WASHINGTON, D.C. — It’s a big summer for the San Diego Padres as they celebrate their 50th anniversary, and Kira Bruno is glad to be along for the ride.
The rising senior with George Washington University women’s water polo is working in community relations with her hometown Major League Baseball club.
It’s a dream opportunity for Bruno, a Sport, Event and Hospitality Management major in the GW School of Business. After selling 50/50 raffle tickets at Petco Park last summer, she landed an internship that’s given her a chance to gain hands-on experience working behind the scenes in pro sports.
GWsports.com caught up with Bruno to find out more about her summer.
How did you get this internship?
Last summer, I applied for the same internship and didn’t get it, but the person in charge of the Community Relations Department suggested I still find a way to work for the Padres. I ended up selling 50/50 raffle tickets on all game days, and that turned out to be a great way to get my foot in the door. When I applied again this summer, I had shown my commitment to the team and got the job!
What’s a typical day like for you?
For me, a typical non-game day involves fulfilling donations for local non-profits, preparing for events, putting together jersey donations for a program we take part in called RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities), working on our Padres Alumni Database and doing research on the types of philanthropy our corporate partners generally take part in. Sometimes, I get to join the Padres Volunteer Team in doing hands on work in the San Diego community. This season is big for the Padres as it is the 50th anniversary, and they are commemorating it with a bunch of large community initiatives.
On game days, I usually have groups we call “Honorary Padres for a Day” that I get to take on the field to watch batting practice. This involves escorting the groups onto the field and hanging out with them while the Padres take BP and occasionally helping the players give autographs by handing them a sharpie or two. During other games, I have been responsible for escorting Padres alumni, including some Hall of Famers, to suites and around the field for pre-game ceremonies.
What has been the biggest highlight of the summer so far?
It’s hard to pick one! My second day working I got to watch an interview with a Make-A-Wish recipient named Levi, who last year signed a one-day contract with the Padres. Seeing how excited he was and how big of an impact the Padres have made on his life was very meaningful. Another highlight has been planning the Padres’ first-ever broadcast auction, which I have been able to plan the logistics for and help come up with the items we are going to be auctioning off. Plus, just getting to watch Padres BP daily and be on the field is really cool!
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned on the job so far?
The most important thing I have learned on the job so far is the importance of being able to learn from those around you. Being in the middle of baseball season when I started, I just jumped right into doing everything immediately, so I had to take everything in and observe how things worked to hit the ground rolling.
How has being a college student-athlete prepared you for working in a pro sports organization?
Being a college student-athlete has prepared me for working for a pro-sports career as the department I am in is very collaborative and we are always working together. Being on a sports team and learning how to communicate has made working with my current department seamless. Plus, being a student-athlete has prepared me for the level of commitment, including some very long days, that comes with working in the sports industry.
How does this internship fit into your future plans and/or career goals?
I am majoring in Sports Management with a minor in Statistics, so I have always had an idea I wanted to work in the sports industry, specifically focusing on Major League Baseball. Community relations is also something I have been passionate about, and being able to blend the two together has been an awesome experience this summer. It’s definitely something I am going to continue to pursue, hopefully in my hometown of San Diego with the Padres!
Release courtesy George Washington University Athletics Communications
