Madison Buckley ’28, a sophomore majoring in strategic leadership with a minor in communications, turned her passion for leadership and sports into résumé -building professional experience. This summer, she workedwith the PGA as a sport management intern for the Dick’s Sporting Goods Open—a major golf event just minutes from her home.
Drawn to IC by the strong alumni network and supportive athletic community, Madison spotted the internship on LinkedIn and moved quickly. She visited the CCED for help with her cover letter and leaned on her track coach, Jennifer Potter, who’d introduced her to the Internship Fund. Knowing the tournament’s director, John Karedes ’88, was an IC alumnus made the opportunity feel even more within her reach.
In February, Buckley got the call. “I almost didn’t answer because I didn’t recognize the number,” she remembered. After a 45-minute interview, she landed the role—and called her family right away to celebrate.
For many years, Buckley volunteered at Dick’s Open. But last summer, she managed volunteers, facilitated ticket sales, and brainstormed social media content. “The Internship Fund means the world to me,” she says. “It gave me the freedom to accept this opportunity. It’s honestly helped me open so many more doors.”