Thinking about working in sports but not sure how to get your foot in the door? You’re not alone. Whether you’re dreaming of joining a pro team’s front office, running game-day operations, or managing social media for a sports brand, landing a sports internship is one of the best ways to break in to the sports industry.
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you get started.
What Exactly is a Sports Internship?
A sports internship is a short-term work experience, usually for college students or recent grads, where you get hands-on training in the sports industry. It can involve working with teams, leagues, agencies, or sports brands in areas like marketing, operations, event management, media, coaching, or analytics. Interns gain real-world experience, build connections, and often use it as a stepping stone to full-time roles in the sports world. Read more in ‘What is the Point of a Sports Internship‘ and ‘Five Reasons You Need a Sports Internship‘.
Many sports internships are unpaid or require a student to receive college credit for the internship, so always check this before applying to understand the requirements and not be surprised later.
🎓 Start with Your Education
You don’t need to major in sports management to get a sports internship, but it helps to build a solid foundation.
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Take classes in business, marketing, communication, or analytics.
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Join (or create!) student clubs tied to sports, media, or events.
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Consider certifications in areas like sports marketing, analytics, or graphic design to make your resume stand out.
Pro Tip: Online platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning offer low-cost, resume-boosting courses.
🎯 Figure Out What You’re Into
The sports industry is way bigger than just being on the field. Before you apply, ask yourself:
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Do I want to work with athletes, fans, media, or numbers?
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Do I enjoy planning events, writing, designing, coaching, or data?
Possible internship types:
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Event and gameday operations
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Social media and marketing
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Scouting and recruiting
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Athletic training or strength & conditioning
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Sponsorship & partnerships
Don’t forget to think outside the box! Sports jobs aren’t just gameday operations or social media, teams also need equipment managers, human resource professionals, dieticians and chefs, and more. Learn more about unique sports jobs in the article ‘Wait That’s a Sports Job?‘.
🔍 Find the Right Internship for You
Start your search early and cast a wide net. Some internship programs open applications 6 months in advance! So if you want that big-time sports internship, you should start researching early in the school year to understand the timing requirements.
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You can search available internships on The Sports Intern – Internship Job Board or use your university’s career center.
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Don’t forget local teams, clubs, leagues, and nonprofits – they often offer hidden gems!
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Reach out to alumni, professors, or people on LinkedIn working in sports. Ask about their path and any tips they have.
Bonus: Attend sports career fairs or virtual networking events. They’re goldmines for internship leads.
📝 Build a Stand-Out Resume & Cover Letter
Make sure your materials are polished and tailored:
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Highlight any relevant experience (yes, even volunteering or running a club’s social media).
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Use sports-specific language when possible (ex: “assisted with fan engagement” > “helped at event”).
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Write a custom cover letter that shows you understand the company and role.
Tip: Ask a campus career coach or trusted professor to review your resume. Also ‘10 Tips for a Winning Cover Letter‘.
🤝 Network Like It’s Your Job
In sports, who you know matters. Start building your network now:
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Follow sports professionals on LinkedIn and engage with their posts.
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Connect with alumni from your university that work in sports – this is a more personal way to connect as opposed to sending out informational interview requests at random.
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Then – say thank you. A quick follow-up email goes a long way!
📆 Apply Early & Apply Often
Sports internships are competitive, so don’t wait until the last minute.
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Set reminders to check job boards weekly.
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Apply to 10-15 internships, not just your dream team.
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Stay organized with a spreadsheet so you can track deadlines, contacts, and follow-ups.
🎤 Crush the Interview
When you get the interview, bring your energy and do your homework:
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Learn about the team, brand, or organization.
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Be ready to talk about what skills you bring.
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Ask great questions (like “What does a typical day look like for an intern here?”).
- See ‘Tips on how to prepare for your internship interview‘ and ‘Questions to ask in your internship interview‘
🚀 Make the Most of It
Once you land an internship, treat it like an extended interview.
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Be curious, ask questions, and volunteer for tasks.
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Build relationships with full-time staff.
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Keep track of what you learn. It’ll help with future resumes and interviews.
🔄 Turn It Into Your Next Opportunity
The best internships lead to more doors opening.
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Let your supervisor know if you’re interested in staying on.
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Ask for a LinkedIn recommendation or reference letter.
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Keep in touch! You never know who might recommend you next time.
Go For It!
Breaking into sports can feel intimidating, but remember: everyone starts somewhere. Whether you’re helping run a youth tournament or managing content for a small college team, your experience matters.
Be persistent, stay curious, and most of all – go for it!
