Though she doesn’t call herself an athlete, Kiarra Osotio has always had a strong relationship with sports, thanks to watching games with her family. But while they watched the action on the field, she became interested in what was happening off-screen.
“I was curious how everything happened behind the scenes and have recently found a passion for working in the industry," said Osotio, an undergraduate business student.
This past spring, when Osotio heard about the opportunity to intern with the Las Vegas Super Bowl Host Committee, she hesitated. Though it paired her two passions together – sports and teamwork – she felt she was still too much of a rookie.
“I was a first-year student and never thought I would be able to intern for the Super Bowl,” Osotio said.
But with the encouragement of her peers in Intercollegiate & Professional Sports Management Students Leaders, one of UNLV’s more than 400 student organizations, she said that “getting real-world experience reminds me I can reach my goals.”
After applying and being chosen as one of 14 interns from UNLV this summer, she said she learned it is important to “go for what you want. Don’t be scared.”
Over the last three months, Osotio served as a community affairs intern. She managed communication with all involved parties in the Business Connect Program, a partnership between the National Football League (NFL) and the Las Vegas Super Bowl Host Committee.
The program works to connect experienced, event-ready Las Vegas businesses with opportunities to compete for contracts related to Super Bowl LVIII. Additionally, she assisted with the execution of events for the host committee.
For example, she worked a Las Vegas Golden Knights playoff game where the superball, a giant football, made an appearance to promote the Super Bowl.
This fall semester marks Osotio’s second year at UNLV, but she’s already earned enough credits for junior standing.
In addition to participating in the Global Entrepreneurship Experience and earning a certificate in Sports Leadership and Management, Osotio is vice president of two student organizations – Lee Business Connections and Intercollegiate and Professional Sports Management Student Leaders. She is also an active member of several other student organizations, in addition to working on campus.
“Something I didn’t realize is the work and dedication that it takes to plan a Super Bowl,” Osotio said. “I didn’t realize how many events go into it. It’s been inspirational because I want to work in the sports world. It’s been great to give back to the community.”
