Social Media, Community Relations and Team Store Intern The Utica Comets and Utica City FC are seeking applicants for a Social Media, Retail & Community Relations Intern. This gameday-only internship offers students and aspiring sports professionals the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in professional sports by working across digital media, retail operations, and fan engagement. Interns will play an important role in creating memorable experiences for fans while developing transferable skills in content creation, customer service, sales, and event operations.
Internship Terms:
Fall (October-December), Spring (January-April/May), and Season-Long (September-May/June) opportunities are available.
Location:
Utica, NY Format:
On-Site (Gamedays Only)
Expected Time Commitment:
Based on the Utica Comets and Utica City FC home game schedule. This is an unpaid internship. Participants may qualify for academic credit if permitted by their college or university.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Rotate between Social Media, Retail Operations, and Community Relations responsibilities throughout each home game. Capture live photos and videos for the team's social media platforms, including pregame, in-game, and postgame content. Assist the marketing team with real-time social media coverage, fan engagement, and content creation. Support the collection and organization of digital assets for future marketing initiatives. Provide exceptional customer service in the Team Store while assisting fans with merchandise purchases. Process retail transactions, restock merchandise, maintain store appearance, and answer customer questions. Promote featured merchandise, special offers, and new product launches. Assist with community relations activations, including fan experiences, promotional tables, concourse activities, and postgame events. Help execute sponsor activations and in-game promotions while maintaining a high level of professionalism. Represent the organization during community appearances and outreach initiatives when assigned. Collaborate with multiple departments to ensure a first-class fan experience throughout each event. Assist with additional gameday duties and special projects as assigned.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Through this internship, participants will: Gain hands-on experience operating within a professional sports organization. Develop practical skills in live social media coverage, photography, digital content creation, and fan engagement. Learn retail operations, inventory management, point-of-sale systems, and customer service best practices. Build confidence communicating with fans, players, staff members, sponsors, and community partners. Develop sales and relationship-building skills through direct interaction with customers. Strengthen teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced gameday environment. Build professional relationships across multiple departments within the sports industry.
QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
Strong interest in sports, marketing, communications, retail, or event management. Experience with social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok is preferred. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills. Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with large crowds. Ability to multitask while maintaining a positive attitude and professional appearance. Photography, videography, or content creation experience is a plus. Must be dependable and available to work the majority of Utica Comets and Utica City FC home games, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. Must maintain a high level of professionalism while representing the organization.
