Student-Athletes Combine Passion with Career

During the summer of 2013 Amber Nichols ’14, and Virginia Chandler ’13, had a dream internship with the Washington Redskins. Nichols is a sociology major and Chandler recently graduated with an interdisciplinary major in sports reporting and Spanish. Both women are athletes at UR and found ways to combine their passion for sports into their studies as well as this internship.

When the marketing manager for the Redskins reached out to the Richmond Public Relations department looking for volunteers, Nichols knew it was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up. She reached out to the marketing manager and after an interview was offered an internship for the summer.

During her time with the Redskins, Nichols’ main responsibility was creating and operating the play60 area for kids. This area is an obstacle course designed to promote fitness and healthy living among children. She also helped increase membership in the women’s fan club. Nichols’ favorite part of her internship was the public relations component, which enabled her to interact with the players.

“Meeting the players and seeing them interact with the fans and the community was the highlight of my experience.  I learned how important it is for athletes to remain humble and I learned how much work goes into running a successful athletic event like a professional football training camp,” said Nichols.

Chandler heard about the internship opportunity from her roommate then spoke with the football defensive coordinator Bob Trott and Beth Chancy from Career Services about who to contact directly. During her time with the Washington Redskins, Chandler worked in the public relations department. Some of her jobs included greeting guests, monitoring the media, as well as reviewing and helping to write transcripts and press releases. She enjoyed being able to interact with the players and helping prepare them for interviews and press conferences.

“I met some amazing people, hall of famers, CEOs, famous television personalities and Super Bowl champions. Some of those relationships have even carried over after the end of my internship,” said Chandler.

Both Nichols and Chandler believe that the University of Richmond effectively prepared them for their internships. Citing not only their classes, but also on-campus jobs and visits to Career Services as beneficial tools. Nichols has been able to work with Public Relations for Spider Athletics during her time at the University, which prepared her not only for her internship with the Redskins but also for her future career goals. Career Services also helped both students prepare for these internships through resume help as well as advice and support from the career advisors.

Their time with the Washington Redskins confirmed for both Nichols and Chandler their love for working in the sports industry and both hope to continue on this career path in the future.

“Our job is to inspire our fellow athletes, our community, and our fans to work just as hard," Nichols says. "Spider Pride is about more than just winning and competing. It’s about having a greater purpose and fulfilling that purpose and leaving a legacy.”

Pictured: Amber Nichols and friend at Redskins training camp.