Alejandro Hernandez and Jazmin Romo didn’t just watch the FIFA World Cup this summer. They helped bring it to life. Through their internships with Host Broadcast Services, the recent graduates of the University of Missouri-Kansas City Henry W. Bloch School of Management supported international media operations, gained hands-on industry experience and saw firsthand the teamwork behind one of the world’s largest sporting events.
Alejandro Hernandez, Class of 2026
UMKC degree program: Business administration, analytics and business intelligence emphasis
Extracurricular activities: Enactus and Kappa Sigma
Jazmin Romo, Class of 2026
UMKC degree program: Business administration, marketing emphasis; Communication studies, strategic communication emphasis
Extracurricular activities: Enactus, Launchpad, Delta Sigma Pi, Roo News, Student Government Association
How did you learn about the opportunity to intern with Host Broadcast Services?
Hernandez: I learned about the opportunity through Daniel Folk at the Bloch Career Center, and I applied because I thought it was a unique opportunity that could set me apart for a future job search. I also like international work, so this seemed exciting!
Romo: I also heard about the opportunity through Daniel Folk from the Bloch Career Center. He encouraged me to apply when I met with him for a resume review. I thought it was a great fit for me because I want to go into the sports marketing industry. The Bloch Career Center helped me secure this internship by making me aware of the opportunity.
Can you describe your summer internship and your responsibilities leading up to and on match days?
Hernandez: I was a broadcast liaison assistant, supporting the broadcast liaison officers with their work. We worked a lot with organizing and helping international media partners with their positions and being the bridge between them and FIFA.
For me, a typical week could look like guiding media partners to their positions, distributing goods, labeling positions and surveilling sensitive positions around the stadium. On match days, I would usually be up in the commentary positions assisting media partners or in interview zones making sure people knew where they were supposed to be. Occasionally, I would be on the pitch during a match, which was really cool!
Romo: A typical week as a liaison assistant could look like coordinating broadcast operations and media logistics to ensure seamless coverage for international media partners; assisting with pre-match preparation by organizing broadcaster bookings, preparing venue signage and posting operational information within the Broadcast Information Office; managing operations at the Stadium Media Centre welcome desk, monitoring media zones and ensuring designated broadcast areas remain organized and accessible; escorting media partners to their assigned camera and commentary positions, conducting venue tours and documenting broadcast positions in use; and monitoring guest arrivals as well as team arrivals and departures.
What's one moment you'll never forget?
Hernandez: My most memorable moment was during my first match, and I took an Argentinian media partner down to the pitch on short notice. Everything was about to begin, and I remember walking onto the pitch side and seeing all the white and blue Argentinian jerseys and fans screaming. It was really exciting, especially knowing that it was the World Cup!
Romo: My most memorable moment from the experience was walking into the stadium and standing above the commentary positions, where I saw an aerial view of the stadium filled with fútbol fans for the first time.
It was the beginning of the second half of the Argentina vs. Algeria match, and the atmosphere was truly unforgettable. The cheers from the crowd, their passion and love of the game created an energy unlike anything I had ever experienced. In that moment, everything felt surreal. I remember thinking that I was exactly where I wanted to be. It only reinforced my passion for sports and pursuing a career in the sports marketing industry.
Can you describe a challenge you encountered and overcame during your internship?
Hernandez: A challenge I faced was managing situations where people did not follow the rules. Sometimes a media partner would try and sneak into a position they were not assigned to, or someone would attempt to walk through a restricted zone after being told multiple times they could not. Unfortunately, sometimes I would have to be the bad guy, but I found that being confident, firm and not taking anything personally really helps.Romo: One challenge I encountered during the tournament was helping de-escalate high-stress situations. Match days moved quickly, and with broadcasters, media partners and staff all working on tight schedules, emotions can run high.
In those moments, it was important for me to remain calm, listen carefully and communicate clearly while helping people find the information or support they needed. I learned that staying composed under pressure can have a positive impact on those around you. I was able to keep operations running smoothly while ensuring media partners felt supported throughout the event.
What did this experience mean to you?
Hernandez: Being part of the World Cup while still being a Bloch student was an extraordinary opportunity. It was a perfect way to close out my undergraduate career.
Romo: This experience taught me how to work effectively in a high-pressure, international event environment. I learned how to think critically while communicating with diverse stakeholders and managing multiple priorities.
This internship also confirmed that I want to build a career in the sports industry. Working behind the scenes at one of the world’s largest sporting events showed me how many opportunities exist beyond match day.
As a recent graduate, being a part of this experience was extremely rewarding. My education at the Bloch School prepared me for this role through marketing and management courses, and I am extremely grateful for the Bloch Career Center and Daniel Folk for his support. I will always look back at this internship with a smile and carry the memories and lessons gained throughout my career.