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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.
ACADEMICS
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!
CIU Senior Scores Soccer Internship in The Big Apple
Agustin Arce-Ruiz (center) with NYCFC Director of Team Operations
Sam Pugsley, (left) and Team Coordinator Nick True-Palmer.
“Agustin cares deeply about soccer and was very vested in the club
as a whole.” –Sam Pugsley
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ACADEMICS
CIU Today
Spring 2017