McKEESPORT, Pa. — For Brayden Patton, a business management and marketing student at Penn State Greater Allegheny, an internship with Prep Baseball Report (PBR) this summer offered an inside look at the fast-paced world of sports events. PBR, according to its website, has the nation's largest baseball scouting infrastructure and has evolved into the most respected independent scouting service and event operator since its inception 20 years ago.
Patton, who will graduate in May, traveled to field locations across Pennsylvania, including Scranton and State College, as well as Cortland, New York, where he joined the PBR team in organizing tournaments and showcases that connect high school athletes with college coaches and professional scouts.
“What surprised me most on the first day was how fast paced everything moved,” Patton said. “From the moment I arrived, the staff was already setting up and organizing field operations. I thought there might be a warm-up or adjustment period, but I was immediately part of the team. It gave me a real sense of what it’s like working in the sports event industry.”
Rosemary Martinelli, assistant teaching professor of marketing and communications and the internship director at Greater Allegheny, said she believes experiences like Patton’s are central to the campus’ rebranded internship program that began back in 2023.
“It is a way to make students think, and that’s why this is really important. It’s not a throwaway course or something that can only happen in a student’s final semester,” she said. “An internship, even starting in the fourth semester, helps students understand what they want to do, but sometimes more importantly, what they don’t want to do. That’s just as valuable.”
More than 25 students from Greater Allegheny were involved in a variety of internships this past summer.
Patton said he pursued the opportunity because it combined his professional and personal interests. He played sports for more than 18 years.
“I’ve always loved baseball and want to pursue a career that blends business and athletics. What excited me most was the opportunity to work closely with athletes and coaches," he said. "At first, I was a little intimidated by the pressure to keep games running smoothly and manage field operations with little margin for error.”
One of the highlights of the summer came during a 44-team tournament in Scranton, where Patton managed field operations, tracked pitching velocities, and captured video content.
“It stood out because it required multitasking, leadership and real-time problem-solving skills that don’t come from a textbook,” he said.
Those moments required adaptability, he added.
“In class, you have structured deadlines. On the field, things change by the minute [due to] weather delays, team no-shows, or tech issues,” Patton said. “I learned how to prioritize on the fly and keep composed in unpredictable situations.”
Martinelli said those lessons underscore the internship program’s value, which is based on the eight NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) competencies that are key to the skills that employers want and need in the workplace.
“The learning agreement we developed is really something the employers, the student, and the faculty advisor all work on together to help align the classroom work with the hands-on work in the internship,” she said. “My role is to help students navigate the process and prepare for the unexpected; you gain experience, skills, and contacts that set you apart in their career plans.”
At times, Patton said, the scope of responsibility was overwhelming. “During the New York State Games, I was tasked with tracking player metrics and managing data entry remotely while events were unfolding,” he said. “With hundreds of players and multiple fields active, I felt overwhelmed by the scale. I overcame it by organizing my tabs, using notes and calendars to manage my time, and relying on digital tools to stay on top of each task.”
The experience also shaped his long-term goals, he said.
“This internship confirmed that I want to work in sports business; it opened my eyes to the possibility of starting my own sports facility someday,” Patton said. “Seeing the logistics behind tournaments and how PBR operates gave me a blueprint for what that kind of business might look like.”
Feedback from his supervisor boosted his confidence. “Danielle (Cevette), my supervisor, complimented me on how organized and composed I stayed even when things got hectic,” he said. “That positive feedback boosted my confidence and reminded me that staying calm under pressure is one of my strengths.”
Patton said he credited his classroom work at Greater Allegheny with helping him contribute to the team.
“My marketing courses helped me see how content, such as highlight reels and player stats, could be leveraged for social media engagement,” he said. “I even suggested posting more on Instagram instead of just Twitter, since younger athletes are more active on that platform. My suggestion was taken into consideration during our events.”
Preparation for the internship started on campus, too. “I took part in career prep work at Penn State that helped me create a resume and approach companies like PBR,” Patton said. “That process helped me feel more confident during the interview and onboarding stages.”
Looking back, Patton said he would encourage his past self to be confident from the start.
“I would tell myself to trust my instincts and stay organized from day one,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to speak up and offer ideas. Your perspective matters, even as an intern.”