HIGH POINT, N.C., July 27, 2017 – HPU senior Hayden Bardorf is “in the game” this summer as an intern for the NBA, which he’s working to help grow and expand internationally.
Bardorf, a strategic communication major, is honing his marketing and communication skills as an intern in the NBA’s International Basketball Operations department. In this role he assists with international NBA academies, international junior NBA events and Basketball Without Borders, a global basketball development and community outreach program for young athletes that promotes the sport and encourages positive social change.
He also works with the Global Partnerships department in developing a marketing strategy for the NBA’s new 2K esports league that will debut in 2018.
His most exciting experience so far was meeting NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. Bardorf was ready with his professional “elevator speech” when Silver stepped onto an actual elevator with him.
“It was a surreal moment to have a one-on-one conversation with the man who runs one of the largest sports organizations in the world,” Bardorf said. “Luckily, I had my speech prepared and a question ready to ask.”
Previously, Bardorf had gained experience in public relations and sports entertainment internships with Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, a non-profit organization helping military families who have lost loved ones. He coordinated events between the organization and professional sports teams, which connected him to this year’s experience with the NBA.
Bardorf says his classes at HPU and mentorship from Phil Watson and Dr. Brandon Lenoir, both assistant professors in the Nido R. Qubein School of Communication, helped him prepare for the opportunity. HPU’s Office of Career and Professional Development also assisted by helping him format his resume in a way that interprets the value of his work experience to potential employers.
The professional experience he’s gaining will prove endlessly beneficial in the long run.
“This internship will be incredibly helpful down the road,” Bardorf said. “The networking opportunities I have had while working here are invaluable and will surely help me in my job search after graduation.”