February 5, 2021
In turn with Clyde Shaeffer III
In turn is a series that highlights the student interns and internship opportunities found within the College of Business (COB). For more information, contact Melissa Parks at parksr19@ecu.edu.
ECU quarterback Holton Ahlers with Clyde Shaeffer, III (photo taken preCovid)
Clyde Shaeffer, III, is a marketing major from Havelock, North Carolina. Let’s say, or write in this case, this first-generation Pirate is a big sports fan. He played soccer. He loves all things ECU sports and is a huge wrestling fan. The combination of sports and marketing he hopes will start him on his career path.
“I hope to enter the field of sports marketing upon graduation and eventually land a job in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,” said Shaeffer.
That career path started with ECU Athletics. He is the intern head of on-campus marketing, where he focuses on promoting ECU sporting activities. He is a doer and does whatever is needed around the offices. “Sometimes, I’m doing busy work like stuffing game programs with stat sheets, and other times, I’m helping clean and fold up the big No Quarter flag that is used in the student section at football games.”
Why did you choose to do an internship?
I chose to do an internship to gain experience. Getting ahead of the curve now sets me apart from others who cannot land a job like this, and it provides me knowledge about my field and a potential job that others may not have.
How did the College of Business prepare you to be the chosen candidate?
The COB helped tremendously in building my confidence and my professional development skills. Resume’ building. Mock interviews. Professional communication. The COB taught me plenty of tips and tricks that helped me stand out.
What did the internship mean to you?
My passion for sports often found me wanting to do everything I could to make ECU Athletics better, and this internship allowed me to do that. From a professional standpoint, my internship has assured me that this is the career path I want to take, and it has helped me network with people that I might work with in the future.
How are you better prepared for your career with this internship under your belt?
My internship was a great way to get early knowledge about what it is like to work in a big college athletic department. The time spent in the office has been important to me, as I’ve seen now what it is like as a day-to-day employee in a sports organization’s marketing department. When it comes to working at games, I’ve gained experience talking to and working with fans, and I have knowledge that others may not have yet.
Why would you recommend a business student take advantage of an internship opportunity?
It is imperative to take the internship opportunities because it is never too early to start your career. You never know what could come of those opportunities, also. I now hold a position on the Student Pirate Club Executive Board, and I am the president of the Minges Maniacs organization. You never know what one position might lead you to, and it is a great way to network early on in your career.