Landing your dream job: A guide to pro sports internships

Have you ever dreamt of working behind the scenes for your favorite professional sports team? Pro sports internships can be your launching pad into a dynamic and exciting career.

This guide helps equip you with the knowledge and strategies to land that coveted internship and take your first steps toward your dream job in sport management. Read on to learn more.

Forget textbooks. Internships provide invaluable hands-on experience. They allow you to:

• Test the waters in different departments within a sports organization.¹
• Build your resume with relevant skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are relevant to any industry, but especially important in sports.¹
• Network with industry professionals to increase your chances of landing a coveted sport management role.¹

This combination is a goldmine for recent graduates seeking to enter the competitive world of sport management.¹

The benefits of these internships in focused areas of the industry go beyond gaining practical experience. You'll develop transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—which are crucial for any career path you choose.

Additionally, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the sports industry, its inner workings, and the specific challenges and opportunities within your chosen area of interest along the way.

Internships with professional sports teams typically range from a few weeks to a full year. Many internships are offered during the summer months, but some may be available throughout the year. While some internships may be unpaid, many offer competitive compensation packages or stipends.

The good news? There's a sports internship opportunity for almost any interest. Teams offer internships in various departments, including:

Assist with developing and executing sports marketing campaigns, social media strategy, or sponsorship programs. Hone your verbal communication skills and build your network within the industry.

Gain experience in event management, game-day operations, or fan experience initiatives. Learn the intricacies of sports management and contribute to a team's smooth operation.

Work on media relations, player appearances, or crisis communication strategies. Develop your writing and communication skills while navigating the fast-paced world of sports PR.

Assist with talent evaluation or data analysis for player recruitment decisions. Dive deep into the world of sports statistics and hone your analytical skills through these sports internship programs.

Gain exposure to finance, human resources, or legal aspects of running a sports organization. This internship path offers valuable insight into the business side of the sports industry.

Certain accredited online master’s programs in sport management offer internship guidance and supervision to help you gain the most benefits from the internship experience.

This course will provide for supervised and directed experiences in selected sport management settings. The instructor will supervise the internship, as well as conduct a conference call with the student and supervisor. Written summaries and evaluations of the internship will be prepared by the student, the agency supervisor, and the university graduate faculty member.

This course can be taken in any semester by itself or alongside another course in the program.

The specific internships available will vary depending on the size and structure of the organization. Here's a breakdown of some common internship types:

• Marketing internship: Develop and execute promotional campaigns, manage social media platforms, or create content for the team's website and other digital channels.
• Operations internship: Contribute to smooth game-day operations, manage ticket sales or concessions, or assist with fan engagement initiatives.
• Public relations internship: Support media relations activities, draft press releases, or assist with coordinating player appearances and community outreach programs.
• Scouting and analytics internship: Work alongside scouts or analytics teams, assisting with player research, data collection, or creating reports to support player evaluation decisions.
• Business and administration internship: Gain experience in a specific department within the organization, such as finance, human resources, or legal affairs.

To secure a professional sports team internship, you'll need to demonstrate a strong academic background, relevant skills, and a genuine passion for sports.

Here's a closer look at the three key requirements that can help you land the sports internship of your dreams:

1. Education background: While a bachelor's degree in sport management is a plus, many internships are open to students from various academic backgrounds, such as Business, Marketing, Communications, or Data Analytics. Being enrolled in a top-ranked online sport management master’s program shows that you are focused on long-term career advancement and success and want to know about the management aspects of the sport industry from an advanced level.
2. Relevant skills: Develop a strong foundation in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, depending on the specific internship, you may want to hone your skills in areas like writing, social media, data analysis, or project management.
3. Passion for sports: Genuine enthusiasm for the industry goes a long way. Show your passion by following sports news, attending games, and keeping up with current trends in the sport management field.

Finding the right internship is crucial. Utilize these resources to discover the perfect opportunity:

• Team websites: Most professional sports teams list internship opportunities on their official websites under the "careers" or "jobs" section.
• Job boards: Explore general job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn, as well as sports-specific job boards like TeamWork Online and SportsCareerFinder.^1,2
• Professional associations: Consider joining professional organizations like the National Association of Sports Management (NASM) or the Sport Management Institute (SMI). These organizations often post internship listings and career resources.

Here is a list of some of the major pro sports organizations and sporting companies that have offered internship opportunities:Major League Baseball and affiliated teams:

• National Basketball Association and affiliated teams¹
• National Football League and affiliated teams¹
• National Hockey League and affiliated teams¹
• Major League Soccer and affiliated teams¹
• NASCAR¹
• Major Marketing Agencies¹
• Collegiate Marketing Agencies¹
• NCAA Conferences and Institutions¹
• ESPN¹
• Major sporting goods and apparel companies¹
• United States Olympic Committee¹
• National Governing Bodies¹

Attending sports-specific career fairs and industry conferences is a fantastic way to connect with professionals and learn about potential internship opportunities. Many universities also host career fairs where sports teams recruit interns.

Connecting with a strong network of alumni at a leading academic institution can help build strong ties and friendships in the industry even before graduation.

Standing out from the crowd in the competitive world of pro sports internships requires a strategic approach to your application.

Here are some tips to help you leave an indelible impression with a leading sports organization:

• Customize your application: Don't submit generic applications. Research each team and department you're applying to. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight specific skills and experiences relevant to the internship position. Mention your favorite team players or recent initiatives you admire to showcase your genuine interest in the organization and that you have kept current with how it is performing, its fabled history, and where it is headed in the future.
• Resume and cover letter powerhouse: Your resume should be clear, and concise, and highlight your most relevant skills and accomplishments. Use strong action verbs and quantifiable achievements whenever possible. Your cover letter should be a persuasive introduction, expressing your enthusiasm for the specific internship and the team. Briefly explain why you're a perfect fit and what unique value you bring to the position.
• Highlight your achievements: Go beyond simply listing your duties in previous roles. Showcase your accomplishments using metrics and specific examples. Did you spearhead a successful social media campaign in a previous internship? Quantify the results! Highlighting achievements demonstrates your initiative and ability to deliver impactful results.

Landing the interview is a significant step closer to securing your top-choice internship. It’s best to think of your internship interview just as you would think of any professional job interview and be just as prepared to shine.

Here's how to prepare and impress:

Research the team's current projects, recent news, and upcoming events. Understanding the organization's goals and challenges demonstrates your genuine interest and preparedness. A quick SWOT analysis can also help better prepare you.

Anticipate common interview questions specific to the sports industry and practice your responses beforehand. These questions might focus on your passion for sports, your understanding of the team's business operations, or your problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment.

First impressions matter! Dress professionally for your interview, adhering to the team's typical work environment. Projecting a confident and professional demeanor is crucial.

Once you land the internship, make the most of the experience!

Here's how to impress your supervisors and build a strong foundation for your future career:

1. Be proactive and take initiative: Don't wait for tasks to be assigned. Take initiative, ask questions, and express your willingness to contribute to ongoing projects. Proactiveness demonstrates your eagerness to learn and contribute meaningfully.
2. Deliver high-quality work: Approach every task with dedication and strive for excellence. Delivering high-quality work showcases your commitment and work ethic and leaves a very positive impression on your supervisor. When it comes hiring time, the team will surely ask the supervisor how your work performance was. It helps to have a glowing review from someone who knows your work with the team best.
3. Network and build relationships: Internships are fantastic opportunities to build connections within the tight-knit sporting industry. Network with colleagues, supervisors, and other professionals you meet during your internship. These connections can be invaluable resources as you navigate your career path.
4. Seek feedback and embrace learning: Don't be afraid to ask for feedback on your work. View your internship as a continuous learning experience. Be receptive to constructive criticism and actively seek opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge.

Pro sports internships offer an invaluable stepping stone into the exciting world of sport management. These experiences equip you with practical skills, industry knowledge, and a network of professional contacts. Education is also a key driver for improving your expertise, acumen, and preparedness for a career in sport management.

The University of Kansas online sport management master’s program* can empower you to take the next step in your sport management journey. KU’s program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to develop the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this dynamic field.

Take the first step towards your dream job in sports. Explore KU’s program details—including course descriptions and admissions information—to learn how KU can help you achieve your dream career in sport management.

Schedule a time to chat with a KU admissions outreach advisor to discuss how KU’s online sport management program can equip you with the skills, connections, internship support, and knowledge to succeed!*This program is a Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) degree in health, sport management, and exercise science with an emphasis in sport management.