“Thank you for

your interest, your application is being reviewed”

Ahhhh, that dreaded confirmation email that leaves too much room for ambiguity… just one of the many reasons why organizations today are making more of an effort to personalize the recruitment process and connect with applicants through more interactive platforms. Here at MLSE, with back-to-school coinciding with our busiest time of the year, we’re also heading back to class, preparing to interact around the GTA at one of the more traditional platforms: job fairs. So before we hit the circuit in 2011-2012, here’s some food for thought for all job seekers:

Coming to a Job Fair near you!

Research – A little homework before a job fair can go a long way! Familiarizing yourself with an organization, its opportunities and its culture will not only prepare you for a strong pitch, but will also help you determine whether an organization is

the right fit for you!

Strategy – Once the research is done, it’s time to focus your attention on a handful of companies that interest you the most. Tailor your resume accordingly, bring multiple versions to hand out, and remember, both parties have time demands, so come prepared with thoughtful questions!

Pitch – What interests you? A brief introduction highlighting your field of study, your interests and your aspirations is a great and effective way to kick start a conversation with any employer! Already well acquainted from your research, also ensure you maximize your time with employers asking questions specific to your career development and goals, rather than general questions about the company.

Professionalism – Regardless of time, location or event, you’re always representing your personal brand… and job fairs are no different! Opting for business casual attire will show exhibitors a level of maturity and responsibility, so take pride in both your work and appearance!

- Duke

5 change rooms painted.  1 storage room created.  2 storage bins built.  8 portable benches developed.  15 new benches cut and installed.  75 employees.  5 days.  600 volunteer hours.

These stats signify the impact MLSE staff had over the past week at the Team Up Foundation’s latest rink refurbishment project – Angela James Arena.  Staff traded in their business

attire, computers and pens for TUF t-shirts, paint brushes, hand saws and drills as they got their hands dirty (literally … saw way too many people wearing the paint that was supposed to be on the walls) as they gave back to the Flemingdon Park community.  This build was even more significant to MLSE staff as they not only were hands on at the refurb site, but they also raised funds at our annual dodgeball tournament to support the development of a new storage area for sports equipment, installation of a wheelchair accessible doorway and installation of new spectator benching at the arena.  So the sweat and tears that staff let

out as they ducked and dodged flying balls in support of the Team Up Foundation will have a huge impact on a community and the youth in it as they experience sports in this newly refurbished and accessible facility.

To all MLSE staff – from those who sacrificed their bodies on the dodgeball court to those who perfected the art of the paint brush – we thank you!

Alicia, Team Up Foundation

Recently, I saw this heading on twitter and just had to inquire within: “Internships: just cheap labour?” The report is part of a video series the Globe and Mail did on the usefulness (or uselessness in this case) of internships today.

This really got me thinking about the effectiveness of our internship program here at MLSE,  I can honestly say that our teams do not see our interns as “cheap labour” as the online piece may suggest.  In fact I’m often amazed at the success rate of our internship program.  In conversation with Jeff Deline, Sr. Director of Partnerships, Jeff brought to my attention that out of the 25 people on his team,

9 members were hired out their internship with MLSE.  What’s even more impressive is the fact that 3 of the 4 Directors in his department (including himself) were also a product of this same program.

Moral of the story?  There can be a direct correlation between going through an internship program here at MLSE and success but it takes a lot of hard work, dedication and passion for what we do.  My advice to anyone in an internship program is simple: take advantage of every opportunity that comes

your way and work your tail off!  Trust me when I say your hard work does not go unnoticed.

Interested in an internship opportunity with MLSE?  Here’s what you need to know:

In order to qualify you must be in a registered internship program with a school.  We hire for internships 3 times a year – in January, May and September – we post with various Colleges and Universities within the GTA that have programs relevant to our business and specific needs.   In addition,  school programs must provide 4 month work terms where students are fully covered through their school’s insurance policy.

What types of internship opportunities does MLSE hire for?  Some of the areas that typically hire for internships include:

Corporate Partnerships, Sales & Service, Event Marketing, Event Personnel & Programming, Fan Loyalty, Fan Services, Team Up Foundation (Fundraiser and Charitable Partnerships), Community Sports & Partnerships, Retail & Merchandise Operations and Broadcast & Media (Sales and Service) just to name a few.

How many internship positions does MLSE hire for per semester?

January/Winter term – 25 positions

May/Summer term – 15-20 positions (off season)

September/Fall term – 35 positions (in season)

For more information about internship opportunities or any postings we have with your school, consult your Internship Coordinator with your program.

-Craig Mongeon, Manager People

(Special thanks to: Sophie Anderson and Jeff Deline for their contributions to this post)

Why should someone consider Finance as a career? “The world of Finance offers many interesting career opportunities from accounting to banking to running a business. As an accountant you get to see the entire picture of a company’s performance. It offers you the opportunity to influence significant change and make an impact.”

What type of education/training is key for those pursuing a career in Finance (especially in Sports and Entertainment) to focus on?  “I think that any business or economics degree is a solid foundation for a career in Finance. The key will be one’s ongoing development and training post-university. The key is to be employed with a company that encourages and mandates further career development. Getting in to sports and entertainment can be difficult as there are limited opportunities. It is important to prepare oneself and then be persistent and patient.”

What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned about Leadership?  “Leadership is a never-ending journey. You are always learning, teaching, changing and developing. If you can stay focused and consistent with your values and brand, you have a chance to be a good leader. Being a leader is demanding as it requires great discipline, communication skills, empathy and edge to make tough decisions. Key learnings: Patience, Ready-Aim-Fire, measure success and never be satisfied”

What do you like best about working at MLSE?  “Its culture, its people and the support of the Board. I am motivated and challenged by the way that MLSE has grown and continues to grow.”

You give back to the Community quite a bit and through a number

of initiatives, both through work and personally. Why is a being a Leader in our Community so important?  “We all have a responsibility to give back. To quote Ken Dryden: ‘It is the right thing to do’. I like to quote Spiderman: ‘With great power comes greater responsibility’. We, who are more fortunate, have an obligation to help those less fortunate. We do not exist alone. I am very lucky to be surrounded by co-workers and friends who share that belief and to work for a great institution that is a leader in the community and supports my efforts.”

Who

doesn’t like a good shopping experience?  Especially when it (a) involves bargains (b) offers cool experiences and (c) is all for a good cause.  Holiday Hoopla is the ultimate shopping event for MLSE staff during the winter holidays.  Storages are cleaned of old promo materials, memorabilia, framed photos, etc and offered to MLSE staff at bargain basement prices, with all funds going to the Team Up Foundation.  And for those wishing to spend a little extra for the Foundation, a silent auction is also set up with items and experiential packages donated by MLSE executives.

Working on the technique

A few weeks ago, Peter Church got the chance to experience the silent auction package he bid on at Hoopla –

Fly Fishing and a Fish Fry.  The package, donated by Kevin Nonomura – Sr. VP of Finance for MLSE and Team Up Foundation Treasurer, had Peter casting the line and attempting to fly fish for the first time.  Kevin wanted to make sure Peter successfully caught something, so he provided the best teacher he knew, his son, who was the youngest ever to represent Canada in an international fly fishing competition.  The guys had a great afternoon by the water, and even reeled in a few for dinner.   With dinner in hand, the anglers returned to Kevin’s home for a four-course feast (paired with wines) prepared by MLSE’s awesome Chef Robert Bartley (check out yummy photo of the main course).

It was an amazing day for all involved.  The Foundation couldn’t be more pleased with the support we receive from MLSE staff and execs.  Thank you Peter, Kevin and Robert!

Success!

Mmmmm, dinner courtesy of Chef Robert

There’s a certain buzz that emanates across MLSE about 4-5 times a year. It’s a feeling of fellowship, where allies

unite, chest-puffing manifests and recruitment goes well beyond HR. At first glance this probably reads like a piece devoted to preseason excitement or an anxious playoff run… but’s it not! I’m talking about our very own MLSE company sports tournaments. Golf, dodgeball, soccer, ball hockey – you name it, we play it!

Yesterday, 130 MLSE employees representing BMO Field, our Networks, Ricoh Coliseum and Air Canada Centre participated

in our 2nd Annual Ball Hockey Tournament at the ACC, benefiting our Team Up Foundation:

For more wall-to-wall action, log in with our Team Up Foundation!

A big thank you to all of the organizers and volunteers who made this and every tournament a winning tradition!

- Duke