Graduate Student Completes Internship to Pursue Passion in Athletics

McNeese State University health and human performance graduate student Kolby Carter, Natchitoches, is gaining valuable experience as an intern with the event management, marketing and facilities office of the McNeese Athletics Department.

A health promotion student, Carter supports athletic staff in all areas of game day operations.

“From ticket sales to coordinating game day officials, I have gained experience in a variety of areas across the department,” he says. “I have also helped the football team this season as an equipment manager.”

A lifelong fan of all sporting events, Carter knew he wanted a career supporting athletes and their fans. He says his ultimate goal is to one day be a university athletics director.

“From a young age I have been interested in athletics and how being a part of a team is being a part of something bigger than myself,” he explains. “No matter if I am a player, coach or other support person, to succeed as a team towards a goal is an incredible feeling.”

McNeese’s graduate program in health promotion is offered 100% online. Online classes are convenient for students working fulltime to receive an advanced degree at their own pace.

“Being able to complete my degree online is a great help because of the abnormal schedule of athletics,” says Carter. “We often work more than a typical 40-hour week and it is not uncommon to have more than one team playing each day. I am able to gain hands-on experience while also learning from my professors.”

He also says McNeese has been an excellent place to develop a professional network.

“In athletics the saying it’s who you know is very true and important,” Carter says. “I truly believe McNeese has provided me so many opportunities that may not have been possible at other institutions, and because of that, I have worked with almost everyone within the department. I am earning a degree that will advance my career, gaining experience that will set me apart in the industry and making connections throughout the McNeese community that will follow me for years to come.”

For more information on the health promotion program, visit www.mcneese.edu/education/health-and-human-performance-masters.