Week 1 Notes – SEEM Industry Introduction (Sports, Entertainment and Event Management)

Platform and Orientation

  • The course uses Blackboard as the learning platform. You can download an alternative format for easier reading or navigation, and you can download resources here. For nonacademic questions about how the platform works, contact online help.

  • The instructor notes that online help is the go-to resource for nonacademic issues related to the Blackboard platform. The bottom-right area of the page shows the Online Help option for quick access.

  • The message emphasizes that the online help experts handle platform-specific questions; the instructor does not claim deep expertise in Blackboard itself.

Week 1 Overview: Introduction to the SIEM Industry

  • Week 1 centers on an introduction to the SIEM industry (Sports, Entertainment, and Event Management).

  • Each week provides an overview intended to guide you through the process of the course.

  • Learning goals for Week 1:

    • Define the five functions of management and apply them to the sports entertainment and event management industry.

    • Listen to and explain the four steps necessary to achieving career success.

  • The course foundation aims to give a feel for each element in the SIEM industry: the sports element, the entertainment element, and the event element. These three elements often converge in real-world settings.

  • Illustration of convergence: someday you might work in a stadium or arena handling athletic events, entertainment events, and regular life cycle events such as weddings or dinners within the venue. The industry is broad and multifaceted, which makes it engaging yet busy and demanding.

  • The experience can be very busy; you may sometimes be working while others are performing. This dynamic will be explored as the weeks progress.

Course Structure and Navigation

  • The weekly overview acts as a roadmap through the course content.

  • To-do list: review upcoming tasks and responsibilities for the week. Scroll down in the LMS to access all items.

  • In Week 1 you will see multiple presentation areas (e.g., Week 1 Presentation 1, Week 1 Presentation 2, Week 1 Presentation 3) that contain the required work.

Week 1 Assignments Overview

  • There are four assignments in Week 1:
    1) Week 1 Discussion: Introduction Video
    2) Career Plan Outline
    3) Industry Overview
    4) Principles of Management

  • In addition, there is a term project described, which unfolds over multiple weeks.

Week 1 Discussion: Introduction Video

  • Submission method: use the Blackboard submission system for the video assignment. While you can edit with tools like iMovie or other editors, you must submit the final video through Blackboard for a smooth submission experience.

  • The discussion has two core responsibilities:

    • Read the prompt and understand the expectations for the discussion.

    • Submit an initial thread, which for this week is a video, by Thursday at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST).

  • After posting your initial thread, you must respond to at least three classmates’ initial threads by Sunday at 11:59 PM EST.

  • Rationale for video format: as the industry evolves, many organizations now use video interviews or video resumes, and some may prefer video clips over traditional resumes.

  • Video content requirements: the video must embed seven key elements:
    1) Your name
    2) The campus you are attending
    3) Your home country
    4) Your state and the city/town
    5) Your major
    6) Your class level (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior) and your industry experiences with level (entry level, team manager, leader, general manager, owner, etc.)
    7) Your professional career aspiration and the dream job in this industry, including why you would pursue it at this point in your life

  • The seven items are designed to give a quick yet comprehensive snapshot of your background and ambitions for potential employers.

  • Practical tips: the video format helps you convey personality and communication skills that are important in the SIEM field; video resumes are increasingly used by organizations in the recruitment process.

  • Quick reminder: ensure you include all seven items clearly and concisely in your video.

Additional Notes on Video Requirements and Industry Relevance

  • The emphasis on video aligns with current industry practices such as video interviews and video resumes.

  • A well-structured video that covers the seven embedded items can serve as a strong introduction to you as a candidate and to your understanding of the industry.

  • Consider how to demonstrate your experiences and the level of responsibility you have held in sports, entertainment, or event contexts.

Other Week 1 Assignments

  • Career Plan Outline: follow the instructions provided in the Career Plan Outline section to complete the outline.

  • Industry Overview: refer to the industry overview slides, paying special attention to the media tour subset, and answer the accompanying questions.

  • Principles of Management: apply the principles of management to a real-world position you identify. A practical approach is to locate a specific job description that reflects the career position you are interested in.

  • Not due this week, but introduced: the term project. Instructions for the term project are located in the Term Project area. The purpose is to research a specific career position you would be interested in pursuing.

The Term Project and its Timeline

  • The term project is designed to help you research a specific career position you might want to pursue.

  • The project is planned to unfold in three sections across the eight-week term: one section due in Week 2, one in Week 5, and the final section in Week 6.

  • The project analogy: planning a vacation with a destination and a plan to reach it. Having clear career goals and a plan helps you map a path toward your desired role.

Support, Philosophy, and Course Ethos

  • The instructor is available via email for questions and guidance.

  • Expect a new video to be posted in Week 1 area on either Monday or Tuesday of the upcoming week; this cadence helps you stay engaged.

  • Core philosophy echoed by the instructor: people care how much you care before they care how much you know. Demonstrate genuine care for the material, fellow students, and the process; this reflects your commitment to learning and teamwork.

  • Practical takeaway: demonstrating care, effort, and growth often yields deeper understanding and better collaboration, which are valuable in any industry.

Final Reminders and Real-World Preparedness

  • Look for the next video release in Week 1 area and plan to engage with Week 2 content.

  • The best way to contact the instructor is via email.

  • Take time to breathe, pace yourself, and focus on producing your best work.

  • In the SIEM context, expect busy environments, diverse events, and the need for effective coordination among sports, entertainment, and event activities.

Ethical and Professional Implications

  • Timely submissions and respectful engagement with classmates are essential for a productive learning community.

  • Content should be professional and work-ready, reflecting a serious commitment to learning and collaboration.

  • Online presence and video submissions should demonstrate integrity and preparedness for real-world industry interactions.

Summary and Next Steps

  • Week 1 introduces the SIEM industry and lays the groundwork for the course structure, assignments, and career planning activities.

  • You will engage with discussions, career planning tasks, and research-oriented projects designed to connect theory with real-world industry roles.

  • Prepare for Week 2 by reviewing materials, planning your Week 2 assignments, and keeping an eye on the next video release. Remember to contact the instructor via email if you have questions.

  • Final note: stay engaged, demonstrate care in your work, and use the upcoming weeks to build a strong foundation for your career in sports, entertainment, and event management.