Lessons From the Field: My Internship in football Journey with Pafos FC
Internships offer an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the professional world, and for Natalia, her internship with Pafos FC proved to be a transformative experience.
As she joined the cypriot club during a historic season, Natalia was immersed in its rapid rise and fast-paced environment, learning first-hand the intricacies of football club operations.
In this blog, she shares the key lessons learned, the challenges she faced, and how her time at Pafos FC helped solidify her passion for a career in football.
Embarking on an internship with Pafos FC was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. The club’s rapid rise and dynamic environment immediately drew me in, presenting a chance to challenge myself in ways I had never experienced before.
A season like no other
Pafos FC was on a high. Having just secured their first-ever trophy in the spring, the club was riding the momentum of a historic season. The Conference League qualification added another layer of excitement. For me, the prospect of working behind the scenes during these crucial games was irresistible.
The fast-paced environment brought its own set of demands. With the team dominating the Cypriot league and matches every three days, the operations, media coverage, and overall workload escalated significantly. It was a crash course in staying focused and productive, even when things felt overwhelming – a skill I know will serve me in the long run.
Was the promise of a program that secures internships for its students a key factor in your decision? If so, why?
One of the main reasons I chose the Football Business Academy (FBA) was its promise of securing an internship in football – a field I’m deeply passionate about. FBA’s focus on football-specific knowledge meant that every lesson felt relevant, engaging, and practical.
The internship was an opportunity to put theory into practice, tackle real-world challenges, and make a tangible impact every day. Combining classroom insights with hands-on experience gave me a deeper understanding of the football industry, instilling confidence and a sense of purpose for my future career.
Can you describe a real-world challenge you faced during your internship and how you overcame it?
Overcoming Challenges, One Game at a Time
Adapting to a relentless schedule was my first major hurdle. With matches every three days – both home and away – my workload was intense, stretching from on-field operations to off-field responsibilities. Initially, it was overwhelming, but I quickly learned to adapt, embracing the fast-paced rhythm.
One moment I’ll never forget was during a Conference League match. We created promotional content for the game that went viral, amassing 13 million views on Instagram and nearly tripling the club’s followers. Pafos FC jumped from being the fifth-most-followed club in Cyprus to the second. This fast-paced environment taught me the importance of staying flexible and how a single effort can have an enormous impact.
Being far from home was another challenge, but it gave me the chance to focus completely on my work. My colleagues at Pafos FC were incredibly supportive, and their kindness made me feel at home. Even smaller moments, like facing classmates from FBA in a Cypriot league derby, added unique and memorable touches to my journey.
What is one piece of advice or lesson from The FBA that has been invaluable during your internship?
Knowledge in Action
One of the most rewarding parts of my internship was co-authoring a case study on Pafos FC in collaboration with the American University of Beirut (AUB). My FBA training played a crucial role in this project, equipping me with the skills and knowledge to contribute meaningfully.
This case study will soon be presented at a conference in Cyprus and published through Ivey Publishing. It’s a testament to the real-world relevance of what I learned at FBA and the opportunities this internship provided.
What makes your internship experience unique, and how does it align with your long-term career goals in football?
A Unique Experience, A Lasting Impact
What set this internship apart was the sheer diversity and complexity of the challenges I encountered. From working across various departments to witnessing the daily impact of my contributions, every day offered a new learning opportunity.
This experience gave me a deeper appreciation for how a fast-paced football club operates and how my efforts fit into the bigger picture. It also reinforced my long-term commitment to pursuing a career in football, armed with greater confidence and understanding.
As I reflect on my time with Pafos FC, I’m grateful for the lessons, connections, and experiences that will continue to shape my career. The challenges were tough, but they prepared me for whatever comes next – a vital step in my journey within the football industry.
The Football Business Academy internship in football program offers Candidates exceptional opportunities to gain real-world experience within the football industry. Through collaborations with top clubs and organizations, The FBA ensures that its Candidates are able to apply their academic knowledge, gain practical skills, and expand their professional connections.
This hands-on approach not only deepens their understanding of the business aspects of football but also helps them develop the expertise and confidence to succeed in their future careers.
Natalia is part of the 14th Edition of our Professional Master in Football Business.
The internship search process is tailored to each Candidate, considering their unique background, academic and professional experiences, skills, and goals. We leverage our network of industry connections to find the most suitable opportunities. Discover more about our guaranteed internship in football program.
Download our brochure for more information.
