Student Spotlight: Fan Scores Major League Internship

Between his summer internship and part-time job, you could say Justin Sawyer ’14 has his bases covered.

The junior supply chain and marketing major is driving a forklift and doing warehousing at a local retailer while interning with the Baltimore Orioles, getting experience in both his areas of study.

One of 20 interns with the Orioles (and one of two Smith students), Sawyer started on Opening Day as a part of the team’s Career Introductory Program. He will spend every home game through September (and hopefully longer, if the team advances to the postseason) at Camden Yards doing a variety of projects.

“The program offers a holistic look at marketing, community relations and game day operations,” says Sawyer, who has been an Orioles fan his whole life. “It is still surreal walking up to the ballpark and realizing that I am getting paid to be here. I have been going to Camden Yards for so many years as a fan.”

On any given day in the office, Sawyer might find himself in the press box, working on the All-Star balloting campaign, learning from guest speakers in different departments, or working on new marketing initiatives through his internship project. No matter the task, Sawyer is glad to get the broad look at what it takes to work for a Major League team.

“I have learned how important teamwork is and that work can be fun,” Sawyer says. “If you find something you enjoy doing, then it is a good idea to stick with it. I am at Camden Yards sometimes between eight and 10 hours a day, but it seems to fly by because I am having a lot of fun.”

One of the coolest parts of his internship — other than seeing the players and coaches often — has been standing on the field during the National Anthem. “Each game, a couple of interns make sure the singers get on the field and get everything set up for them,” Sawyer says. “I have gotten to be on the field during the National Anthem for several games, standing at attention with the players and hearing the fans scream ‘O!’”