Nika Mchedlishvili, a senior multidisciplinary studies in sport, tourism, hospitality and event management major who is set to graduate this May, has spent this semester working for two professional sports franchises in New Orleans.
Nika Mchedlishvili says his internship with the New Orleans Pelicans and Saints has been his Temple Made moment.
Photo by Ryan S. Brandenberg
Nika Mchedlishvili
Degree: BS, multidisciplinary studies in sport, tourism, hospitality and event management
College: School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management
Hometown: Georgia (Eastern Europe)
Why you chose Temple: “When I was looking for colleges, I knew that I wanted to go into a field like sports management. When I was doing my research, Temple University really stood out. I came to find that they had a great program, and I saw the types of experiences that you can get here and the types of networking opportunities that open up for you at Temple. And, over the last two years, that has definitely proven to be true. So, yeah, when I was doing my research, Temple stood out as my No. 1 option, and I am very glad I was able to get in.”
Transformative Temple moment: “I think there can be a lot of answers to this question but for me, it was when I landed my senior internship with the (New Orleans) Saints and Pelicans. When I applied for the position, I was told that there were hundreds and hundreds of applicants, so I did not have great hopes going into this. But, within two days, they got back to me to offer me an interview, and it was just a very smooth process from there on out. I think that only happened because of my experiences at Temple.
“When I think of Temple and STHM, I always think of (Professor of Instruction) Rick Ridall. He has mentored me over the last two years and even with this internship, he took the time to make some phone calls and put in a recommendation. I really think that helped, too. So, that has really been my defining moment here at Temple because without Temple and without Professor Ridall, I don't think I would have been able to get this position.”
What’s next: “So, this is, a 10-month position, and I started back in January, so I will be here until at least November or December. But my goal is to be able to stay on as a full-time coordinator here. I would love to be able to continue with the Saints and Pelicans moving forward, because so far, I have had a great experience with both organizations. I have had a great experience with my direct supervisors, my management team, and the city itself. It's a great city, so hopefully I'll be able to stay here a little longer.”