Careers

Fortinet Intern Spotlight Series: Jayson Beckner

Former AJGA Intern Jayson Beckner shares his experience as a 2024 Summer Operations intern
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This week in the Fortinet Intern Spotlight Series, we are introducing Jayson Beckner. Beckner is a former Operations Intern from the summer of 2024. He is originally from Columbus, Ohio, and is currently a senior at West Liberty University, where he plays on the Men’s Golf Team. Growing up, Beckner was involved in baseball and wrestling until his sophomore year of high school when Beckner’s baseball team took them out on a golf outing, and he quickly realized that golf was his passion. From that point, he attended a golf academy for a year, where he fell in love with golf every step of the way.

What led you to apply for the AJGA Internship?

When I was playing junior golf, my goal was always to get into an AJGA event because I knew college coaches would be looking at me. The AJGA looked like an excellent opportunity and an incredible experience when I was looking for internships going into my senior year. I figured it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

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Talk about your AJGA Internship experience. What were some of your favorite memories?

One of my favorite memories was at The Lanto Junior Championship at Blacksburg Country Club. It was awesome being around a PGA Tour Player. I saw him take time out of his day to drive around and interact with everyone on site. When I was starting one round, he decided he wanted to start a few groups on the first tee; it was awesome to show him how we start groups. Another favorite memory was at the Wyndham Invitational presented by Odyssey at Sedgefield Country Club. Being around the Odyssey team and the golf course staff, everyone there was so great; I also had a welcoming host- family that week whose home was located right on the course. You can't beat it, waking up and being at Sedgefield Country Club daily.

What is one takeaway you have from your time at the AJGA?

The biggest takeaway from the internship is that there is more to the world than just Ohio. There are amazing people all over the country. Before the internship, I wasn’t a big traveler. Besides traveling for golf tournaments, I was never keen on traveling, but the internship made me realize I needed to get out in the world. I was able to meet and have conversations with people from all over. I gained great advice on the road, listening to people’s stories about life and their careers, which were valuable to me because, at times, I contemplate the following stages after graduation.

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What is the next step in your career?

I am working towards becoming a Graduate Assistant and coaching at a university. I would like to take on a manufacturing role in the golf industry, but regardless, I want to stay in the golf world to some extent.

What would you tell someone considering applying to the AJGA Internship?

Take the internship! If you have any doubts but have the opportunity, just ignore them and take the step. All the bumps and hiccups you could experience over the summer are one-hundred percent worth it. Set-up days and early mornings can be challenging, but once you get to the actual tournament days and see the outcome of your hard work the first time, it's hard not to wake up and do it all over again. The environment of the tournament, seeing how thankful all the juniors, parents, and golf course staff are for you being there and what you've done, is very rewarding. You can build your network quickly and create long-lasting and meaningful relationships.

If you're driven to be part of this dynamic community, applications for the 2025 AJGA Internships are open now! For more insights and to apply for the #AJGAInternship, explore the AJGA Careers  webpage and @AJGACareers .

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