Grad student lands Winter Games internship
Jan. 15, 2002
KALAMAZOO -- Julie Schuldt can't wait for the Games to begin.
The 24-year-old Western Michigan University graduate student is due in Salt Lake City by Jan. 17 for an internship at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Schuldt is studying physical education with a sports management emphasis, and the Olympic experience will complete her required fieldwork.
"I'm really excited," says the Lansing, Ill., native who is working toward a master's degree. "People have asked me whether I'm scared because of Sept. 11, but I see this as the perfect opportunity to express unity. And the Olympics have so much to offer in terms of tradition and spirit."
For five weeks, Schuldt will work in event services as a sector coordinator at Utah Olympic Park, which is about 24 miles from Salt Lake City--make that 16 minutes away by bobsled, the travel method featured in one of three events that will be hosted at the park.
As athletes navigate the snow and ice, Schuldt will manage and support team leaders, coordinate emergency management response, provide continuous crowd control and work in risk management.
"This is going to be quite different for me," says Schuldt, whose undergraduate internships as a WMU student were more oriented toward recreation and entertainment. One internship even included a stint as Winnie the Pooh at Walt Disney World.
Because 2002 marks both the first time women will compete in the bobsled event as well as the return of skeleton competition after a 54-year hiatus, much attention will be focused on Schuldt's site. The luge competition rounds out events at Utah Olympic Park.
"I'm looking forward to it," she says. "I want to learn more about organization and security, and the volunteers and large crowds."
Schuldt, who landed the internship through Monster.com, an online career management Web site, can be reached at (269) 760-0026.
Media contact: Gail H. Towns, 269 387-8400, gail.towns@wmich.edu