The Cougars Announce Partnership with the New York Red Bulls

By Andrey Nalbantov

Kean University announced a new multi-year partnership with the New York Red Bulls via email on Wednesday, March 23.

The soccer team initially approached Kean University with the idea of a partnership. And after explanatory conversations, a mutual interest was built upon, according to New York Red Bulls’ Senior Manager of Corporate Partnerships Jordan Iannuzzi.

“Our marketing partnerships team is always looking for partners that have shared values and a like-minded vision within the NY/NJ community,” Iannuzzi said. “We initially reached out to Kean University to see if they would have any interest and conversations developed from there.” 

The collaboration with the New York team would offer multiple opportunities for many Kean students both on the main Union campus, and at the teams’ establishment. In order for students to take the chance in assessing those opportunities, they would have to apply through a streamlined application process with the Major League Soccer (MLS) team.

Since there are no specific requirements needed for Kean students in order for them to apply for the program, all current and recent graduates are encouraged to get involved with the project. This can be done through Kean’s Career Service department.

Some of the opportunities that the university will receive from its official partnership with the NY team include internships, access to full-time jobs, and sales. And the Red Bulls will host an employee mentorship program for students that will include shadowing and networking events. The organization will also give students a chance to participate in community service projects. 

The employee mentorship program will proceed in this manner. Front office employees from the MLS team will work with a limited number of Kean students, who they would educate about careers in the sports business industry. 

According to Iannuzzi, the program can be of great benefit to Kean students, because they will have a streamlined connection with one of MLS’ premier franchises for potential internship and job opportunities.

The internship options for students would be provided to Kean’s Career Services by the Red Bulls. Depending on the season various internship departments would be available, such as Partnerships, Ticket Sales, and Marketing. 

Students that are approved for any of the internships would receive university credit upon completion. At the moment this is pending approval from Kean University’s Career Services.

So why should students apply for those internships? According to Iannuzzi, that is the best way for students who are interested in the world of sports business to get firsthand experience through interning with a sports team. Iannuzzi even mentioned that some of the workers in the NY Red Bulls have started their employment in that manner.

“If a student is interested in a career in the sports business industry, there is no better way to get hands-on experience than to intern with a professional team,” Iannuzzi said. “A majority of Red Bulls’ front office employees started their career with an internship within the industry.”

Kean University’s President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed. D. shared his excitement about the upcoming collaboration in the email that was sent out to the Kean community. 

“We are thrilled to launch this partnership with the New York Red Bulls,” wrote Repollet in the email. “It’s another example of how Kean is working with major organizations and companies to support our work and our students.”

 A video released on the University’s YouTube channel stated that the mission of this partnership is to serve the Kean community and to focus importance on the power of diversity.

“Sports bring us together,” said the speaker in the video. “That’s why Kean University partners with organizations that support our mission and help us serve our students.”

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