Iona’s Sean Jordan ’24 Scores Dream Internship with Major League Baseball
New Rochelle, N.Y. – Sean Jordan ’24 is stepping up to the plate for his dream internship this summer. Jordan, a member of the Iona men’s rowing team, will be joining Major League Baseball's (MLB) digital marketing and media department as an intern.
“This accomplishment means a lot to me,” said Jordan, a Westhampton Beach, N.Y. native. “I always dreamed of working for the MLB and to have it come true means the world.”
Jordan’s passion for marketing began when he switched his major from history to marketing, allowing him to “channel creativity into something tangible.” He further honed his skills through internships, including one where he secured a $10,000 donation from Mets star Pete Alonso.
“I reached out to see if he and his foundation would be interested in donating to an upcoming event,” said the senior. “Alonso donated $10,000, along with tickets to the 9/11 game, custom-made cleats for the New York Police & Fire Widows' & Children's Benefit Fund and donated for future silent auctions.”
Jordan credits Iona’s supportive environment and professors for his success.
“The professors at Iona are amazing,” he said. “Iona has prepared me for this role. My professors have real work experience and make their classes unique so we’re ready for the real world.”
Beyond academics, Jordan is involved on campus as a resident assistant. Off campus, he serves as a volunteer for Guide Dog Foundation and American Vet Dog.
We recently spoke with Sean to learn more about his Iona journey. Please enjoy!
Name: Sean Jordan
Graduation Year: 2024
Major: Marketing & International Business
Hometown: Westhampton Beach, N.Y.
High School: Westhampton Beach Highschool
Fave Spot: Starbucks
Why did you decide to attend Iona?
I decided to attend Iona for a few different reasons. The first was that my brother went to Iona so, it set the bar high when I looked at other schools. I saw how much Iona did for him and I wanted to have a similar experience.
The second reason was that Iona offered me the most scholarships. Lasty, I toured the campus and it just felt right. Being able to walk through the new LaPenta School of Business, I was amazed by it in comparison to other schools.
What interests you most about your chosen course of study?
What interests me the most is being able to channel my creativity into something tangible. I initially was a history major, and I switched to marketing as I couldn’t channel my creativity in that course of study. With marketing, I can turn an idea into a reality. The whole marketing process is a lot of fun, especially working with like-minded people.
What distinct advantages have you gained from your Iona experience?
I feel like there are a lot of distinct advantages at Iona that I couldn’t get anywhere else. One of which is the study abroad program.
I had the opportunity to study abroad in Italy and England, where I got to make lifelong connections and gain valuable information about culture, history and business practices. These experiences are beyond priceless to an international business major like me.
Another advantage are the professors at Iona. No matter which department, professors welcome you with open arms, eager to connect with you.
Have you interned anywhere? If so, how did you find the opportunity? What did you enjoy most about your internship?
I have had quite a few internship experiences. I interned at the New York Police & Fire Widows' & Children's Benefit Fund this past summer. While there, I was a part of their marketing and public relations teams. I participated in a lot of event planning, marketing, social media campaign brainstorming and community outreach.
One of the biggest parts of this internship was securing a donation and partnership from Pete Alonso and The Alonso Foundation. Pete has taken initiative in the past to support 9/11 families and First Responder Families so, I reached out to see if he and his foundation would be interested in donating to an upcoming event.
Alonso donated $10,000, along with tickets to the 9/11 game for 9/11 families like mine, custom-made cleats for the New York Police & Fire Widows' & Children's Benefit Fund, (which he wore for the game) and donated for future silent auctions.
Currently, I intern at Iona University in the Marketing & Communications Department. Thankfully, I found this opportunity through Dr. Hamerman and the LaPenta School of Business. I have gained priceless experiences from this role, but what I enjoy the most is seeing my ideas come to life and making a difference in the betterment of the school.
Is there a faculty or staff member who has made a positive impact on your future that you would like to mention?
There are a few faculty or staff members who have made a positive impact on my college career. The first is Professor Steve Jarmon & Professor Kyle Byrne in the LaPenta School of Business. These two professors have made me re-think my business mindset and accompanied me to Italy for a study abroad trip that forever expanded my skillset. They also gave me lasting connections both in the classroom and outside the classroom.
What clubs, organizations or service projects are you involved with beyond the classroom?
I have a lot of involvement on campus; I am a D1 student athlete on the Iona Men’s Rowing team, resident assistant in North Hall, and an intern for Iona University in the Marketing & Communications office.
Beyond the classroom and back home, I volunteer for the Guide Dog Foundation and help raise dogs for the visually impaired and veterans with American Vet Dog.