9 Tips for leveraging university partnerships to find top internship talent

As a sports organization seeking intern talent, partnering with local universities can be a great way to create a network of potential interns and develop strong connections for a future work force.

Here are 9 tips for leveraging a university partnership:

1. Identify Target Universities and Programs

• Focus on Relevant Majors: Sports organizations should target universities that have strong programs related to sports management, sports marketing, kinesiology, event management, business, communications, and data analytics. Students from these programs will likely have a strong interest and foundational knowledge in the sports industry, making them ideal candidates for internships.
• Geographic Proximity: While recruiting interns from anywhere is possible, building relationships with universities close to your sports organization or stadium can be beneficial. Local students may have fewer logistical barriers (housing, transportation) and may be more inclined to work on a game-by-game basis, or at least more frequently.

2. Build Relationships with University Career Centers

• Partner with Career Services: Career centers are an excellent resource for connecting with students actively seeking internships. Establishing a strong relationship with university career centers allows you to post internship openings directly on their job boards, participate in career fairs, and host workshops. You can also work with career counselors who can help match students with your internship opportunities based on their interests and career goals.
• Host On-Campus Events: Partner with the career center to host sports industry-specific recruitment events. You can organize info sessions, panels, and workshops that showcase career paths in sports, helping students learn about the different roles available within your organization. Consider bringing in current employees or past interns to share their experiences and offer networking opportunities.

3. Collaborate with Professors and Academic Departments

• Guest Lectures and Class Presentations: Reach out to professors in sports management or marketing programs to offer guest lectures or presentations. By engaging directly with students in the classroom, you can build awareness of your organization and internship program while establishing credibility as a leader in the sports industry.
• Class Projects and Case Studies: Consider partnering with professors to develop real-world projects that students can complete as part of their coursework. These projects could involve marketing plans for a sports event, fan engagement strategies, or data analysis of game-day performance. This not only helps students apply their learning but also allows your organization to see potential candidates in action.

4. Offer Credit-Based Internships

• Work with Universities to Offer Credit: Many universities require internships for academic credit, particularly in fields like sports management or business. You can work with schools to ensure your internship program meets the criteria for academic credit, which can make your internship more appealing to students who need it for graduation. (Just remember that internship that are only for credit and unpaid actually end up being a cost to the student).
• Understand University Internship Requirements: Each university may have different requirements for credit-bearing internships, such as the number of hours a student must complete, specific learning outcomes, or periodic evaluations. By understanding these requirements and integrating them into your program, you’ll be able to attract students seeking credit.

5. Participate in University Career Fairs

• Attend Sports-Specific Career Fairs: Many universities host career fairs that focus on specific industries, including sports management and business. By participating in these events, you’ll gain direct access to a large pool of students actively seeking internships in sports. Make sure to come prepared with informational materials, job descriptions, and ways for students to follow up.
• Host Virtual Fairs for Broader Reach: If you’re recruiting interns from multiple regions, consider participating in or hosting virtual career fairs. These allow you to connect with students from several universities without geographical limitations and are increasingly popular post-pandemic.

6. Create a Pipeline of Talent

• Offer Semester-Based and Summer Internships: Creating internship programs that align with the academic calendar (fall, spring, and summer internships) allows students to participate without disrupting their studies. This helps build a consistent pipeline of talent coming through your organization at different times of the year.
• Offer Graduate Internships: In addition to undergraduates, consider creating specialized internships for graduate students in sports management, business administration, or marketing. These students may have more advanced skills or experience and could take on more responsibility, offering additional value to your organization.

7. Host University-Specific Recruiting Events

• On-Campus Recruitment Days: Organize recruitment days where your organization visits campus and meets with students interested in interning. These can include interviews, presentations about the sports organization, and networking sessions. Students appreciate when recruiters take the time to come to them, as it makes the process more convenient and personal.
• Sports Industry Panels: You can collaborate with other sports organizations to host sports industry panels or networking events at universities. These events provide students with a broader understanding of the industry while also allowing you to stand out among employers and attract motivated students.

8. Offer Scholarships or Prizes for Outstanding Students

• Sponsor Student Competitions: To build brand awareness and attract high-caliber students, consider sponsoring competitions or scholarships for students majoring in sports management, marketing, or related fields. These could be case study competitions where students develop solutions to real-world sports business challenges or essay competitions on sports-related topics. Offering financial incentives, internships, or even VIP game experiences as prizes can attract top talent and help you identify standout students.
• Provide Internship Scholarships: If you are unable to offer paid internships, you can work with universities to provide internship scholarships. These could cover students’ living expenses during the internship or provide stipends for travel, making it easier for students to participate.

9. Create Internship Feedback Loops

• Collaborate with Advisors for Continuous Improvement: Regularly check in with university advisors and professors to receive feedback on your internship program. This helps you stay updated on academic trends and ensures your program remains competitive and aligned with students’ educational goals.
• Conduct Surveys with Past Interns: After each internship cycle, survey past interns to gather feedback on how you can improve the program. These insights can be valuable in shaping the future of your internship, ensuring that it meets the evolving needs of students and remains an attractive option.

Conclusion:

Leveraging partnerships with universities is an effective way to recruit motivated and talented interns for your sports organization. By engaging with career centers, professors, and students directly, you can build strong connections that will provide you with a steady stream of skilled interns. Offering opportunities for students to gain credit, participate in competitions, and grow through your internship program not only enhances your recruitment efforts but also strengthens your organization’s reputation within academic circles.