National Intern Day is all about recognizing the fresh ideas, hard work and growth potential that interns bring to the table. At T-Mobile Center, internships have proven to be meaningful and impactful for both parties.

This year is the perfect opportunity to spotlight a standout team member who began as an intern and immediately transitioned into a full-time role. In this Q&A, Ryan Russell, Account Executive for Premium Sales, reflects on his experience, shares key lessons learned and explains how his internship helped shape him and his career.

Whether you're a student, a new grad, or someone curious about life behind the scenes at a major venue like

T-Mobile Center, maybe this story will inspire you!

1. What initially drew you to apply for an internship at T-Mobile Center?  

I learned about T-Mobile Center’s internship program during a May 2024 University of Arkansas class visit to the facility. After touring the arena and meeting with T-Mobile Center team members, I knew I wanted to apply for an internship if an opening came available. Sure enough, in December, I noticed the internship posting and applied. The connections I made on that class trip were incredibly helpful, as I had previously met half of the team members on my interview panel!

2. What were some of the most valuable lessons or skills you gained during your internship?

Project management and client servicing were two huge skills that I developed during my internship. During office shifts, I was tasked with managing multiple long-term Partnership projects that involved frequent communication with clients. During events, I spent a lot of time at the Founders Club front desk, assisting Premium clients and learning from our awesome Premium Team!

3. Can you share a moment from your internship that made you feel like you truly belonged on the team?

At the end of the Men’s Big 12 Tournament was when I felt like I truly was a part of the team. Working so many events and collaborating with team members to handle stressful situations built a lot of camaraderie.

4. How did your internship prepare you for a full-time role, and what was that transition like?

My internship prepared me extremely well for a full-time role. In addition to gaining 40-hour work week experience during the Big 12 Tournaments, I gained a great understanding of how the organization operates. My background knowledge of the Premium department has made my transition much easier than it otherwise would’ve been.

5. What advice would you give to future interns hoping to turn their internship into a full-time opportunity?

Propose solutions to problems/inefficiencies, and find a way to take tasks off full-time team members’ plates by proving that you can handle projects independently. Also, make yourself available to work more hours than you’re initially anticipating. If you’re increasing the team’s productivity, they’ll want you to work more hours, and you’ll get more work experience – it’s a win-win!

6. Now that you’re in a full-time role, how did your internship experience shape where you are now and how you do your job today?

I believe my internship experience is the primary reason I’ve moved into a full-time role here. I can’t imagine a possibility where I would’ve landed my current job without proving myself during my internship. Additionally, I’ve transitioned from a servicing role (during my internship) to a sales role (full-time), which has come with challenges, as my responsibilities have adjusted. However, I feel much more equipped to take on these challenges, because of the professional relationships I built with members of the team during my internship.