Celebrating National Intern Day
Each season, interns play key roles across all departments for the Metropolitan Golf Association. From planning and preparing for upcoming events to conducting and covering championships, special events and important initiatives, the MGA couldn't get through its busiest season with the help from its interns. For National Intern Day, we asked a few of our interns to share information about themselves and their experience with the MGA.
Name: Funmilayo Adeyemo
College attending: Northern Illinois University
Year of graduation: 2023 (December)
Major: Sport Management
Department: Administration
What have you enjoyed most about your internship this summer?
I would say I have enjoyed every part of the internship, however, working with Kim has been the most enjoyable part of my internship. Having to sit with her and talk about DOI research and areas that could be improved has helped me in carrying out my duties and made me fall more in love with the golf industry. I envisage staying in the industry even after my internship.
What is the biggest thing you’ve learned so far?
Carrying out DOI research has made me learn a lot about adaptive golf. One of the biggest things I learned while conducting research is that when considering hosting an adaptive golf event, clinic, or championship, the golf course must be put into consideration. Questions like, is the golf course suitable for the participants? What necessary things have been put in place to accommodate the participants due to their special needs? Understanding that different para-sports have their peculiarity helps one in coming up with great ideas to help participants or para-athletes enjoy the game.
Name: Sarah Arrigo
College attended: University of South Carolina
Year of graduation: 2023
Major: Sport and Entertainment Management
Department: Communications
What have you enjoyed most about your internship this summer?
The things I have enjoyed most about my internship this summer is the opportunity to travel to different courses in the Met Area, develop relationships, and learn from people in various roles.
What is the biggest thing you’ve learned so far?
The biggest thing I have learned so far is how to efficiently and effectively communicate across a variety of platforms while helping build and maintain the MGA's image.
Name: Meghan Barry
College attending: Washington University in St. Louis
Year of graduation: Class of 2024
Major: Design and Marketing
Department: Communications
What have you enjoyed most about your internship this summer?
I've most enjoyed getting to know some of the golfers throughout the past two seasons and being able to see them succeed.
What is the biggest thing you’ve learned so far?
I have learned so much about golf throughout my time at the MGA and have learned about what a career in the sports industry could be like!
Name: Raksha Beravole
College attending: Rutgers
Year of graduation: 2024
Major: Finance & Supply Chain
Department: Business Operations
What have you enjoyed most about your internship this summer?
I’ve most enjoyed the positive work environment. From the very first day, everyone I’ve met at MGA has been friendly, helpful, and kind, which has made me feel comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance whenever necessary. This pleasant atmosphere boosted my confidence in taking on new challenges and facilitated my professional development. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a supportive and collaborative team during my internship.
What is the biggest thing you’ve learned so far?
The biggest skill I’ve learned so far is the effective usage of HubSpot, specifically in managing the sales pipeline and recording business statistics. HubSpot is an invaluable tool for streamlining sales processes, tracking leads, and managing customer interactions, therefore I was tasked with thoroughly exploring and learning how to maneuver through the system to evaluate the system’s capabilities and limitations. Additionally, I have taken advantage of the opportunity to cultivate certificates and skills through HubSpot’s Learning Academy. These concepts have expanded my knowledge of various marketing, sales, and customer service concepts, and enhanced my credibility as a newcomer in the professional field.
Name: Tayvion Clayton
College attending: St. John’s University
Year: 2024
Major: Sport Management
Department: Communications
What have you enjoyed most about your internship this summer?
What I have enjoyed most about this internship was having the ability to strengthen my knowledge of the sport of golf. I have learned more about golf through this internship than anything else and I can say the more I learned and watched events the more enjoyable it's been for me.
What is the biggest thing you’ve learned so far?
The biggest thing that I have learned so far was how a regular match takes place in MGA events and how to read scores and determine who is in the leader.
Name: John Fiore
College attending: Syracuse University
Year of graduation: 2025
Major: Creative Advertising
Department: Communications
What have you enjoyed most about your internship this summer?
I've really enjoyed learning more about the rich golf history of the Met Area and meeting some of the great players!
What is the biggest thing you’ve learned so far?
The biggest thing I've learned is what it's like to work with a good-sized communication team that collaborates with every department. Even though my department is communications, I have overlapped with the business team, championship department, member services, and the MGA Foundation. I've also continued to grow in my graphic design and video skills!
Name: David Haden
College attending: Gettysburg College
Year of graduation: 2025
Major: Business/ Sports Media Management
Department: Member Services
What have you enjoyed most about your internship this summer?
For the past three months, I've enjoyed my whole experience here with the MGA. Getting to know my coworkers and hearing what led them to working for the MGA from different departments as well as the current department I've been interning under in the office. Another thing I've enjoyed is interacting with members from the Met Area, from being on the computer under the GHIN Admin Portal and conducting Course Ratings at different clubs to attending Play Days.
What is the biggest thing you’ve learned so far?
The biggest thing I've learned from the summer is that there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes to make things happen for the game of golf. Coming from the championship side, event planning, budgeting money, and services. It taught me that it really takes a huge team effort to make things happen for those that want to play the game to enjoy it and most importantly to have fun.
Name: Megan Katchis
College attending: Franklin & Marshall College
Year of graduation: Spring 2024
Major: Business, Organization, and Society
Department: Communications
What have you enjoyed most about your internship this summer?
My favorite parts of my internship revolved around being directly involved in the golf tournaments, which allowed me to gain hands-on experience and deepen my understanding of the game. Learning more about golf was truly fulfilling and engaging. Moreover, I genuinely enjoyed the camaraderie and support of my colleagues, making the work environment enjoyable and fostering a positive learning atmosphere. Lastly, I loved spending time with the volunteers, whose vast knowledge and passion for the sport of golf were truly inspiring. I deeply appreciate the valuable time and effort they dedicate to the MGA, as without them, all these events would not be the same!
What is the biggest thing you’ve learned so far?
One of the most significant lessons I've learned during my internship is the importance of handling high-stress situations with ease. Working in the fast-paced environment of organizing golf events, I realized that staying calm under pressure is crucial to ensuring smooth operations and successful outcomes. The amount of work and preparation that goes into these golf events is extensive, from coordinating logistics and managing participants to ensuring all aspects run seamlessly. It has given me a newfound appreciation for the meticulous planning and dedication required to execute such events successfully.
Name: Jack Spitalny
College attending: High Point University
Year of graduation: 2026
Major: Sport Management
Department: Championships
What have you enjoyed most about your internship this summer?
What I’ve enjoyed most about my internship this summer is getting to meet and watch the best golfers in the met area play golf.
What is the biggest thing you’ve learned so far?
The two biggest things I’ve learned so far is how to work as a team and how to be reliable.