Intern Feature: Brianna Donan

This summer, I am interning with the Madison Square Garden Company where I am working for the Executive Operations department for the New York Rangers. This was one of the most competitive internships I have applied for, where I was chosen as one of the 50 interns out of over 3,000 applicants.  Throughout my internship, I have completed a plethora of research on different prospects for the upcoming 2017-2018 Rangers season. I had the opportunity to put together information and research for our GM, President, and scouts that were used during the 2017 NHL Entry Draft in June.

During my time here at MSG, I was also fortunate enough to work with a cross-functional team to propose new ideas to our department leaders as well as upper management. Our proposal involved creating new content for our world renowned venues across the country. 

HOW DID YOU FIND THIS OPPORTUNITY?

I came upon this internship experience through my previous internship with the New York Red Bulls. A few of our upper level managers used to work at MSG and recommended that I try out the internship program here since it was highly recommended.

I applied for the internship in December through their online portal and received a follow up email the following week letting me know they received my application. I then was offered an initial interview in February and then a second interview with my potential supervisors about 2 weeks later. I was then offered the position in early March where I graciously accepted the position. 

WHAT HAS YOUR EXPERIRENCE BEEN LIKE AND WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?

My internship experience at Madison Square Garden has been the best experience of my life. The program here truly shows the amount of care and devotion that the company has to helping their student associates grow professionally in their careers. From resume/cover letter workshops with HR recruiters, elevator pitch activities with upper management, and Q&A sessions with our CEO - MSG has provided me with the toolbox I need to succeed in the sport industry.

Madison Square Garden’s company culture is radically changing for the better. There is no more top-down leadership, but instead bottom-up leadership where young people, like us student associates, are encouraged to share our ideas with management. This type of culture is something that I value and seek out when researching company culture. This provides that people who have really good ideas for the company can have their voices heard by upper management. 

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER STUDENTS?

One piece of advice that I would offer would be to get your foot in the door early for internships. I will be a junior this fall, and I already have had the opportunity to complete multiple internships. (And yes, even Freshman can get internships!) Apply to as many internships possible and network! Prove to your employers that you want to be there and that you have the proper skills and credentials to do so. Even if it is as something as simple as picking up bagels for the office. Go out and buy the best bagels you can find and do it with purpose and drive. Show them your dedication. Also, take advantage of the hard work and skills that you have learned from being an Isenberg student. The amount of preparation that we receive at Isenberg does not go unnoticed in the business world and your employers will be able to notice that as well and be able to pick you out of a crowd.