In the Dahl School of Business, internships are more than a box students check on their “to-do” list in the process of completing their degree. Internships are an opportunity for students to demonstrate their growth as a student while gaining invaluable experience and networking opportunities. We encourage students to explore organizations and job roles that interest them so they can make informed choices in their career paths. The experience for many is life changing and provides the student with a new focus and drive after the internship experience. 

Below, Alina Garstka, a Viterbo sport management and leadership student from Newberg, Ore., and member of the V-Hawks softball team, shares her experience with the Minnesota Twins as a Twintern (Minnesota Twins intern) and her appreciation for Viterbo preparing her for the opportunity:

When I came to Viterbo University, I knew I wanted to work in sports, but had no idea what that would entail. Shortly after my arrival on campus, I began to recognize the importance of internships for my career preparation. After completing two sports-related internships, one in the sponsorship industry and one in the youth golf sports sector, I knew I wanted to look for an internship in baseball, which is my passion. Because of my passion, I applied for internship openings with the Minnesota Twins.

After a three-month process that consisted of multiple interviews, I was offered the internship. I started as a ticket sales and service game day intern with the Twins at the beginning of the 2024 season and my internship runs through the duration of the season. In my role, I am working every Twins home game at Target Field assisting with all pre-game activities such as the national anthems, first pitches, parades, and theme night distributions. The three other game day interns and I divide and conquer, ensuring that all the pre-game duties are managed efficiently.

One of my favorite memories thus far was when I escorted the individual doing the first pitch on July 3. After the pitch, she got emotional and thanked me for being a small part in what will be a core memory for her. It was at that moment that I was reminded that sports bring people together and was reassured that I do want a career in sports.

All Twins interns, Twinterns as they call us, had to complete a capstone project. We were tasked with creating an event that would take place annually in the offseason that would drive revenue for the team. We spent a few weeks researching ideas. Once we landed on an idea, we created a presentation that included many aspects of a business pitch. My role was to conduct a SWOT analysis of our event, a pickleball tournament at Target Field. My group believed we developed an innovative and winning idea. After months of preparation, we presented our idea to upper management, including the team's general manager.

Viterbo gave me the confidence and skills necessary to be the best intern I could be, and I am thankful I chose a university that places importance on career readiness. My advice to all future interns would be to take advantage of the opportunity by networking with employees of the organization. I was able to conduct informational interviews with numerous employees  at many levels within the Twins organization and the advice and contacts I received were invaluable for my future in sport management and leadership.