Graduating year: May 2017
Hometown: Richmond, BC
Employed by: UBC Athletics and Recreation and FC Vancouver Whitecaps
Stream: Kinesiology
Allen initially joined co-op with a physio career in mind. However, along the way, his aspirations began to shift towards a career in digital/social media and marketing with a sports element. It was this change, he says, “that led me to two unforgettable co-op placements”.
Allen’s first co-op placement was with UBC Athletics and Recreation as the Sports Marketing, Promotions and Sponsorship Assistant to the Manager of Marketing & Communications and the Senior Manager of Business Development for an 8-month term.
This was his first experience working in an office setting, and he reports thoroughly enjoying it. From event planning for major events like Homecoming, to being in charge of running booths at various events including KitsFest, Imagine Day, and BC Lions tailgates, Allen reports this work as rewarding. He credits it with provided him with a new and valuable perspective in planning for major events.
Allen’s second placement was with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC for a 4-month summer term. Working as the Marketing Intern for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Allen describes this as “the best work experience I have had the pleasure of being a part of. The fast-paced environment, coupled with the passionate staff, has inspired me to pursue a career working for a professional sports team”.
Highlights from working with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC include being in charge of running their social media channels, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook Live on game days; the overall team-oriented atmosphere with supportive management; and finally to having the creative freedom to put out any ideas – no matter how wild they may be – it was an overall amazing experience.
