Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - Most students majoring in business do not foresee motocross as part of their future career, but University of Wisconsin-Platteville junior, Melissa Hubbard, would not have it any other way. Hubbard, the daughter of Doug and Judy Hubbard of Platteville, will apply her education in business administration to a career in motocross (motorcycle racing).

Hubbard said, "I remember going to my first big race and thinking, this is amazing. I absolutely fell in love with the atmosphere of the arena. From the tight, fast-paced racing to the crazy fans, I was hooked right away. It has definitely grown from an interest to a passion."

She continues, "It's incredible to see how many families get involved and make this sport a family event. Everyone is so pleasant to be around and joyous to work with."

Last spring, she scoured the motocross industry for possible summer internships, sending her resume to several motocross companies across the midwest. EVS Sports, a protective gear company located in Janesville, granted her the chance she'd been seeking, a 12-week summer internship.

Hubbard's internship advisor, Bernard Harris, said, "Melissa definitely set a goal and did everything she could to reach it - settling for nothing less. I think her approach took maturity and assertiveness. She used a very proactive one toward landing her ideal internship."

As an intern at EVS Sports, Hubbard's main responsibility consists of researching for and writing the EVS Safety Column in Motocross Action Magazine, where she addresses the major safety issues in motocross. Her secondary duties include answering the phone, replying to and sending e-mails and customer service.

"Her experience is becoming invaluable. She is researching so many topics surrounding motocross racing. Her contacts have included medical doctors and other professionals who know a lot about racing and safety. Her writing skills - although good before she started - have reached a pinnacle. Her editor is accepting her articles on their first draft - unheard of even among seasoned professionals," commented Harris.

Director of sales and Hubbard's supervisor, Todd Lentz, stated, "EVS is always more than happy to offer internships to students. As long as we can work together in order to benefit both the student and company, everyone wins. An internship like this really lets someone get an inside look into the motocross industry."

Hubbard said that deadline management has been her most valued learning experience. She also said she's grateful for the opportunity to meet valuable industry contacts who have provided good advice on how to move forward in a motocross career.

"After doing an internship like this, I'm extremely determined to work in the motorsports industry after graduation. This industry could take me to many places and I'm excited to see what my future holds in this sport," Hubbard said.

When asked what she would tell other students about taking advantage of internships, she said, "Don't pass it up. The experience is priceless."

In fall 2006, Hubbard will travel to Ireland to gain international experience. While there, she hopes to attend Motocross Des Nations on Sept. 24 in Winchester, UK. Held annually, this race showcases the top three racers from participating countries, competing for the title.

Hubbard agrees that women in motocross are rare but they are becoming more and more involved in the sport. To women wanting to get into motocross, she asserts, "You can often feel intimidated working with so many men, but if you know what you want and are confident enough, you can achieve anything. I would encourage all women who are interested to jump right in, get their feet wet, and believe in themselves."

Editor's Note: This is the first in UW-Platteville's summer series of Career Connections stories, focusing on students gaining field experience through community partnerships.

Contact: Bernard Harris, professor, UWP Business and Accounting Department, (608) 342-1701, harrisb@uwplatt.edu

Prepared by: April Schmidt, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, schmidap@uwplatt.edu