Senior Vanessa Smith at a Final Four Fan Jam event

Senior Vanessa Smith, a public relations student, is working during the NCAA men’s basketball tournament as the Final Four Fan Jam lead. The Fan Jam organizes basketball-themed appearances in the community through interactive, “pop-up” events. Smith gave us the details about her position:

“I oversee a team of volunteers to execute each Final Four Fan Jam promotional event throughout the entire tournament. The Fan Jam is used to unite and uplift the community through the platform of March Madness. We have events almost every day.

I help set up the events and promote the Final Four by handing out free swag. I love seeing people get excited for all the swag. My favorite part of the position is interacting with the fans. It’s fun to cheer on teams together and connect. Gaining more in-person communication skills is important to me. My public relations skills have also come in handy – understanding promotions and marketing has helped me.

On average, I dedicate about 10 to 15 hours per week to this position, and I’m also volunteering for other events and programs during the tournament.

I was ecstatic to land this position. Being involved in a big event like this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Having the entire NCAA men’s basketball tournament in the state of Indiana will probably never happen again in history. We are busy, no doubt, but it’s an experience I knew I couldn’t pass up.”