How one thing always leads to another.

Last year, as a sophomore at Syracuse University studying sport management, I had the amazing opportunity to work with Learfield’s Syracuse Sports Properties. I spent a lot of time working remotely with sports media and data companies in the past, but this was my first position working hands-on in a facility. I was able to work with Learfield for Syracuse football, basketball, and lacrosse home games from the Fall of 2022 to the Spring of 2023.

One of my favorite memories with Learfield goes back to the 2023 Syracuse football season. It was my first day as an intern for Learfield. I started my day working at the quad for the big tailgate that was open to all Syracuse fans and students. This took place three hours before game time; I was located near the radio booth with my co-workers. Two hours before the game, we got to walk through all of the Chick-Fil-A suites in the JMA Wireless Dome on the second level of the facility. This entailed checking that Chick-Fil-A’s signage was in each suite and that everything was intact.

When the game started, my boss had me come down to the field with him during warmups to get ready for the on-field promotion during the first quarter. This was one of the most exciting moments for me as a beginner in the sports industry. I was able to stay on the field for almost the entire first quarter. Being on the turf during an actual football game was a feeling like no other.

The sales and marketing sector of the sports industry isn’t my primary interest for the future, but my time with Learfield was some of the most exciting moments of my life that I will never forget. I am still looking for any experience in sports that I can get, whether it is my top choice or not.

I discovered the opportunity to work with Learfield last year through an email from Syracuse University. Last summer, I received the email about the position, and I immediately applied. Later on, I had a virtual interview with my bosses and found out I got the position about 6 weeks later.

This position not only helped me boost my resume, but it helped me get my current internship with Sports Info Solutions as a College Football Scout and Contractor. My current role with SIS is what I really would like to do with my career down the road.

Learfield prepared me for my position with Sports Info Solutions in so many ways. I learned how to really communicate with my co-interns and bosses, and I was constantly calling, texting, and emailing the people I worked with. This internship also allowed me to be put in real situations mid-game for football, basketball, and lacrosse games that helped me learn how to work under pressure.

Even the mistakes I made last year have helped me become a more mature, cautious, and experienced person. I’ve even made mistakes with other companies I have worked with, sports and non-sports related. It is all part of becoming a professional. If you don’t make mistakes, you are not human. I am thankful for all of the time I’ve had with Learfield, Sports Info Solutions, and my other past internships. Everything I have done will help me be stronger and more prepared as an intern.