Perceptions of Learning among Sport Management Students at a Short-Term, High-Profile Sporting Event Volunteer Opportunity

Abstract

Volunteering at short-term, high-profile sporting events has become an increasingly popular form of experiential learning within the sport management discipline. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of sport management student volunteers regarding outcomes of their participation in this endeavor. Data was collected via surveys emailed to students at the conclusion of their volunteer experience. Quantitative results (n = 54) yielded many findings, including levels of students’ perceived learning in a number of transferable skill areas and career management competencies. Further, the results showed that this learning was primarily derived from engaging in assigned duties, speaking with event attendees, and informal meetings/conversations with faculty during the trip as opposed to formal training activities. Qualitative results provided some insight into disadvantages that may have diminished the learning experience for students. These results yield practical implications for educators and event managers, while also suggesting potential future research directions.

Keywords:

• Experiential learning
• learning outcomes
• sport management
• volunteer