This week, for the Fortinet Intern Spotlight Series, we are highlighting two former In-House Player Services interns from the summer of 2024, Daphne Alarcon–Torres and Justin Walker. Both Alarcon-Torres and Walker share their journeys and how their diverse backgrounds led them to the AJGA In-House Internship Program. Annually, the AJGA hires interns to work in the Player Services department over the summer to assist with all customer service needs for the AJGA, in particular, answering phone calls and emails and assisting AJGA members and their families with different tasks and questions.
Tell me a little about yourself.
Alarcon-Torres: I’m from Gainesville, Georgia in my fifth year at the University of Georgia, majoring in Sports Management and Economics.
Walker: I currently live in Augusta, Georgia, but I was born in Auburn, Alabama. I am currently a junior at Paine College, where I play on the Men’s golf team.
What led you into the sports industry?
Alarcon-Torres: I’ve been surrounded by sports my whole life, especially soccer. However, working in sports was never a thought for me. It was not until I met with my college advisor and began discussing my future that he recommended sports management as a good major to pair with my current economics major. Once I started my first class, I quickly realized this was the path for me.
Walker: I’ve been a part of sports since I was a young child. I was a competitive gymnast until I was 12, and after, decided to pick up golf. After an injury, I decided to fully transition from gymnastics to golf. Golf was much easier on the body and after making the change, I fell in love with the sport.
How did you find out about the AJGA?
Alarcon-Torres: At the University of Georgia, one requirement in the sports management program is to complete a sports internship. At my previous job, I was discussing with my coworker about how I had to find a sports internship and she mentioned the AJGA. She told me to research online and I found the in- house internship on Teamwork Online. Though I had no prior knowledge of golf I still applied.
Walker: At the end of last semester, I was looking for an internship. I was working as a press runner for Augusta National at the time. A friend recommended the AJGA Internship to me, and I applied a week before the application deadline. Having prior golf experience, I was excited to apply to an internship I could relate to.
What was your internship experience like working in the Player Services Department?
Alarcon-Torres: At first, I was nervous because I had to learn a lot of different material. The good thing is that they prepared us, with different packets and questions that are commonly asked by parents and members. If we received any questions and didn’t know the answer, we could ask other individuals in the Player Services department, and they were always eager to help.
Walker: Learning how to talk to people and being more direct in my communication has helped me a lot. Dealing with different people daily is not always easy. I know the skills I learned from the internship will help me in my career.
What would you tell someone looking to apply for Player Services Internship?
Alarcon-Torres: I would tell them to apply for it! I came into this role not knowing about golf, but now I have learned so much about the golf industry. The AJGA is a welcoming environment and a comfortable place to be. If you have any questions, they are more than happy to answer them. The people at the AJGA are great!
Walker: You will learn a lot about your professional career and the sports environment during this internship. This role will prepare you for any job that you have in the future.
If you're driven to be part of this dynamic community, applications for the 2025 AJGA In-House Internships are open now! For more insights and to apply for the #AJGAInternship, explore the AJGA Careers
webpage and @AJGACareers
on Instagram.
