A partnership between William Paterson University, the New York Cosmos, and the New Jersey Jackals is giving students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in professional sports during the fall semester.
Students from a range of academic disciplines are working alongside professionals in business operations, finance, event management, marketing, graphic design, and live production, gaining a firsthand look at what it takes to operate professional sports organizations.
“Internships are one of the most valuable ways students can apply what they are learning in the classroom while building the skills, confidence, and professional connections they need for their future careers,” says Mary Alice Barrows, director of William Paterson’s Career Development Center. “Through this partnership, students from a variety of academic disciplines can explore the many career paths available within the sports industry and gain meaningful, hands-on experience that will help prepare them for life after graduation.”
The fall group includes students studying communication, finance, sport administration, global business, and graphic design, reflecting the wide range of career opportunities available within professional sports.
“Partnerships between universities and professional sports organizations give students something a classroom simply can’t replicate,” said Sofia Alban, a William Paterson senior studying global business. “For students like me, it closes the gap between theory and practice.”
Throughout the semester, students will see how departments work together to support the Cosmos and Jackals while experiencing the fast-paced environment of live sports. Their work will include areas such as matchday operations, broadcasting, business administration, creative content, fan engagement, and event management.
“I have gained a lot of valuable information from my classes at William Paterson, but this opportunity gives me the chance to see how operations truly function for a professional sports organization,” says Vincent Stoffel, a WP graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in sport administration.
The experience is designed to help students strengthen practical skills in communication, leadership, organization, problem-solving, data analysis, budgeting, production, design, and event coordination. Just as importantly, they will learn to manage deadlines, respond to feedback, collaborate across departments, and meet the expectations of a professional workplace.
“I’m interested in how sports organizations use visuals to build their identity and connect with their fans,” explains Azzai Tomlinson, a WP junior studying fine arts with a concentration in graphic design.
By working directly with industry professionals, students can also build relationships, explore potential career paths, and better understand where their interests and abilities may fit within the sports industry.
The partnership benefits the Cosmos and Jackals as well, bringing motivated students and fresh perspectives into their organizations while strengthening their connection to William Paterson University.
By the end of the semester, participating students will have contributed to the day-to-day work of professional sports organizations while gaining experience, skills, and connections they can carry into their careers.
