How to Get a Sports Internship: The Complete Guide

As a sports fanatic, one of the most exciting ways to jumpstart your career is through a sports internship These competitive but rewarding roles allow you to gain practical experience while working for teams, leagues, brands, agencies and other organizations related to your sports passion

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll provide insider tips to help you land an incredible sports internship and make the most of it.

Why Do a Sports Internship?

Here are some of the main benefits of pursuing an internship in the sports industry

• Gain hands-on skills and experience in sports business, marketing, analytics, operations etc.

• Get exposure to real workplace projects and responsibilities.

• Apply academic knowledge to practice within organizations.

• Expand your professional network with sports industry contacts.

• Try potential careers on for size to confirm interests.

• Stand out on your resume and job/grad school applications.

• Potentially turn the internship into a permanent job offer.

• Fulfill course credits if your college requires an internship to graduate.

Completing one or more sports internships provides tangible advantages as you start your career in an ultra-competitive field.

Sports Internship Roles and Sample Duties

There are diverse sports internship options across different functional areas:

Marketing & Promotions

• Support advertising, digital marketing, social media campaigns

• Assist in game presentation, fan experience, and events

• Conduct market research on customers, branding

Public & Media Relations

• Write press releases, media kits, newsletters

• Manage media requests and interview schedules

• Support media events like press conferences

Community Relations

• Help plan and execute community initiatives

• Volunteer at team-hosted camps, clinics, fundraisers

• Engage fans and social media followers

Ticket Sales & Services

• Use CRMs to prospect season ticket holders

• Process ticket orders and respond to customer inquiries

• Staff will call windows and resolve seat issues

Business Analytics & Strategy

• Collect data on fans, sponsors, events etc.

• Perform analysis on metrics like attendance, ratings

• Research expansion opportunities and emerging trends

Athlete Relations & Services

• Support team travel logistics and itineraries

• Assist players/staff with community outreach events

• Help organize team charitable initiatives

Coaching & Player Development

• Create scouting reports and video edits

• Observe practices, conditioning, film review etc.

• Potentially help at camps, clinics or Combines

How to Find Sports Internships

Use these proven strategies to uncover the best sports internships for your goals:

• Utilize campus resources – Visit your career center early and schedule an appointment with a career advisor familiar with sports roles. Attend job fairs, workshops and employer events on campus. Many companies specifically recruit interns at certain schools.

• Check sports team/league websites – Most have an employment or internships section. Sign up for job alert emails so you never miss an opening.

• Search online boards – Handshake, LinkedIn, TeamWork Online, and Indeed are great resources to find and directly apply for sports internships. Filter for entry-level.

• Leverage sports industry associations – Organizations like the Sports Business Journal and regional sports councils frequently list internships.

• Network with school alumni – Use LinkedIn and alumni databases to connect with graduates now working in sports. Informational interviews can reveal unposted openings.

• Attend sports career/job fairs – Great way to directly engage multiple employers like teams, agencies, and partners. Bring many copies of your resume.

• Follow sports teams and brands on social – Often will advertise internship programs. Twitter and Instagram are top channels.

Tailor Your Application

Submitting a generic application is a dealbreaker. Personalize it to show your sports passion and fit for the specific internship:

• Highlight sports involvement – Include collegiate athletics, intramurals, fantasy leagues etc. Show you are #SportsObsessed.

• Align skills to role requirements – Emphasize coursework, projects, or prior experiences that prepared you for their needs.

• Explain your motivations – What interests you about this team, league or company? Share your unique story and connections.

• Show you understand their brand – Weave in company values, culture and tone. Research it thoroughly.

• Proofread relentlessly – Avoid typos or formatting issues that betray a lack of attention to detail.

Take time crafting a compelling, focused application. It demonstrates your genuine interest in that particular internship.

Nail the Sports Internship Interview

Interviewing at marquee sports organizations feels daunting but preparation is key:

• Practice common questions – Expect behavioral questions about collaboration, problem-solving etc. Have clear examples ready.

• Re-read the job description – Refresh yourself on the role’s core objectives, duties, and required competencies.

• Research the company – Know their history, organizational structure, current initiatives, and competitors.

• Prepare smart questions – Ask about a day in the life, training approach, team culture etc. Avoid anything easily Googleable.

• Exude enthusiasm – Demonstrate this through strong eye contact, active listening, thoughtful responses.

• Mind your appearance – Dress professionally. Avoid team gear or distracting accessories.

The interview is your chance to prove you’re the right sports superfan for the internship.

Make the Most of Your Sports Internship

Follow these tips to maximize your internship experience once you’re hired:

• Ask questions – Don’t be shy about soliciting feedback and guidance from colleagues. Soak up their sports knowledge.

• Find a mentor – Seek out a veteran employee who can give you career advice and an insider perspective.

• Take initiative – Volunteer for extra projects even if they fall outside the job description. Offer innovative ideas.

• Build relationships – Get to know colleagues across departments. These contacts become part of your network.

• Have a positive attitude – Bring energy to everything you do, even mundane tasks.

• Manage up – Impress your manager by delivering excellent work and communicating proactively.

• Network – Attend optional company events to connect with executives and external partners.

• Keep proper documentation – Maintain records detailing your contributions – it builds your resume.

Approach each day as an opportunity to demonstrate your capabilities. That’s how interns become full-time hires.

Converting an Internship to a Full-Time Job

The end goal of most sports internships is a permanent job offer. To boost your chances:

• Start the conversation early – Discuss your interest in full-time opportunities with your manager.

• Time applications strategically – If the company has set recruiting cycles, meet key deadlines.

• Get a mentor recommendation – Ask colleagues who know your work to advocate on your behalf.

• Highlight achievements – Quantify your results on projects in your application.

• Ace final presentation – If required, knock it out of the park to leave a strong final impression.

• Express your enthusiasm – Share why you’re passionate about the team, league, or company and would love to stay.

With hard work and the right approach, that sports dream job is within your grasp. Bring the same tenacity you would to championship game and leave it all out on the field. You got this!

Ready, Set, Intern!

Launching your sports career through an internship provides unmatched insight and experience. By following this game plan, your odds of interning for your favorite teams and leagues will greatly increase:

• Explore different sports internship functions to identify your perfect role.

• Tap all resources – job boards, campus career centers, networking contacts – to discover openings.

• Make sure your application aligns with the position’s needs and company brand.

• Interview successfully by practicing responses and thoroughly researching the employer.

• Go above and beyond expectations if you secure the internship.

• Discuss full-time opportunities early and highlight your contributions.