As a junior sales associate for the NBA basketball team, Kenzie became a resource for the Bucks community.
“I sold a full menu of Milwaukee Bucks ticket products, including but not limited to full season and partial season ticket packages, group tickets, and hospitality packages,” she said. Told. “To that end, I got to know each consumer, found out what was important to them, and provided recommendations. I also worked within the arena to help close new business and build new relationships. We also held appointments and tours of the Fiserv Forum. Our internship class also spent many hours volunteering in the Milwaukee community across the company.”
While working at Bucks, she learned many new sales skills, but one of the biggest takeaways from her internship was learning about why her employer was a good fit for her.
“The organizational culture of the Milwaukee Bucks is difficult for me to describe in words. I am grateful to them for investing in me. They have not only helped me grow as a salesperson but also , it also helped me grow as a person,” she said. “They gave me the tools and resources I needed to succeed and pushed me to learn and grow in many new ways.”
Kenzie said she also appreciated the organization inviting interns to join Bucks' Employee Resource Group (ERG).
“We have had to attend many meetings and participate in many events. I am especially grateful to the members of Black Leaders and Advocates Making Change (BLACC),” she said. “BLACC’s mission is to build a community centered on authentic conversations with the purpose of educating others, empowering Black employees, and making a difference. We are committed to fostering an inclusive community for our Black employees that prioritizes top growth. I was eager to get involved. They listened and offered additional ways I could get involved. He prepared it for me.”
Kenzie added that the most fun part of the experience was being able to explore a new city.
“I loved meeting so many wonderful people,” she said. “Sports can bring people together in so many ways. I surrounded myself with people who shared my passion and pushed me to be the best version of myself that I could be. ”
A great internship opportunity came to Kenzie in 2022 when she spoke with Chuck Howlett, former director of the NIU Professional Sales Program, and expressed her passion for sports.
“I told him I needed a place to start,” she said. “He connected me with the right people and I learned about the Teamwork Online Sports Sales Workshop and Job Fair. This event is held annually at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. I am a student at NIU's Sports Management Program. I attended the February 2023 event with my classmates. I met many great people in the sports industry who continued to support me and helped me get through my college years. I attended the conference After the workshop, I applied to the Bucs internship program, interviewed and got the position.”
As a child in Swanton, Ohio, Kenzie was influenced by her own creativity, love of sports, and admiration for her older brothers' athletic abilities.
“For a long time I was convinced that I would become a fashion designer. As a child, I always found ways to express my creativity. I have four older brothers and I myself am very active. “So sports were deeply ingrained in my lifestyle, and at the time I thought the only way to get into the sports industry was to become a professional athlete,” she said. “One thing is important to me: the desire to make a positive impact.”
Swanton was a close-knit community that fostered Kenzie's “sense of belonging and support” and allowed her to pursue her dreams. In 2021 she graduated from Swanton High School.
“When I considered my options for higher education, I was drawn to Northern Illinois University for several reasons. I grew up watching the Toledo Rockets, so I had a love for college sports in me and a love for MAC schools. It instilled a sense of connection,” she said. “As a first-generation college student, navigating the college selection process was daunting. However, after researching various institutions within the conference, NIU was the one for me due to its respected business college. It was a standout. I was confident that NIU would provide me with the resources and support I needed to grow both academically and professionally. Ultimately, my decision to attend NIU was My decision was driven by the opportunities NIU offers for personal growth and future success.”
Kenzie is a senior marketing student pursuing a minor in sports sales and a professional sales certification. After he graduates, she hopes to work in the sports industry and find a way to connect her strengths and values to an organization's mission.
While on campus, Kenzie was an active member of the Beta Rho Chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority, holding the positions of Chapter President, Vice President of Programming and Ceremonies, Scholarships Chair, Standards Chair, and DEI Chair. I have held several positions. She is also a member of the Dean of Business’ Student Advisory Council.
This hands-on experience meant a lot to Kenzie as she looks ahead to graduation in May and considers what's next.
“Internships are valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth. No matter your grade level or field of study, internships are a great way to gain experience, explore different industries, and start applying what you've learned in the classroom. I highly recommend looking for it.”
For Kenzie, the internship became a platform to discover her interests, strengths, and areas of development.
“We should approach every opportunity with an open mind and a willingness to learn and adapt to new challenges. Actively seek diverse experiences and be open to feedback,” she said. . “It's easy to get caught up in the routine of classes and stick to the familiar path set out by your major. However, internships provide an opportunity to break out of that bubble and explore a different career path.”
Kenzie encourages other students to listen to the advice of mentors and professors who may see potential in areas they hadn't considered.
“At the end of the day, internships are about more than just building a resume. It’s about building confidence, expanding your network, and shaping your future. So seize every opportunity, embrace the challenges, and set yourself up for success.” Don’t be afraid to blaze a trail,” she said.
Marketing students interested in finding an internship that fits their strengths and interests should contact Marketing Internship Coordinator Michele Kaczka at 815-753-1156 or mkaczka@niu.edu. You can also stop by her office in Room 128L of Balsema Hall to discuss your summer options.
