Combining her studies in marketing and love of baseball to form the perfect internship
June 2024 – As a first-year student, Zoefia Shimp C’26 took a marketing class and was hooked.
She quickly declared a major in marketing, adding minors in business and media & communications. “I soon fell in love with marketing because I realized it’s about people and catching their eye,” said Shimp. “It was more engaging and creative than memorizing terms and processes.”
A life-long Philadelphia Phillies fan and a member of Drew’s softball team, Shimp was seeking ways she could combine her love of marketing and the Phillies in her career. “I got to thinking about future jobs and I know that every company needs to have marketing, including the Philadelphia Phillies,” she said.
Through persistence and a series of events that took place over the course of a year, Shimp was able to land the Philadelphia Phillies ticket services internship this summer. We sat down with Shimp to learn more about her opportunity, read on for the details.
How did you land the internship?
Last year, Drew’s Head Softball Coach Erica Mehalick asked my team if anyone was interested in going to a conference at MLB headquarters for the National Woman and Girls in Sports Day event. My hand immediately shot up and I begged my coach to go. Normally, girls who attend are rising seniors, newly graduated, or current coaches, but I was able to go!
The event included panel discussions with women who work there and they talked about their journey to the job. We received a tour of the facility and met some famous trailblazers who work in baseball including Jenny Finch, Natasha Watley, Ronnie Gajownik, Veronica Alvarez, and so many more.
I was able to learn about the Urban Youth Academy (UYA) programs along with the youth baseball and softball initiative programs. Through a few follow-up meetings and expressing my interest in working with the Phillies, last summer I was given the opportunity to volunteer with the Phillies ballgirls. It was a great summer and being with the kids was so fun.
This year, I had the privilege of going back to the MLB headquarters for the second time. I felt more prepared and confident in my networking skills. I then applied for the Phillies ticket services internship. I was one of the youngest interns to be awarded the position, which seemed daunting at first. I was grateful and very proud that my hard work, advocating, and praying paid off.
Your internship responsibilities?
My responsibilities are very vast. Most days, I work on the phone line and assist fans with any questions they may have. Every day is different. Occasionally on game days I can be found at the entrance gates to the park or setting up for parties and large groups behind the scenes. These workdays are fun because I get to switch up my schedule a little and help other departments when needed.
Overall, the internship experience is a blast. It’s an upbeat but professional environment where we like to have fun but be serious at the same time. I never really know what to expect so it’s great to be able to think critically and quickly as well as have the muscles to carry water coolers or guide groups of children to different stations!
How has Drew prepared you for this opportunity?
Drew has provided me with accessibility to New York City so I could visit the MLB headquarters in the first place. Without the help of my coach, and the proximity of the school to Madison train station, this would not have been possible. I was provided with networking resources and tutorials to complete my LinkedIn profile, which was necessary in staying connected with events and colleagues. The educational resources and classes helped me find my passion in marketing and given me the ability to adapt into the professional workspace environment.
What are your aspirations beyond graduation?
I would love to be a ballgirl with the Phillies and hopefully secure a position with them as well. I know that I want to work in sports in some way so I can stay connected to my athletic background!
