13 Dec How an Internship Launched a Career at Formula 1
Can you imagine how it must feel like working for one of the most famous motorsports in the world? It’s safe to say that it’s nothing short of a dream—and Shaan Nahal made it his reality.
Shaan recently celebrated a well-deserved promotion as Account Executive in Global Business Development for the F1 Miami Grand Prix—and his Sports Management internship in Madrid a year before proved to be pivotal to this career growth.
A Sports Management internship in Madrid
Hailing from the University of Oregon, Shaan wanted to bridge his academic background with practical experience in the sports industry. As a Business Administration major concentrating in Sports Business, Absolute Internship found him a unique internship where he can apply his business skills with a sports company.
It wasn’t just any internship, though—it was an internship based in Madrid. With its deep roots in football and passionate fanbase, this city was the perfect destination for Shaan to expand his knowledge on the industry. Specifically, he interned at BeFootball, a cutting-edge, startup sports technology company dedicated to virtual reality or VR.
Overall, the program not only offered an opportunity that suited Shaan’s preferences, but also allowed him to apply himself globally.
Gaining global perspectives in the sports industry
Living and working in Madrid for eight weeks allowed Shaan to experience firsthand the city’s love for football. He watched matches in Cívitas Metropolitano and Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, and engaged with colleagues who lived and breathed sports. He even got to meet Spanish footballer Fede Vico on his first day at BeFootball!
“Growing up in the U.S., I was primarily exposed to the popular sports here,” Shaan recalls. “Going abroad and immersing myself in not only Spanish culture but European culture as a whole […] helped me understand how other countries and continents view sports differently.”
Aside from exploring Madrid, Shaan made the most out of his time in Europe. He visited Paris, Copenhagen, Monte-Carlo, as well as other Spanish cities. In some of these locations, he was able to watch even more football matches.
This immersion not only made him appreciate sports more, but also deepened his understanding of European markets compared to the United States—an invaluable asset that plays a part in his current role with F1.
“Without Absolute, I wouldn’t have had the chance to experience this firsthand,” Shaan says. “Even though F1 is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. now, its global presence is so profound, and I think my experience abroad has made it easier for me to conceptualize and appreciate that global reach.”
Learnings from an international internship
Shaan’s time at BeFootball wasn’t just about global perspectives, though—it was also about personal and professional growth.
Part of his role as a Market Analysis and Business Growth Intern was doing detailed market research. This includes VRIO (Valuable, Rare, Inimitable, and Organization) and SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analyses to help the BeFootball executive team understand how they compare against competitors.
Remember when we said Shaan watched football matches in stadiums all over Europe? Those experiences actually helped him gain more insight into diverse consumer preferences in sports, too. Talk about hitting two birds with one stone!
Lastly, Shaan got to work in a dynamic startup environment. That experience of being part of a small but highly dedicated team left a lasting impression on him—he found his personal compass.
“One of the biggest takeaways from that experience was realizing how important it is to pursue something that makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning,” he shares. “The people at BeFootball were incredibly passionate about the company and its mission, and that energy made me want to find something I could feel the same way about for myself.”
Advice for students who wish to intern abroad
Shaan’s journey wouldn’t have been possible if he wasn’t willing to take risks and grab opportunities. His advice to students considering an international internship is simple yet profound: “Take the leap.”
“Even if the internship doesn’t perfectly align with what you think you want to do, the people you’ll meet and the experiences you’ll have will be transformative,” he encourages.
Shaan also recommends creating a visual diary of your experience. Inspired by a friend who studied in Rome and the Netflix show Emily in Paris, he documented his time in Madrid through an Instagram account, @shaaninmadrid. It has now become a cherished keepsake of his incredible internship adventure.
“I’m completely indebted to the [Absolute Internship] program for giving me the opportunity to work and travel abroad,” he remarked on a LinkedIn post. “[I] highly recommend it to any college student looking for an unforgettable experience!”
What to expect in a Sports Management internship
A Sports Management internship will have you dive into one of the largest and most dynamic industries in the world. You may get the chance to work closely with athletes, coaches, teams, or sports organizations, which can be a huge win for your network.
As an intern, you can expect to gain hands-on experience in various aspects—from marketing and PR to event planning and sponsorship development. You might wear many hats and need to be adaptable, but this will prepare you for the fast-paced and competitive nature of the sports industry. This exposure can also give you a clearer understanding of your personal preferences.
This experience, combined with the connections you’ll build, will set you apart in a competitive job market.
Get started on your own international internship!
Shaan’s story is a reminder of why stepping out of your comfort zone and exploring the world are important. An international internship is more than just a line on your resume; it’s an opportunity to grow personally and professionally, gain a global perspective, and discover new passions—all of which could lead you to amazing career opportunities in the near future.
Ready to start your own adventure with Absolute Internship? Explore our destinations and apply for an international internship with us today. Your global career begins here.
No Comments