Alumni from different graduating classes of Johan Cruyff Institute participated in “My Trip”, an event where they shared their academic and professional experiences
How was the academic experience, and what is the current professional status of former Johan Cruyff Institute students? This question served as the central theme of My Trip, an event that brought together alumni from various Johan Cruyff Institute programs. During the event, the alumni reflected on the lessons they had learned during their studies and shared them with new students.
Manel Rion, alumnus of Johan Cruyff Institute and current Corporate Manager at Anytime Fitness Spain.
Over the course of two days, eight former students from different programs returned to the classroom to discuss how their academic experience at Johan Cruyff Institute in Barcelona has shaped their careers and how they have applied the knowledge gained in their respective professional roles. Interviewed by Víctor Jodán, Academic Director, and Núria Juan, Associate Academic Manager, the participants also reflected on the challenges they have faced and the opportunities they have encountered in the sports sector.
The first roundtable featured graduates of the University Master’s Degree in Sports Management Barcelona and the Master in Sport Marketing and Management Barcelona. Participants included Julieta Franco, current Director of the women’s field hockey division at the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona, and Nicolás Muzzio, Sales Executive at StatsBomb. The panel was rounded out by Manel Rion, current Corporate Manager at Anytime Fitness España, and Pablo Martín Medina, who serves as VIP Hospitality Sales Coordinator at Legends.
During the discussion, the participants explained their current roles and day-to-day responsibilities, as well as the professional paths they followed after completing their Master’s, up until reaching their current positions. Julieta Franco emphasized the value of sharing her experience with new students: “First of all, I’m always grateful to come back to this place. It’s always wonderful to reflect on my time at Johan Cruyff Institute. And, of course, being able to share my personal experience with the new students and encourage them to stay curious, open-minded, receptive, and to find ways to apply what they’re learning.”
Julieta Franco, alumna of Johan Cruyff Institute and current director of the women’s field hockey team at the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona.
The second My Trip roundtable featured Isabel Cabrejas, a graduate of the University Master’s Degree in Sports Management Barcelona, who currently works as Project Manager at 4-Football; Galia Dvorak, a graduate of the Master in Sport Marketing and Management Barcelona, who is now Deputy Secretary General at the European Table Tennis Union; and Teresa Bernadas, a graduate of the Master in Sport Business Barcelona, who is now Groups Ticketing Manager at F.C. Barcelona.
Pablo Martín, who participated in both My Trip roundtables, highlighted the importance of alumni experiences for students aiming to build a career in the sports industry: “It’s incredibly helpful and productive for students to hear the approach and tips we can offer to help them navigate the Master’s”
“I would advise them to be proactive, take advantage of the opportunities the Master’s provides, build a strong network, and be patient—enjoying the entire process.”
Galia Dvorak also offered advice to students beginning their academic journey at Johan Cruyff Institute, emphasizing the value of networking: “It was fascinating to meet the other speakers, each of whom has an exciting story to share. The experience was very positive, and I think we all agreed that the main advice for new students is to be proactive in their daily lives and to nurture their contacts.”
The event not only inspired the new students but also emphasized the importance of proactivity, networking, and continuous learning in the sports industry. The stories and advice shared by My Trip participants accompanied the new students as they embarked on the 2024-2025 academic year.
