Coursework, Networking and Mentors Help Student Land an Internship Alongside NBA Players

Zach Massung credits skills and tools he’s learned at SCM to succeed in a content creation role

What began as a thought and a dream slowly became a reality for SCM Senior Sports Communication student Zachery Massung. In 2019, Massung began pursuing a photography and videography career by volunteering to create content for those around him. With the guidance of his mentors Drew Hanlen and Sam Limon who run Pure Sweat Basketball, Massung landed an internship working with NBA players for the following summer. 

Over a few months, Massung collaborated with Zach Lavine, RJ Barrett, Jayson Tatum, Joel Embiid, Trae Young, and Bradley Beal. During the summer of 2020, he began to excel at his social media management roles and feel part of the NBA landscape. The strict routine included early mornings with the players in the weight room and on the court, scheduling one-on-one interviews and creating and posting content. Massung was given the opportunity to witness practices and work with the athletes during their off-season. 

Massung credits his experience to CMST 101: Fundamentals of Speech taught by Professor Shelley Bromberg: “The course helped me learn the importance of communication and projecting my voice clearly. As my confidence grew, I have been able to feel comfortable at my job.” The course helped Massung with voiceovers and how to speak effectively for promotional videos, which increased his confidence and made him aware that his creative content ideas were viable. 

Massung shared the importance of networking and staying aggressive. He wants his fellow SCM students to follow their passions and interests, which can lead to full-time employment and enjoyment: “It is never too late to take a risk on your hobbies. Some of the best situations can come to fruition when you are tested outside of your comfort zone.”

Massuing is excited about his future. “In 10 years, I hope to have my own sports agency. I credit that thought to Professor Keith Green, as I took his Sports Communication Public Relations course.” Professor Green shared insightful tips and advice to Massung, as the course helped spark his interest in sport communication: “Sports PR allowed me to see that not all PR is good PR, and that organizations and companies should strive to obtain a good reputation with their various audiences,” Massung said. 

Massung also urges others to “put equal effort into completing school work and outside hobbies. Success isn’t formed overnight. Practice makes progress.” He highlighted that it is beneficial to utilize the networking skills and lessons that SCM provides and apply them to every opportunity. “Do things in school but do the same amount outside of school; just going to class and doing the bare minimum is not going to put you in a better position to obtain your goals and do what you want to do.”

To see Massung’s work and network with him, follow him on IG @uncutxremy. 

Story written by Paulette Gando-Duenas and Rayane Yamout