USCA student-athlete interns with world-famous Real Madrid

Pablo Diaz Corcuera, an international student from Madrid, Spain, is currently enrolled in the MBA program at USCA and plays for the men’s soccer team. Over the summer, he interned with the prestigious Spanish football club Real Madrid, one of the most renowned sports organizations in the world.

Corcuera says the opportunity to intern with Real Madrid came after leveraging personal connections he had with the organization. With aspirations of working in sports management after graduation, Corcuera hopes to pursue a career either with the National Football League (NFL) or with a professional soccer team in Spain.

During his internship, Corcuera worked in Real Madrid’s corporate partnerships department, where he was involved in a variety of day-to-day responsibilities. His tasks included managing sponsor relations, organizing events and work camps for new partners, and assisting with budgeting. “I did a bit of everything,” he explained.

The most impactful part of the internship was the relationships he built. “Networking is key for the future,” he emphasized. He also learned the importance of speaking up in professional settings. During his internship, Corcuera realized that sharing his point of view not only helped him learn but could also benefit the company.

When asked about the importance of internships, Corcuera shared insights he gathered through conversations with his colleagues. “Employers want candidates with hands-on experience people who already have a sense of what it’s like to work in a professional environment,” he explained. He believes internships play a crucial role in helping students get ready for the job market.

For those preparing to intern, Corcuera offers practical advice. “Don’t be afraid to speak up and share your thoughts when asked,” he said. He also encouraged students to actively listen during their internships: “You’ll come across people who are incredibly knowledgeable in their fields, and there’s so much you can learn from them.” In line with that, he highlighted the value of taking notes. “I always had a notebook with me. Even if something didn’t seem important at the time, I made sure to write it down.”

Finally, Corcuera emphasized the need for patience in the internship and job search process. He shared that he was rejected from many positions before landing the right one. “It can be frustrating, but you’ll eventually find something that’s a good fit. Just stay persistent and keep applying—something will come through.

For more information, contact USCA Marketing & Communication at news@usca.edu.