15 Best Sports Management Internship Opportunities

The sports industry is fast flourishing with growing opportunities in sports media, management, marketing and sponsorship, and sports facilities. 

In the same vein, there is an increase in the number of organizations and institutions in the sports industry, each hiring several interns. So, in relation to sports management, here are the best internship opportunities in 2023.

Basically, an internship marks a crucial stepping stone between college and a career that gives you the opportunities to get hands-on experience in the profession you’re passionate about while networking and making connections that can last a lifetime.

In fact, eighty percent of college students get experiential education, on-the-job training, and something tangible to put on their resumes.

So as a sports management student or graduate hoping to make a career from it, this article has been written to help you land that dream internship. Also, you will get to know about the best sports management internship opportunities available for you.

Before we go ahead, here is a table of contents:

What Is A Sport Internship?

A sports internship is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that lets the students practice what they’ve studied in their various sports majors.

In the competitive world of sports, an internship basically provides vital hands-on training and gives you a leg up on the competition, often functioning as an audition for a full-time job. 

What Are Good Sports Management Internships?

Good sports management internships provide the students with the required experience to advance their careers in the industry.

An internship is a significant component of many sport management programs as it provides a competitive edge to students seeking employment in sports management.

Basically, a Sport Management Internship is an extension of the undergraduate preparation and is mainly designed to occur at the end of all undergraduate coursework.

Although sports management is highly competitive, it’s not impossible to get the job or internship of your dreams working for a pro sports team, college athletic program, or other sports business organization.

You may also like to see How can I study sports management master’s degrees online? Schools, Salaries, career

How Do You Find Sports Management Internships?

Here are some tips to help you get a dream sports management internship:

• Get Involved
• Network
• Find the Right Contact
• Stand Out
• Get a Relevant Degree
• Do Your Research
• Never Give Up

Get Involved

The first thing to do before you even start looking for a sports management internship is to get hands-on experience in your field.

Like all other industries, you must work up from the bottom. It is essential to show your experience outside the classroom, that is, your ability to work with a sports team or organization outside of college.

So, start looking for possibilities locally.

Volunteering is the best way to start building relevant experience for your resume.

Normally, local sports organizations or a local college or high school athletics department will have internship programs where you can volunteer.

You could help with game-day operations at a local stadium, work in the ticket sales booth, coach a youth sports team, work at a summer sports camp, or help at a local sports tournament.

Network

Networking plays a significant role in obtaining internships or jobs in the sports business industry. So, it is extremely important that you meet as many people as you can to learn about their experiences and maintain contacts.

Attending conferences and workshops provide a great platform to meet people and develop connections within the sports world.

Furthermore, attending the college-sponsored seminars, where alumni and guest speakers are invited to speak, also provides an excellent opportunity to network.

Also, do not neglect networking in college and joining relevant clubs because your peers might become significant players in sports management in the years to come.

Another vital way to network is to seek a mentor from the sports industry to guide you and also help you develop the right contacts.

Find the Right Contact

Finding the right contact is essential to get a good internship. To do this, double-check the name of the upper management personnel to whom you should address the letter before sending an inquiry letter.

So, ensure your resume reaches out to as many people as possible in the organization. To be safe, send a copy of your letter to the agent, the operations manager, the marketing manager, salary cap manager, and the public relations manager.

This will, in turn, increase your chances of getting noticed. You can also send a hard copy of the letter along with the mail.

Stand Out

Make an impact through your cover letter while applying for the internship; stand out. Although your resume tells about your experience and education, the cover letter clearly shows your personality.

Spend time to research the organization and specific position you are applying for. A striking cover letter can make a big impression, even if your resume is average. Also, include a photo of your sports experience or emailing a video clip explaining your credentials, as it will be an added advantage.

Furthermore, be very specific about your interests and what responsibilities you are willing to take. For example, cold calling, social marketing, conducting research, etc.

Get a Relevant Degree

Your interest in sports is not enough to land an internship in sports. It would help if you also had the proper education, as it will lay the foundation for the future in the sports business.

For students seeking a career in sports management programs, you can also pursue a degree in related fields such as customer service, sales, and public relations.

Also, if your undergraduate degree is not in sports management and you want to enter this field, a Master’s degree can be helpful, especially when you don’t have many contacts. 

Do Your Research

Know where to look. Use sports business, online job boards to find out the available positions, the requirements for the positions, and application deadlines.

There are excellent places online to find sports management internships, like WorkInSports, ESPN, and InternMatch. Through these websites, you can get information about the types of positions available, the requirements, and application deadlines. Furthermore, library research and reading trade publications can provide helpful information about various positions’ educational and work requirements.

Then, take the courses, learn specific computer software, or get the out-of-class experience you need to land your dream internship.

Also note that the internship schedules vary, and many sports internship programs are seasonal.

Many organizations, such as ESPN, offer fall, spring, and summer internships, while some select their interns months in advance.

So, it is better to start early to have enough time to research. Also, researching how current sports professionals advanced in this field is very useful.

Never Give Up

Sport management internships are highly competitive. Several internship programs have fall deadlines (some as early as September), so ensure to apply early.

Even if you are not successful in getting an internship with your dream company, never stop trying; apply, apply, and apply. Be persistent and contact them regularly to show your interest in the internship.

Also, list all the companies that offer sports internships, and apply to as many internship programs as possible.

If possible, broaden your search to include internships across the country or even globally, so you can find an internship that best suits your career goals and interests.

Check out these Cover Letter for Internship That Won | Samples and Writing Tips

What Type Of Internships Are Available For A Sports Management Degree?

Here is a list of some of the best sports management internship opportunities available in 2023:

• Skyhawks Sports Management Internship Program
• Eforce Sports Performance Internship
• Sports Recreation Intern
• The Washington Center, Internships for Academic Credit
• Sports Marketing Internship
• Clubhouse Manager Internship (Summer 2023)
• Game Day Operations Intern Summer/Fall 2023 with Sky Blue FC
• REVOLUTIONARY SPORTS LLC – Sports Management Internship
• Soccer Shots – Sports Management Internship
• Sales Intern – Red Sox “Junior Sales Academy”
• FALL 2023 Internship – Digital Marketing Intern
• Valley Preferred Cycling Center – Sports Management Internship FT
• Sports & Entertainment Network – Football Scouting Analyst Internship
• Heat Baseball Sports Management Intern
• Competitive Sports Intern – Loyola University Maryland

Skyhawks Sports Management Internship Program

With the Skyhawks Sports Management Internship Program, you can experience what it is like to own a Youth Sports Business.

Here, interns will work alongside Coach Billy Bob (owner of Skyhawks Contra Costa and Z-sportz Inc) to gain hands-on experience in owning and operating a small business.

Also, Skyhawks Sports Management Internship Program is an excellent way for students to acquire school credits, boost their resumes, gain hands-on management experience, network with industry professionals, and gain a competitive edge for their careers.

To apply, you must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma and enrolled in College. Most importantly, you must relate well to kids (ages 3-11), share your knowledge and passion for sports, and bring a high-energy “can do” attitude to camp daily!

To apply, send a cover letter and resume to Gregg Lauderdale, Skyhawks Minnesota Owner, at
[email protected].

SEE INTERNSHIP

Eforce Sports Performance Internship

EForce Sports is currently seeking applicants for its 2023 Internship Program. After selecting candidates, interns will be responsible for a weekly lecture, reading/research, and hands-on coaching.

This internship is 12 weeks long. Also, following a progressive observation of a coaching model, you will be granted to ability to help coach the athletes after you demonstrate your comprehension of coaching different aspects of sports performance.

In fact, the Enforce Sports Performance Internship aims to have interns advance in strength and conditioning after completing their internship. So, if you are serious about becoming a strength and conditioning coach, this internship will help you develop the necessary tools to advance in the field. 

To apply, email your resume, cover letter, and reference list to [email protected].

SEE INTERNSHIP

Sports Recreation Intern

This is administrative and support work assisting the Sports Recreation manager with various tasks related to the Rock Island Parks and Recreation Department’s Sports programs and events.

Under the Sports Recreation Manager’s general supervision, interns perform various assignments within the Parks and Recreation Department relating to supervising, planning, developing, and implementing youth and adult sports programs, tournaments, rentals, clinics, and camps.

SEE INTERNSHIP

The Washington Center, Internships for Academic Credit

Transform your Sports major into an exciting career while living, working, and learning with a Washington, D.C. internship.

The Washington Center – TWC experience goes beyond internships to give you the professional development, connections, and guidance you’ll need to pursue a fulfilling career.

To apply, you must be at least 18 years old and enrolled as an undergraduate student at an accredited college or university.

SEE INTERNSHIP

Sports Marketing Internship

Traction Sports Performance is currently inviting interested persons for their Sports Marketing Internship.

As a Sports Marketing Intern at Traction Sports Performance, you will be expected to do the following:

• Responsibly & respectfully, work & collaborate with our current marketing/ media team.
• Assist in regulating social media engagement & collaborate on new ideas for the organization.
• Capture, Organize, & Design videos and photos of various Traction Sports Programs.
• Work with and & learn from our partners regarding marketing and social media content.

To apply, you must work towards a degree in Marketing, public relations, communications, and/or Media Design and have a High School/ Collegiate Experience in a sport.

SEE INTERNSHIP

Clubhouse Manager Internship (Summer 2023)

The Bismarck Larks are offering an opportunity for current college-level students looking to gain real-world Player Operations experience to position themselves for a career in the sports industry upon graduation. 

Over the past few seasons, the future outlook on the clubhouse manager position has changed. It is a vital role of the clubhouse manager to provide top customer service to players, coaches, team personnel, umpires, league officials, and also special entertainment acts such as the mascot.

To apply, you must be studying a subject in a relevant field. This may include but is not limited to Sport Management, Business, Marketing, Sales, and Human Resources.

SEE INTERNSHIP

Game day Operations Intern

Basically, the Game Day Operations Intern will assist and implement the game flow of Sky Blue FC home games. He/she reports to the Operations Manager. The Game Day Operations Internship is unpaid for college credit only (or on a volunteer basis).

So, to apply, you must receive college credit for the internship and pursuing a degree in Sports Management or a related field or participate on a volunteer-only basis.

SEE INTERNSHIP

REVOLUTIONARY SPORTS LLC – Sports Management Internship

Be part of one of the largest and fastest-growing youth sports organizations in the Twin Cities,. Apply now for the Revolutionary Sports LLC Sports Management Internship.

Here, you learn and experience the many facets of a minor, entrepreneurial company in marketing, operations, general management, human resources, and new business development.

Each candidate will be exposed to each area and responsible for completing an individual final presentation in their preferred area.

SEE INTERNSHIP

Soccer Shots – Sports Management Internship

Soccer Shots is a national organization with opportunities nationwide, an engaging children’s soccer program focusing on character development. They train their coaches in leadership development, communication skills, early childhood education, and sports management. 

So as a student intern, you will be required to handle and present him/herself professionally, consistently arriving on time to assigned office hours, coaching sessions, and events. 

To apply for Soccer Shots Sports Management Intern as one of the coaches, you must love children and soccer. It would help if you also had reliable transportation, a soccer background, preferably coaching or childhood education experience, and must be at least 18 years of age.

SEE INTERNSHIP

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Sales Intern – Red Sox “Junior Sales Academy”

The Red Sox has created the “Red Sox Junior Sales Academy” to allow recent college graduates and current college students to grow into future sports and entertainment sales professionals.

As an intern, you will develop new leads through cold calling, emails, texts, and current customer referrals. Also, it would help if you always represented the Club positively and professionally.

To apply, you must be a recent or current college graduate. Also, you must strongly desire to break into professional sports as a sales professional.

SEE INTERNSHIP

FALL 2023 Internship – Digital Marketing Intern

Hurricane Junior Golf Tour (HJGT) takes immense pride in offering college students an outstanding internship opportunity working alongside its marketing team, where interns can increase their marketing skills.

They do this by being actively involved in all aspects of marketing, promotion, and administrative work for the HJGT and the HCAT (Collegiate Tour) under the direct supervision and mentorship of 3-4 full-time staff members.

To apply, all interns must be eligible to receive college credit for this internship and also have excellent organizational skills.

SEE INTERNSHIP

Valley Preferred Cycling Center – Sports Management Internship FT

Valley Preferred Cycling Center offers one (1) full-time Sports Management summer internship for a student looking to gain invaluable experience in the sports management field. The intern will manage various aspects of their 2023 race season. Also, organization and attention to detail are a must to excel in this position.

To apply, email your resume to [email protected].

SEE INTERNSHIP

Sports & Entertainment Network – Football Scouting Analyst Internship

The Sports & Entertainment Network is currently calling for an application for the Football Scouting Analyst Internship.

Basically, football scouts work for SENTelevision.com as talent evaluators. They watch athletes perform at the high school and youth levels to determine the player’s talent, potential, and style.

The everyday duties of athletic scouts include monitoring news sources, attending games, and speaking with coaches to locate promising players. Furthermore, they watch game footage and study statistics to determine athletes’ potentials. They also meet with players to discuss the recruiting process.

In addition, scouts in this position often work outdoors and spend much of their time traveling across the State and work evenings and weekends.

To apply, interested interns must have completed high school or its equivalent.

SEE INTERNSHIP

Heat Baseball Sports Management Intern

Heat baseball calls for application for the sports management internship. As an intern, answer phones, market business on social media sites, and help manage softball and baseball travel organization operational duties.

The good news here, no work or educational experience is needed to apply. However, High School and College students are encouraged to apply.

SEE INTERNSHIP

Competitive Sports Intern – Loyola University Maryland

Loyola University Maryland seeks a professional intern for the Competitive Sports program within the Department of Recreation and Wellness.

Applicants must have general sports background and knowledge, especially in Recreational Sports, Club Sports, and Intramural Sports management, programming, and officiating. Also, applicants must have experience working with students, faculty, and teams.

SEE INTERNSHIP

You may also like to see these Sports Scholarships available on our platform.

FAQs 15 Best Sports Management Internships Opportunities In 2023

Conclusion

Sports management internships provide the students with the required experience to advance their careers in the industry.

It provides them experiential education, on-the-job training, and something tangible to put on their resumes. Through these sport management internships, students network and make connections that can last a lifetime.

So, if you hope to build a sports management career, follow the tips to find your desired internship. Also, go through the list above and apply for any opportunities.

Good Luck And Success!!!

Reference

• iGrad – How Do You Land a Sports Management Internship?
• SaintLeo – 4 Steps To Finding A Sports Management Internship
• Indeed – Sports Management Internship Jobs, Employment | Indeed.com
• Indeed – Sports Management Internship
• Chegg Internships – Find 2023 Sports Internships
• SimplyHire – Sports Management Internships

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