Posted on June 3, 2016 by Joanna Carver
Daisy Gonzalez
Daisy Gonzalez , a UTSA College of Business junior majoring in sports, event and tourism management, walked into the San Antonio Spurs locker room one night at a game to record media interviews with the players. Being around the players often is an exciting experience, but as a communications intern for Spurs Sports and Entertainment, Gonzalez has maintained and perfected her professionalism at events.
While her internship has its exciting moments, it requires dedication, hard work and effort. Gonzalez took many steps to obtain her current position as a Spurs intern and an events management intern at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, which she is also completing this semester.
“What I post on social media about my internships seems glamorous, but there’s much more involved than it appears,” Gonzalez said. “Whatever you would like to accomplish requires effort.”
She networked with friends and alumni during classroom presentations from tourism industry speakers. She also made many important connections through her internship as a first-year student at Outside the Box Events Production.
Gonzalez’s passion for the sports industry developed as a young girl. Born in Los Angeles, California, she watched the Lakers play and was inspired by Kobe Bryant’s illustrious career.
“I grew up watching basketball with my dad. Living in LA and witnessing Kobe’s career unfold influenced me to go for my passion,” Gonzalez said.
In addition to her two internships, Gonzalez also works part time in the Entrepreneurship Office as a student assistant. She is a member of the Business Scholars Program and Roadrunner Productions, and she participated in the Career Action Program this semester, which has given her opportunities to improve her networking and interview skills.
“CAP speed networking was helpful because the industry I want to work in is very fast paced, and you have to make a good impression when you introduce yourself,” Gonzalez said. “I became an intern at Spurs Sports and Entertainment through my networking efforts.”
Gonzalez’s success is a reflection of her passion for the sports event industry and her strong work ethic. She credits the resources at the UTSA College of Business as a means for success. “UTSA and the College of Business gave me the resources and people to network with. My professors invited guest speakers to class that I networked with and kept in contact with to obtain an internship,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez is a first generation college student and developed connections with her professors because she considers them to be her role models. “As a first-generation student, my role models are my professors,” she said. “I admire the way they carry themselves, and it’s shown me how to carry and brand myself.”
A busy schedule has not affected Gonzalez’s academic performance as she continues to excel in her coursework. The many sacrifices that were made for her to attend UTSA and maintain her GPA for scholarships motivate Gonzalez to make school a priority despite her many commitments, she said.
Gonzalez advises students to take advantage of the resources the College of Business offers and accept opportunities that come their way. UTSA provides career and development activities for students, but it is up to the students to work hard and go for it, she said.
“I realized in order to get to where you want to be you have to start off small. If you must work for free, as long as you are networking, take advantage of it,” Gonzalez said.
She will return to her hometown of Houston for the summer and complete an events management internship with the Houston Rockets. One of her short-term goals includes interning at the NBA headquarters in New York City.
“The passion I have for this industry fuels my ambition and creativity. Working in this field wouldn’t be a job to me, it would be something I love doing,” Gonzalez said. “I always had a good time at events, and I want to help others have that same experience too.”
Giselle Villalpando—
Please send your comments to: wendy.frost@utsa.edu
— Joanna Carver
