Combining a passion for soccer with his chosen major made for an exciting internship for a Columbia International University senior. Agustin Arce-Ruiz, a member of the CIU men’s soccer team, and a Business & Organizational Leadership major, served with the New York City Football Club (NYCFC) of Major League Soccer this past summer at the iconic Yankee Stadium in The Bronx.

CIU Sport Management Program Director Dr. Wayne Rasmussen, was instrumental in Arce-Ruiz landing the two-month internship with NYCFC. Arce-Ruiz worked in several areas of the organization to gain a better perspective on the business behind running a professional sports franchise. He discussed his experience in a Q&A with CIU Graduate Assistant Rico Hall:

Hall: How did this opportunity come about?

Arce-Ruiz: I approached Dr. Rasmussen in the fall of 2015. I knew I wanted to work for a professional soccer club, so I asked him if he could help me. He immediately had me start the research process. After several months we were able to meet with NYCFC Sporting Director Claudio Reyna, who Dr. Rasmussen knew from their time together on the U.S. National Team. That led to further interviews with NYCFC, and eventually, the internship.

Hall: What surprised you the most?

Arce-Ruiz: There is so much that happens behind the scenes with a professional team. Everyone has very specific roles and is expected to do those roles precisely. In this business it's all about the details. I was also pleasantly surprised by the culture and atmosphere. NYCFC is truly a team and a family, and they made me feel right at home from day one and throughout the experience.

Hall: What did a typical day look like?

Arce-Ruiz: Work days varied depending on if we had a game or not. We usually started at nine o'clock in the morning and stayed until the job was done in the evening. It was fun work, and though it could be exhausting at times, it was always rewarding.

Hall: What from your CIU academic experience prepared you for this assignment?

Arce-Ruiz: My International Business class in particular, as well as business classes such as accounting, proved helpful. Also, the biblical worldview perspective and ministry approach of CIU were valuable.

Hall: What did you like most about this opportunity?

Arce-Ruiz: It gave me the chance to see what I like and don't like about the profession. I also have a better understanding of what I want to do when I graduate!