Blake Smith ’22 received the prestigious Immersion, Mentorship and Actualization Program (I-MAP) Award for sophomore student-athletes from Northwestern University in 2024. Sponsored by the David G. Kabiller Nu for Life Program, I-MAP is a week-long industry immersion program designed to help student-athletes work with mentors and make industry contacts.

Smith was excited to have exposure to the working world through an externship-style experience that had flexible scheduling, working around his Northwestern basketball schedule. He received a $5,000 subsidy to craft his own work experience, including networking and mentorship. 

As a journalism major with an interest in sports media, Smith was able to gain hands-on experience in this industry, from writing and editing to operations. 

“For my weeklong experience, I went to CBS Sports in New York and covered the Sweet 16/ Elite 8 weekend,” Smith said. “I shadowed the head of diversity, equity, and inclusion and she showed me the whole operation. I saw a live halftime show and got to meet Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith. I saw the operational rooms of a live TV show. I was also able to learn about the corporate side and met with the company CEO.”

Not only did Smith get to learn about CBS Sports, he experienced CBS News during a live evening broadcast, an ESPN morning show, and networked with Northwestern alumni who work there. 

“The I-MAP experience was eye opening and gave me a more holistic view of what sports  media is,” Smith said. “It’s so much more than the anchors and what you see on air. I gained a newfound appreciation for how hard it is and understanding the units of work as a cross-functional team to create the on-air product that looks perfect almost every time. I could see myself exploring production or graphic design along with being an on-air talent.”

Smith expressed that being a student-athlete has helped prepare him and shape his future, both at Northwestern and GA. During his time at GA, Smith played basketball and track and field and was named Second Team All-Inter-Ac League for basketball during his senior year. 

“Going into sports media since I am a student-athlete felt natural while bridging connections,” Smith said. “Being on site at CBS Sports and ESPN, there’s a natural connection when you’re an athlete and you get the details. And there’s also soft skills you develop - being able to work on a team and seeing how important that is in the workplace, with so many departments working together. If one department doesn't do their job, then you won't get the perfect show. So teamwork, leadership, taking charge, and being able to speak and command a room are areas that being a student-athlete has helped me succeed.”

Smith plans to continue exploring opportunities that blend his passion for athletics and media, and his I-MAP experience has only strengthened his enthusiasm for this industry.