Student Assistant Equipment Manager/ Other internships with the team

Submitted by Jumpman Maize on
Hello MGoFriends, I was wondering if anyone on here knew how to become a student manager for the football team, and whether or not there are other available internships with the team.
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Jumpman Maize

December 7th, 2015 at 1:02 AM ^

That I have enough confidence to neg my own thread without worrying? Or /s? If it's the latter, don't be a douche Did you see Harbaughs guarantee in 86 as a sign of insecurity, that he disregarded the potential consequences?

Joined: 11/28/2015

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rainingmaize

December 7th, 2015 at 12:15 AM ^

First I would look on UM Jobs. If nothing is there, I would breifly look on NCAA Jobs or Nacda Jobs. After that,  I would just straight up pull up the Michigan athletic department directory, and email people in the department you might want to work in stating that your a Michigan student, and that your looking to either help out out  or are looking for an internship. 

Source: I work as a graduate assistant in a Power 5 athletic department. 

Joined: 04/13/2010

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rainingmaize

December 7th, 2015 at 12:45 AM ^

Your starting off young, which is great. I didn't start working in sports until my senior year in college, and it set me back a couple of years. Earlier the better. I would just straight up mention that you'll be a freshman, and that you’re willing to help out when needed. If you don't hear anything back. Wait until classes start and try emailing people saying that you want to do an information interview (possibly tie it in with a class assignment/project. Administrators at my school always agree these requests. In the interview, just straight up ask them how you could get involved. 

If you do get something, don't expect it to be awesome immediately, but it will if you stick with it.


 

Joined: 04/13/2010

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UndercoverBlue

December 7th, 2015 at 1:50 PM ^

You didn't start until your senior year? I'm a junior and figured I had no chance getting any kind of manager/assistant job because I would only be around for another year or so. I've regretted not trying to get involved from the start many times.

So you're sayin' there's a chance??



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Mr. W

December 7th, 2015 at 12:34 AM ^

These positions are not readily posted anywhere online as they seem are change somewhat often based upon the number of kids graduating in the fall and winter plus kids deciding not to come back. Your best bet is emailing the athletic department, and specifically someone in within the football department directly, with your contact information and let them know you're interested as a student starting in the fall. If you know or know anyone that knows someone already working with the team that is also a great way in.

Joined: 08/03/2014

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APBlue

December 7th, 2015 at 9:22 AM ^

I've never looked at the email directory, but if Colonel Jim Minnick's email address is in there, I'd try emailing him. I believe he's in charge of football operations. I also believe he's of the character that would not ignore your email, but forward it on to the right person.

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LSAClassOf2000

December 7th, 2015 at 7:50 AM ^

It's just a guess, but I assume those of us in that particular position are relegated to the world of wondering why we didn't try to get these positions when we had an opportunity all those years ago. That being said, hope springs enternal, although at this point it would have to pay roughly what I make now and be able to accommodate my wife's odd schedule at the hospital. 

Joined: 01/07/2011

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BannerToucher85

December 7th, 2015 at 2:32 AM ^

I got my job as a student equipment manager working for Jon Falk via a hookup from a buddy who was already working there. He had applied to a job posting when he arrived as a freshman. We issued and fixed equipment, did the laundry, and were responsible for getting the equipment to and from game sites. During practices we had little to do with what the team was doing unless something broke.

Student manager is a totally different position. They are much more involved in the workings of the team, performing tasks for the coaches as necessary. I don't recall the details, but I think the student managers had a different employment situation. I think they were on work study or some other special situation that was not a straight up paid position. Others on the board may have more insight on that particular position. There may also be internships available with the trainers.

Joined: 11/24/2011

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Gitback

December 7th, 2015 at 8:59 AM ^

at least when I was around, were strictly volunteer, and it was a "word of mouth" type deal.  We came from all over the place (LSA, Kines, Engineering...) and were strictly volunteers.  Our reward was that you earn a varsity letter (in football!) and are pretty much part of the team when it came to meals, bowl trips, away games, training table... they gave us the varsity letter award, a letter jacket, the whole bit.

Joined: 04/12/2011

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Bigfoot

December 7th, 2015 at 2:01 AM ^

With off the beaten path jobs that are personal passion driven, I've found the best way to get ahead is to put yourself out there as much as possible.  When I first got started as a cellar rat in the wine industry I would bug every winemaker to let me come in early, stay late etc. The first week in Napa I showed up at the wineries I liked asking for jobs, anything. That's the way to get your foot in the door in these situations.  If they don't have a job, suggest creating one-- ie: maybe I could do this? Even if it's a shitty job the facetime you get with these people will allow you to get a better job that might open up 6 months from now.  You have nothing to lose-- if they dont have anything for you they will atleast respect your drive as long as you keep your harrassment within reason.  And if you harrass (reasonably) enough they will remember you. Maybe something comes up in the future. With stuff like this you have to take what you want-- they dont give the job to the person with the highest GPA, best degree.  It's the person willing to run through a wall to get it.  Most the people you will be contacting were in your shoes at one point. They remember what it was like and respect hustle. Good luck! Always keep a good attitude about it too, even if you get denied.  People will follow your cue and have a good attitude about it as well. Smiling during rejection can make you feel stupid, but it's 100000000X smarter than any other reaction.

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jcgold

December 7th, 2015 at 8:28 AM ^

I was a student manager for basketball. I emailed the coaching staff as a freshman and got a response from the head manager. I was brought in for a practice to watch what was involved and sat down for a brief interview and got the job.

My position was 100% volunteer. And I believe the football student managers are the same.



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cjmich11

December 7th, 2015 at 8:33 AM ^

I was a student equipment manager for 2.5 years (2012-2014) under Jon Falk.

I was in a similar position to what you've described above. I actually walked into Schembechler Hall one day and asked the receptionist if there was anyone I could talk to about roles related to football or basketball. She walked away to go talk with Mr. Falk, and then told me to send my resume to him. 

He called me within a few days and said he wanted me to come in to talk with him and see what kinds responsibilities the role would include.

I'm not sure what has changed since Brad Berlin took over as equipment manager, but it can't hurt to reach out. 

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Gitback

December 7th, 2015 at 8:54 AM ^

When I became a student manager (early 90's) most programs had no formal "process" for becoming either a student manager or equipment manager.  Equipment managers all went through Big Jon... generally you had some kind of "in" with him in some way.  If you didn't and he needed a guy or two, you could kind of just wander on into the athletic dept. offices and ask, the secretaries would just put you in touch with Jonny or Bob Bland or someone.  some student managers got in this way too.  This is how "the Beav" ended up being a manager for about 10 seconds in 1994.

As for *most* student managers, it was just a you knew a guy who knew a guy kind of thing.  I met a student manager in a class my freshman year, got to know him well, he put in a word for me, I met with the head manager, he gave me the thumbs up, and I was in.  It might still work like that.  You could almost trace manage "lineage" that way.  I came in through Lumpy, Lumpy knew Lance.  Lance also brought in Reeg, and Reeg played football with Joe and was roommates with Bic...

Notre Dame, by contrast, had a whole system in place.  If you wanted to be a football manager you had to start volunteering as a freshman for the other sports and pay your dues.  Their football managers were pretty much all seniors who came up through the ranks via wrestling, softball, swimming etc... in a very structured process.

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NeilGoBlue

December 7th, 2015 at 9:48 AM ^

 

I was a manager back in 1985.  I answered an add in the Michigan Daily.  I was there during summer school. I thought it was a joke, but figured it couldn't hurt to call. 

I thought to myself, why would the Michigan football team have to put an ad in the Michigan Daily.  Don't they have lines around the block for these jobs?

Anyway.. One of the best experiences of my life. 

As a side note.. There is now scholarship money available to Managers (besides the senior manager). 

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VCavman24

December 7th, 2015 at 10:47 AM ^

I'm a current Freshman thinking about being a Student Manager for next season. Anyone on the board who has done it in the past have any input about being a Student Manager? Time commitment, reward, etc.?

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