A UIC Barcelona alum shares his experience working in Espanyol's Communications Department with Journalism students

Santi Gilabert, a former Audiovisual Communication student, began his talk by reflecting on his early professional experiences, which began at UIC Barcelona, ​​where he worked in the press department as an intern for three years. Following this period, his career led him to the world of sports communication, eventually becoming a community manager within the club's communications team, a role he has held for almost five years.

During the session, the alum detailed the inner workings of a sports communications department and outlined the daily tasks involved: coordinating with players and coaches, managing official social media accounts, handling media relations, preparing content and responding to breaking news. He also highlighted planning, rigour and credibility as cornerstones of the profession.

One key focus of the talk was the growing role of social media and artificial intelligence in communication. “Neither is inherently bad; what we need is to learn how to use them with professional judgement,” he stated, echoing reflections the students had previously discussed in class.

The session also included a practical exercise for students that involved simulating covering a press conference, aimed at teaching them to identify the most relevant information, work under pressure and formulate journalistic questions. “A good question can change the final headline,” Gilabert reminded them, stressing the importance of developing a personal style and a critical perspective.

The visit gave students firsthand insight into the daily life of a sports communications professional and the career paths to which university education can lead. “Going from an intern at UIC Barcelona to community manager for a top club like Espanyol is possible,” the alum concluded, encouraging the students to make the most of the internship and real-world experience opportunities available during their studies.