For Zachary Schwartz COM’26, sports have always been at the center of his Rutgers education and experience. A Communication major specializing in Public Relations, Schwartz has worked as a video intern with the Rutgers Football Team, a replay technician for the Big Ten Network, and now he is working as an Event Marketing Activation Intern with the New York Red Bulls, the Major League Soccer team whose home stadium, the Red Bull Arena, is located in Harrison, New Jersey.

As students in Assistant Professor of Practice Mark Beal’s Strategic Public Relations Events Planning course, Schwartz and his classmates helped plan and manage the SC&I Communication Department’s #BeCOMM campaign, which hosts #COMMchella, an annual music festival that celebrates the Communication major. It was at the 2025 event where Schwartz met the New York Red Bulls’ Marketing Manager, who attended because the Red Bulls were among #COMMChella’s corporate sponsors. This meeting resulted in a connection that opened the door to Schwartz’s summer internship.

In a Q&A with SC&I, Schwartz reflected on his internship and how Rutgers helped shape his path to a career in sports marketing.

SC&I: How did you find out about your internship, and what was the application process like?
ZS: I learned about the internship with the New York Red Bulls at the SC&I COMMchella Music Festival on April 2, 2025. Their marketing manager mentioned that the organization was hiring for the summer and encouraged me to apply quickly since the position had just opened. The role was with Marketing and Events. The application process was straightforward. I completed the online application, which included answering questions and providing information about myself. Then, there was a review process, and I was invited for an interview.

SC&I: Looking back, is there a specific Rutgers class, professor, organization, or experience that had a big impact on where you are now? How has it been useful in your internship?
ZS: Being part of the School of Communication and Information has been a great experience. I was able to connect with Professor Mark Beal in his Media, Marketing and Communication class during my junior year. He has made a huge impact on me by guiding me with valuable career advice and internship advice. He has also connected me with alumni and is always available whenever I need help. In addition, I was able to learn about networking by working at his yearly COMMchella event, which led me to meet the Marketing Manager of the New York Red Bulls.

SC&I: What does a typical day at your internship look like? What has been the most exciting or surprising part of your internship so far?
ZS: A typical day at my internship is fast-paced and always changing. I support the marketing and events team, which often travels to engage with fans and represent the Red Bulls at different events. I also enjoy working at the stadium on home game days. My role includes helping with promotional items, coordinating giveaways, and also identifying local events where our presence could be a good fit. Each day is different, which makes the experience exciting.

SC&I: What has been the most exciting or surprising part of your internship so far?
ZS: The most exciting part of my internship has been getting to work for a professional sports team.  It’s an amazing opportunity to be part of such a great team, and the energy on match days makes it unforgettable. I especially enjoy engaging with fans and experiencing the hype of the stadium during home games. On top of that, the staff has been incredibly supportive, which has made the whole experience even more enjoyable and memorable.

SC&I: How do you see this internship shaping your future career plans?
ZS: This internship has confirmed my passion for working within the sports industry. It’s been an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience and see how a professional sports team operates behind the scenes. I hope to continue building on this foundation and pursue a career in sports events and marketing, where I can combine my skills in communication with my passion for the game.

SC&I: What advice would you give to fellow and future Rutgers students hoping to break into your field?
ZS: I would advise fellow and future Rutgers students hoping to break into my field to attend events on campus and make connections. For me, being present at the #BeCOMM campaign events in the fall and spring semesters, including the #COMMchella Music Festival, was an incredible experience, and I met so many people. Another important tip is to connect with your professors. They truly want to see you succeed and can be valuable guides along your journey. Finally, don’t be afraid to try new things, like joining a club that’s relevant to your major. It is a great way to build skills, share experiences, and make connections.

Discover more about the Communication major on the School of Communication and Information website.