InternViews: Sophia Desderio

This is part of a series where we ask Grady College students to describe their internship experience.  

Sophia Desderio, a public relations student, is in Philadelphia this summer for a ticket and fan services internship with the Philadelphia Eagles. Read more about her internship experience below.

Provide a brief overview of your role and its associated responsibilities. 

This summer I am working for the Philadelphia Eagles as a ticket and fan services intern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In this role, I assist with a wide range of responsibilities including responding to fan inquiries via phone, email and in-person, supporting event day operations and assisting with the efforts of various departments in the organization. 

What opportunities did you have during your internship? 

In my role, I am responsible for working most of the major events that take place at Lincoln Financial Field and within the organization. These include events such as the FIFA Club World Cup, concerts, community initiatives, training camp and more. Due to these contrasting opportunities, I have been able to experience and understand many different aspects of the organization and sports industry as a whole. Through these experiences, I have been able to refine my ability to adapt while maintaining a strong professional presence.

What is one piece of work you are proud of creating in this role? 

I am particularly proud of the work I did during the FIFA Club World Cup. Alongside my intern class, I was the main point of contact between FIFA and inquiring fans. I helped manage complex challenges that arose all while in a space with many cultural and language differences. This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to grow as a professional in a high-pressure, unfamiliar environment. 

How has the Grady curriculum prepared you for this internship?

I cannot express enough gratitude for what Grady has given me and the impact I have felt during my time here so far. From my first day in Grady to now, I have always felt the utmost support from my professors, advisors and mentors. There is no doubt that someone is always in my corner, who is truly invested in my success. Grady has prepared me through coursework that has sharpened my communication, writing and interpersonal skills. My public relations courses have helped me remain professional and personable while dealing with issues that arise. My sports media certificate courses have taught me critical skills to be effective and efficient in the sports industry. The courses I have taken during my time in Grady thus far have pushed me out of my comfort zone, making it easier to adapt in my current professional role.

Did you receive any mentorship or guidance? How did it impact your experience? 

In my time thus far, I have had the opportunity to learn from my supervisors, associates and other professionals within the organization. Their willingness to share any advice, lead and teach us in many different areas has been incredibly impactful. I have made it a point to build meaningful relationships and truly absorb as much as I can from these mentors. I can confidently say that their guidance will go beyond the role of my internship, making a lasting impression on me as I continue to develop myself professionally.

What challenges have you overcome in this role? 

Personally, the biggest challenge has been adapting to the irregular, high-intensity schedule of working in professional sports. During the FIFA Club World Cup games that took place at Lincoln Financial Field, I found this to be particularly challenging. The two and a half weeks of games every other day was physically and mentally demanding. Encountering unexpected issues and different fans every game was not something I had prior experience with. Although a challenge to me at first, it ultimately pushed me to become more resilient and adaptable. I found myself excited for the new experiences each day brought, confirming that the sports industry is where I want to be.

What is the most valuable piece of advice you gained from your experience? 

I received the most valuable piece of advice on the first day of my internship, and that is to treat every day like an interview. Everyone I have met so far during my internship has emphasized how important it is to ask questions, take initiative and form meaningful connections. This mindset and these habits will not only help myself and others in the short term, but can also shape long-term career opportunities. 

How has this internship influenced your future career? 

This internship has solidified my desire to pursue a career in professional sports. It has allowed me to become fully immersed in the Eagles’ culture from learning hands-on from organization professionals to working events across various departments. This opportunity has shown me what it truly takes to thrive in the industry as I prepare to take the next step in my career.

Editor: Lily Alarcon, lia@52467@uga.edu