Caldwell prepares sport management grad for MBA studies and internship with professional soccer club in Spain

As Juan Sabastian Armas ’23 studies for his MBA is Sport Management at Escuela Universitaria Real Madrid Universidad Europea in Madrid, Spain, and interns with an international soccer club, he reflects on the mentorship he received at Caldwell University as an undergraduate. “I’m constantly reminded of the invaluable guidance I received from my professors at Caldwell and my advisor, Professor [Neil] Malvone,” said Armas, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in sport management from Caldwell.

Armas is currently taking courses in general management, data entry, and facility management, with the primary focus on soccer. He has been happy to have the chance to attend Real Madrid games in Spain. “This journey is life-changing, and I often find myself reflecting on everything Caldwell has done for me.”

He is grateful for the experiential learning opportunities he enjoyed through internships at Caldwell and his work- study position in the School of Education. “These experiences have allowed me to build a strong network and connections in the sports and professional industry. Without these experiences and the sports internships, I don’t think I would be where I am today, and for that, I am truly thankful,” said Armas, who was inducted into international business honor society Delta Mu Honor Society at Caldwell’s Honors Convocation last spring. He graduated magna cum laude and earned the highest GPA in his graduating class in the sports management academic program. Debbie Giordano, staff member in the School of Education, said the employees in the School of Education appreciated Armas’ hard work and reliance. “Whenever anything was needed, he was there. He became a very important and special part of our team.”

Virginia Rich, the associate dean of the School of Business and Computer Science, appreciates the opportunity and support the School of Education provided to Juan during his studies at Caldwell. “I’m proud that his education and experiential learning allowed him to move forward to graduate studies in Spain. His positive experiences at our University are what we try to provide for all our students, every day.”

Malvone is very pleased that Armas is in an MBA program in Spain where the curriculum is based on the work of the Real Madrid Football Club and the instructors are executives and business partners of the club. “Juan is immersed in real hands-on experience…he has met with media partners, sponsors, players and team leaders. This type of learning exposes Juan to the billion-dollar soccer industry with his ultimate goal to work for an international soccer club when he completes the program,” said Malvone.