Where do I even begin?! I received a phone call, late in September 2023, from Kass Naidoo and before she even finished proposing the internship to me, I had already agreed. When she called me again in December to extend my contract, I think she already knew the answer would be “yes”!
Working at gsport as a social media intern has been one of the most hands on, realistic and most professional work settings I’ve encountered as a young adult. Through working at gsport, I was able to interact with writers, reporters, presenters, athletes and all sorts of individuals in the women’s sport world. These are individuals that I am certain, I would not have conversed with so soon in my career.
Introducing myself alongside the gsport brand made such a difference in the way I carry myself. I have grown so confident in the media space and I am always up for a challenge. I have always found the media space intimidating, unless you’re well known and all sorts, but the platform I’ve been given has taken all that away. I know that the person with the mic or the person on stage is really just another human being. The women’s sport media space is actually a really interactive and developing environment.
Looking at social media as a mere observer is completely different from being on the other side. I didn’t expect the hard work, intentionality and accuracy that came with handling the social media page of an establishment such as gsport. I’ve used social media, personally, for almost 10 years, but have understood it more in the last three months. I’ve had to learn so much about social media; not just on the surface level.
CLICK HERE TO VISIT ONE LEADING INSTAGRAM UPDATE
When I started working with gsport in May 2023, I would take and submit photos, videos, attend events, and do all the fun stuff, while someone else did the social media. I didn’t know that I would eventually be the “social media person” myself. One of the events I covered before the internship began was the 2023 Netball World Cup Fan Park in Cape Town. Another life changing experience for me, but I’m glad I wasn’t on social media yet!
My highlight in working at gsport was when we experienced a massive spike on our TikTok page! Kass even sent a message noting that as well. I felt really honoured that gsport reached that milestone while I was there as well. Another one of my highlights were the people I worked with within gsport. My colleagues certainly made each day a breeze.
Although more experienced and knowledgeable, they patiently walked the journey with me- teaching and advising me. I never felt like I didn’t belong, because of the support and respect we have for each other at gsport. I would love to meet all of them someday because I already know they’re amazing individuals. I am so grateful for that.
My least favourite part was the early mornings, for sure! I’ve always wondered how resilient my colleagues had to be to actually be at the office that early each day? Some days were better than others, but I did eventually get the hang of it.
The other challenge I faced was covering a Match Centre for one of the Proteas Women’s matches. Prior to working at gsport, I really didn’t understand the game of cricket. I despise failure, but if there’s one thing the gsport family has taught me, is to ask for help. There is always someone who knows more than you, someone who’s got a bit more experience or someone who’s got the time as well. I can confirm that I am 50% on my way to being a Cricket Guru.
Working at gsport has changed my life and career. I’ve had to think a lot about the direction I wish my career in sports to take. There’s a lot I still need to learn and understand about women’s sport media and about myself and gsport has been a great tool for navigation. I know that I am way ahead on my journey because of gsport4girls. This was an opportunity I didn’t even know existed, but certainly wouldn’t trade for the world.
To Kass, and the entire gsport team, Thank you! Nothing lasts forever, but I hope my relationship with the gsport family does.
Zomusa Thango
gsport Social Media Intern
Photo Caption: As gsport Social Media intern Zomusa Thango concludes her internship, she blogs about the journey and the opportunity to level up and help her better understand her role in the industry. Read her story and apply to be the next gsport intern! All Photos: Supplied
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