My Court-Side Insights Interning for the NBA’s Sacramento Kings

This summer I had the rare opportunity to intern with the NBA’s Sacramento Kings pro basketball team, diving into the world of tech inventory management and operational excellence.

As a UC Davis MBA student, I brought a broad skillset and put those skills into play during the internship, which offered a practical, hands-on experience that reshaped my professional aspirations and deepened my understanding of real-world business challenges.

For prospective students considering an MBA, UC Davis combines a rigorous, STEM-designated curriculum with real-world applications ranging from internships, team consulting projects, Industry Immersions, exclusive company tours, and live case studies from leading executives.

Intersection of Technology and Operations

From day one, I was immersed in managing the tech inventory for the Sacramento Kings, including Golden 1 Center, the arena where the Kings play, and at Sutter Health Park, home of the Sacramento River Cats Minor League Baseball team, which the Kings are majority owners.

My role went beyond keeping track of equipment; it was about ensuring that the tech infrastructure was streamlined and cost-effective.

One of the most rewarding aspects was coordinating the tech needs for high-profile events like California Classic Summer League and Minor League Baseball games.

Ensuring seamless operations required meticulous planning and real-time problem-solving, skills I honed during my first year at UC Davis, particularly in courses like Operations and Product Management.

 A Shift in Work Culture

It was a refreshing transition from my experience in the tech and banking sectors in the Netherlands and India to a professional sports entertainment company like the Sacramento Kings. My previous roles with ABN Amro Bank involved structured environments and a focus on financial technologies.

In contrast, working with the Kings and across their franchises was a much more dynamic and vibrant atmosphere. The focus was on technology and creating memorable experiences for fans and attendees, blending entertainment with tech seamlessly.

The collaborative and energetic culture at the Kings was evident in various team activities, including a memorable kickball tournament.

Team Black, which I was part of, won first place, showing our strong team spirit and camaraderie within the organization. Held inside Golden 1 Center, the team-building event was a great example of how bonding and a fun work environment can drive productivity and morale.

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Real-World Challenges in Cybersecurity and Network Ops

My role extended beyond inventory management to ensuring robust network operations. The challenge was to maintain continuous network availability for 19,000 attendees, and online viewers.

Implementing cybersecurity measures and SecOps protocols was crucial. This experience underscored the importance of the theoretical knowledge I gained in Management of Information Systems, an MBA course taught by Lecturer Cyrus Aram.

Working on these projects highlighted the critical role of cross-departmental coordination and effective communication.

The collaborative atmosphere at UC Davis, with its small cohort and strong faculty support, mirrors a real-world dynamic, preparing me to navigate complex professional environments.

UC Davis MBA: A Catalyst for Growth

Reflecting on my journey, the UC Davis MBA program has been instrumental in shaping my professional and personal growth. Courses like Professor Ayako Yasuda’s Financial Theory and Policy, and the Industry Immersion program provided a solid foundation, while the supportive environment fostered my development.

The Career Development team and BizBridge Mentor Collective are invaluable resources, guiding me through the internship process and helping me translate classroom knowledge into practical skills.

Tech-Driven MBA Internship Transforms My Career

Several projects and case studies during my first year were particularly impactful. The Markstrat simulation in the Product Management course and the real-life project collaboration in the Management Information Systems course were pivotal. These experiences emphasized applying theoretical concepts to solve real-world problems, preparing me for the challenges I faced during my internship.

As I continue my MBA journey, I am excited about the future possibilities. The lessons learned during my internship with the Kings have reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career that leverages technology to drive business success. I plan to explore real-time inventory tracking and predictive analytics to further enhance operational efficiency.

My summer internship with the Sacramento Kings was a transformative experience, blending technology, operations, and strategic management. It honed my skills and discovered a clear direction for my future career.

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