Student Internship Spotlight: Justin Brown
Class of 2026
Internship:
Degree:
Location:
Washington, D.C.
What brought you to Marymount?
I’m originally from Hoboken, N.J., and played high school basketball for a long time, so I was looking to become a college athlete. I visited Marymount, spoke with the basketball coach and really liked the area, so I decided to come here for my freshman year. I ended up not getting to play, though, so I transferred to a junior college back in New Jersey and continued playing basketball. But I was injured and couldn’t play as well, so that didn’t work out as I planned. I remembered how much I enjoyed my freshman year at Marymount, being in the D.C. area and meeting great people. So I came back and have been here ever since.
How did you land a role working for the Washington Wizards?
When I returned to Marymount last year, I was looking for a job to help support me through school. I applied and was hired for a team attendant role with the Washington Mystics because I thought that even if I didn’t play basketball, I would like to stay around the sport. I formed a good relationship with the team’s equipment manager, and shared with her my goal of working in the NBA someday. When the Wizards needed some extra help, she recommended me.
What are your main duties and responsibilities as a team attendant?
Team attendants assist the general equipment managers—we are in charge of getting the gear out to everyone and making sure everything is where it should be before each game. During games, we keep the court clear for players and clean up any food or beverage spills that might cause players to slip. After games, we clear the court and prepare for the next event at Capital One Arena. The role involves a lot of hospitality and being a helping hand to others.
What is your favorite part of the job?
It has been really cool to build relationships with some of the NBA players, not just the Wizards guys but also from the other teams that come through. We tend to put these guys on pedestals and expect them to be these big celebrities, but a lot of them are really kind. Even though we are essentially just cleaning up after them, they are very respectful and treat us just like everyone else. They remember all of our names and ask how we are and thank us for our work. It’s also super cool to see some of the legends who are still playing. LeBron came through the other day and it was amazing to see him play in person. There are a lot of guys that I grew up watching that I now get to interact with and spend time with, which is very surreal. I’m looking forward to building more connections and relationships as I continue my work with the Wizards and hopefully other teams in the NBA.
What is your advice for students looking to land jobs or internships?
Put yourself out there and show people you want to be there. I got the Wizards job because my boss saw my dedication and enthusiasm. I never missed a shift and was always willing to do anything they needed and she noticed that. Also, don’t be afraid to make yourself seen. Whenever equipment managers from other teams come through, I always introduce myself and tell them about my journey up to this point and my hopes to work in NBA operations. I introduced myself to one of the guys who works for the Clippers and I still stay in contact with him, so that will be a great connection for me to have in the future. Overall, just work hard and make connections and always be willing to learn.
