Jaryn’s Journey: From Nistler College to a Prestigious AJGA Internship

By Victoria Wu

Meet Jaryn

Jaryn Sundby is a junior from Grand Forks, ND, pursuing a major in business management with minors in sports business and leadership. As the President of the Sports Business Student Association (SBSA), Jaryn is deeply involved in student leadership and professional development. In the little free time available, Jaryn enjoys hanging out with friends and making the most of college life.

Discovering the AJGA Internship

The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping young golfers advance their skills and gain college recruitment opportunities through competitive tournaments. Jaryn’s interest in the AJGA internship, and more specifically as a Traveling Operations Intern, was sparked by the unique opportunity to travel across the country. Recognizing that the summer between junior and senior year was the perfect time for a traveling internship, Jaryn saw this as an ideal way to explore different regions of the U.S. and potentially determine where to live post-graduation.

Though not coming from a golf background, Jaryn’s passion for business and sports management made this opportunity a perfect fit. Having previously interned with the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks as a Hospitality Management Intern, Jaryn enjoyed the fast-paced environment of baseball but was eager to explore a different sport. Golf’s more structured nature presented a new challenge and a chance to determine if it was the right fit for a future career.

The AJGA internship is known for its rigorous selection process, attracting over 1,200 applicants. The journey began with submitting a resume and cover letter, followed by a virtual interview consisting of 12 recorded responses and a Wonderlic Personality Assessment, designed to evaluate cognitive ability, motivation, and personality traits.

After successfully passing these initial steps, Jaryn was invited to Intern Recruiting Weekend (IRW) in Braselton, Georgia—a mandatory in-person selection event. The AJGA covered all travel, lodging, and meal expenses, making the experience accessible for all candidates. Over the weekend, applicants participated in a variety of activities, including guest speaker sessions, team-based challenges, and formal interviews with AJGA staff members. Jaryn engaged in four one-on-one interviews with full-time AJGA employees, ranging from Tournament Operators to the Chief Financial Officer.

Ultimately, out of the 1,200+ applicants, 110 candidates were invited to IRW, and approximately 65 interns were selected, including Jaryn.

How Nistler College Helped Pave the Way

Reflecting on the journey, Jaryn credits Nistler College and the Pancratz Center for significantly contributing to professional growth. The Pancratz Center provided essential resources, from resume and cover letter development to career coaching. Working with Brianna Black on internship searches helped Jaryn secure last summer’s role with the RedHawks.

Additionally, the Pancratz Mentorship Program played a key role in Jaryn’s success. Through this program, mentor Alissa Siekkinen provided guidance on career decisions and even recommended the AJGA internship based on past success stories. Without this recommendation, Jaryn may not have considered applying—proving just how impactful mentorship can be.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future in Sports Business

This internship is expected to be a game-changer for Jaryn’s career in sports management. The sports industry is highly competitive, and gaining hands-on experience while building a strong network is crucial. The AJGA internship will provide invaluable exposure and connections that will set Jaryn apart when entering the job market.

For students aspiring to land competitive internships, Jaryn offers this advice: take advantage of career resources, seek mentorship, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Pursuing opportunities like this one can make all the difference in shaping a successful career path.

A Special Thank You

Jaryn expresses heartfelt gratitude to family and friends for their unwavering support, the Pancratz Center staff for their career development guidance, Kathy Lund for facilitating a great mentor match, and Alissa Siekkinen for the invaluable recommendation.

With excitement for the summer ahead, Jaryn is ready to take on this new challenge with the AJGA and continue striving for excellence in the sports business industry. Congratulations, Jaryn, and best of luck in your internship adventure!