St. John’s Students Gain Sports Industry Insights from Madison Square Garden Team

On October 22, St. John’s University Career Services hosted a Lunch and Learn event on the Queens, NY, campus, giving students the opportunity to discuss Madison Square Garden’s Student Associate Program. The session featured insights from Amanda Wagner, Talent Acquisition Manager, and Sony Mathew, Senior Talent Acquisition Coordinator, at Madison Square Garden.

Ms. Wagner and Mr. Mathew answered students’ questions about the Student Associate Program and shared practical advice for those interested in internships and early-career opportunities. They emphasized the importance of maintaining a polished, well-organized résumé that clearly showcases relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments. They also encouraged students to become involved in extracurricular activities, student organizations, and volunteer opportunities, noting that such experiences can help candidates stand out in a competitive applicant pool.

In addition, they highlighted the value of attending networking events such as the Lunch and Learn. Opportunities to connect with professionals, ask meaningful questions, and build relationships can play a significant role in career development and future employment opportunities.

Sydney Whitehall, a senior marketing major in The Peter J. Tobin College of Business and a current participant in the MSG Student Associate Program, provided students with a firsthand perspective on working at Madison Square Garden.

According to Sydney, “One of the most exciting aspects of working in sports is that no two days are exactly the same.”

She explained that the Student Associate Program offers more than hands-on professional experience. “There is a genuine emphasis on helping students understand the sports industry, explore their interests, and build meaningful professional relationships,” she said.

Sydney described her contributions to projects with the New York Rangers marketing team, including researching potential influencers and content creators for games and supporting customer email marketing initiatives through Salesforce. These experiences have provided valuable exposure to sports marketing while helping her develop skills that are transferable across a wide range of industries and professions.

She also offered advice to students interested in pursuing careers in sports and entertainment. “I believe the biggest factor in securing this opportunity was my résumé and, more importantly, my ability to connect my previous experiences to the responsibilities of the role. One thing I always emphasize to my peers is that you do not necessarily need prior experience in sports to pursue a career in the industry. While sports marketing has its own unique environment, many of the foundational skills are transferable across industries.”

The Madison Square Garden Student Associate Program provides students with opportunities across a broad range of disciplines throughout the organization’s family of companies. Available areas include accounting and finance, creative services, human resources, technology, marketing, and other business functions. Positions may be offered during the academic year (October through April) or during the summer (June through August), depending on organizational needs.

Eligible applicants must be juniors, seniors, or graduate students during or immediately following the internship period. Candidates with a grade point average of 3.2 or higher are preferred, and opportunities for academic credit are available. Students can learn more about the MSG Student Associate Program by visiting the program website.

Career Services has also scheduled a Career Trek to Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, November 18, from 10 to 11 a.m. The event will provide students with an opportunity to further explore careers in sports and entertainment, hear from industry professionals, learn about internship opportunities, and expand their professional networks. Registration is open through November 9.