt comfortable, both personally and professionally.

The decision to attend to TU paid off after he attended a networking event hosted by the university for sport management students. That’s where he made the contact that led to his internship with the Orioles. 

After finishing his internship, Blanks began working at Athletes Serving Athletes — a nonprofit organization that helps those with disabilities take part in athletic competition.

He’s also preparing for an interview with the Ravens, where he hopes he can start a position next season. He knows his time with the Orioles – and at TU – has prepared him well.

“I’m just blessed,” Blanks says. “I love that TU has provided these opportunities for people who want a successful career path. It helped me shape a successful future.” 

Learn more about how Towson University can help with your internship needs. Also, check out the Career Center for information on how you can prepare for your internship, find an internship, on-campus job, or a full-time opportunity through Handshake.

 

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