Michael Loughrey and His RIFC Internship Experience
By Nahshon Yisrael ’25
Michael Loughrey ’26, is pursuing degrees in marketing and management. With a foundation in critical thinking and communication, Loughrey has gained valuable experience through roles such as developing strategic plans with G&L Healthcare and rejuvenating Seton Hall University’s game-day promotions at the Pirate Blue Athletic Fund. Most recently, Loughrey, who is from Short Hills, New Jersey, furthered his professional journey as an intern with Rhode Island FC, a local soccer club.
Can you tell us about your role and responsibilities during your internship with Rhode Island FC?
At Rhode Island FC, I had the opportunity to contribute to nearly every aspect of the sports partnership sales cycle. My responsibilities included prospecting new partners, developing presentations for both current and potential partners, and highlighting the value of partnering with the team. I also assisted with in-game activations, which involved capturing activation proofs, engaging fans, and ensuring all activations ran smoothly during games.
How did your day-to-day tasks evolve over the course of the internship?
I was fortunate to have a significant level of independence from the start of my internship. Early on, my focus was primarily on tasks outside of game days, such as researching partnerships in other professional leagues and prospecting new opportunities. As the internship progressed, my responsibilities expanded to include more game day involvement, such as recruiting fans for activations and engaging directly with partners at their onsite locations.
How did this internship help shape your career goals?
This internship provided me with clarity about my future in the sports industry. While I knew I wanted to work in sports, I wasn’t sure which specific sector interested me most. Through this experience, I gained insight into the partnership and sponsorship side of the business, helping me refine my long-term career aspirations.
