This week, the Fortinet Intern Spotlight Series introduces Craig Johnson. Johnson was an in-house Player Services Intern during the summer of 2022. Johnson now works for PNC as a Business Banking Development Program Analyst in Houston, Texas.
Can you tell me a little about your background?
I grew up in Prince George’s County in Maryland, and I was always active. I believed in playing sports, so I ran track as well as played football and basketball growing up. I also got into mentorship programs throughout high school, where my mentors played golf. Naturally, I was introduced to golf from there and learned how to play. I then went to Kent State University and studied business management.
How did you find out about the AJGA?
It began with one of the mentorships I talked about in high school, called Manhood 101. My mentor, Coach Blue Colquitt, introduced me to AJGA staff member Jason Etzen (Scoop). Etzen and Coach Colquitt knew each other, and through them, I became further connected and started learning about AJGA internships. Discovering more about the golf industry intrigued me. Scoop and I stayed connected, and just before my senior year, I applied and was brought on as an in-house Player Services Intern.
What was your internship experience like?
From the first week, everyone was so welcoming. During onboarding, Lauren Shelly (VP of Human Resources) got me situated and settled, so I appreciate her. I remember all the team meetings that Riley Tracy (VP of Player Services) would have with us to get the day started, and they kicked off my mornings. The first few weeks were a big learning experience to just understand my responsibilities and understand the website and navigation of it all. Also, I have to talk to parents and coaches about questions they may have regarding tournaments. By the end of it, I was taking on more roles and adding more value to the team. It was a major pivotal step in developing skills, so I’m forever grateful to the AJGA and Player Services for that.
What skills do you think you improved during the internship?
The first step for me here was developing my customer service skills to build relationships. My communication skills improved as well, and I became more comfortable speaking on the phone. I remember the next job I had asked if I had any experience taking calls, and I was so confident because of my time with the AJGA. Now, I can pick up the phone, talk casually, and build those connections.
What is one takeaway you have from your time at the AJGA?
The main thing I’d say is understanding business relationships and networking with your circle. Whether it’s going to lunch with different coworkers or having lunch meetings, it taught me the business acumen of how to connect with other people within and outside of the workplace. I am always trying to build relationships with customers and clients, so I am appreciative of the AJGA showing me those first few steps towards that.
What’s the next step in your career?
I’m in the development program with PNC Bank, so I see myself moving up in my banking career. Banking is something that I’ve always been passionate about, so as I grow, I can see myself overseeing Relationship Managers. I want to ensure that business relationships are still moving forward together. I’d also want to potentially work in asset or wealth management in the future. But I still have a lot to learn here at PNC, so I’ll keep working and learning the things I need to.
What would you tell someone looking to apply to the AJGA Internship?
From the player services side of things, I would say that customer service is a core skill needed for any job, and the AJGA can help you build that because they have excellent customer service. We communicate with kids, parents, and coaches that range from happy to sad, so it teaches you how to handle each situation. The most important thing is that the AJGA is the perfect place to go in, meet a lot of great people, expand your network, and build some good relationships. If you want to get a good starting point in your career, I highly recommend applying.
If you're driven to be part of this dynamic community, applications for the 2024 AJGA Internships are open. For more insights into the #AJGAInternship, explore the AJGA Careers webpage and Instagram channel .
