Campus Celebrity: Courtney Wehling

Imagine being able to say you get to stand on Soldier Field every home game as the Chicago Bears run out onto the field. For most people, it sounds like a scene out of a sports movie; something that only a select few would get to experience. However, for Courtney Wehling, it’s just another weekend. Courtney Wehling is an Advertising and Events Intern for the Chicago Bears. Not only does she have an internship most college students would die for, but she just finished up her term as President of Gamma Phi Beta sorority, is an active member of Business Council and many other organizations on campus, all while maintaining her life as a normal college student. Her Campus Illinois sat down with Courtney to discuss her internship, to learn valuable advice about making the most out of any internship, and learned some useful tips for multitasking along the way.
 
HC: In my opinion, you have one of the coolest internships I’ve ever heard of. Can you tell us a little more about your internship and what you do on a daily basis with the Bears?
I am an Advertising and Events Intern for the Chicago Bears.  I started the internship with Training Camp, which was every day from the end of July to middle of August . During training camp, I worked on security for Bears families, guests and corporate sponsors.  I also sold tickets for our event at Soldier Field, played football with kids, helped with autograph sessions and gave away prizes. 

In the fall, I work during the home games at Soldier Field so I have to travel to Chicago during the weekends.  I am one of the managers for the 4^th Phase on-field flag which is a 40 yard flag held by 100 fans before each game.  One of the best parts about my internship is that I am on the 40 yard line when the opposing team and the Bears run out before the game.  I also help with the halftime shows and preparing for them.

HC: How did you get this awesome internship?
I actually heard about this internship through a friend.  I thought it sounded really cool so I applied and interviewed. I was chosen for one of the Training Camp positions.  Then, after Training Camp I was offered a position on the GameDay staff.

HC: What advice do you have for our readers who are looking to get an internship?
Use your connections to find internships you are interested in.  Don’t just settle for an easy, boring internship.  Find one that challenges you to try hard every day.  Those are the most rewarding internships that you will talk about for the rest of your life!

HC: What qualities do you have that you think have made you so successful at your internship?
One thing that has helped me throughout this internship is my ability to understand the type of person that I am talking to.  My position deals a lot with many different kinds of people, so I always have to be understanding of their problems or concerns. I have worked hard to be able to explain things clearly to these different types of people. This quality does not come naturally for me. I became much better at this type of communication as the internship progressed. 

Another thing that this internship has taught me is that I’m okay with doing a man’s job.  This internship requires a lot of lifting and moving big objects like the 40 yard flag or the inflatable bear head and quite often these are dirty from being outside.  If I did not want to do these muddy tasks then I would not have been offered the GameDay position.  That is definitely something that has helped me.

HC: Do you have any cool stories or run-ins with Bears teammates?
As interns we are not supposed to talk to the players but we can talk to them if they initiate the conversation.  I talked about ranch dressing with Olin Kreutz and joked around with Robbie Gould.  During autograph sessions I have been close to almost all of the players including Brian Urlacher, Jay Cutler, and even Coach Lovie Smith. 

HC: So what’s next for you?
Well, I am unable to attend the Postseason because I am studying abroad in Paris, France.  Once I get back I start a marketing internship with Discover Financial Services.  Although I am not able to work the Bears Training Camp next summer, I will definitely be back for the season and probably a few more after that.  I do not know if my future career lies with the Chicago Bears, but I am going to hold on to this amazing opportunity as long as I can.

HC: Not only are you extremely busy with your internship, you also just finished up your term as President of Gamma Phi Beta, are involved with various activities on campus, major in Marketing, and manage to keep your cool on top of it all. How do you do it?
Well, I definitely wish I had more time to relax or hang out with friends but I don’t regret anything I have done.  I’m bored unless I am busy so I enjoy having all of these activities.  I’m a big planner which helps me keep my life organized and without organization my life would be much more difficult.
 
Congratulations again, Courtney, on your exciting internship and your semester in Paris! Her Campus Illinois looks forward to seeing what you do in the future!