Inside Penn Athletics Internships: What Students Need To Know
Working in college athletics can mean supporting a team, creating social content, coordinating events or helping fans get through the gates. The University of Pennsylvania’s Quaker Internship Program offers undergraduate and graduate students in the Philadelphia area opportunities to gain experience across Athletics and Recreation.
The University of Pennsylvania is a premier university in Philadelphia and one of the eight Ivy League institutions. Its athletics teams compete at the NCAA Division I level, giving program participants experience in a high-level collegiate athletics environment.
The Quaker Internship Program creates a mutually beneficial relationship and growth opportunity for students, the Athletics and Recreation department and its employees. It supports the University of Pennsylvania’s strategic goals, helps recruit top talent and builds strong community relationships while developing, mentoring and cross-training future industry leaders.
Here’s what students should know about the Quaker Internship Program, eligibility and how to apply.
📍 Where Is the Quaker Internship Program Based?
The Quaker Internship Program is based at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and serves collegiate undergraduate and graduate students in the Philadelphia area.
You do not have to attend the University of Pennsylvania to participate.
🎓 Eligibility & Academic Credit
The Quaker Internship Program is open to undergraduate and graduate students who can receive academic credit through their college or university. You do not have to attend the University of Pennsylvania to participate.
Positions are offered for academic credit and are unpaid. Before applying, check with your school to confirm credit eligibility and any required paperwork or approvals.
What Opportunities Are Available Through the Quaker Internship Program?
The University of Pennsylvania lists Quaker Internship Program opportunities across several areas:
- Communications
- Athletic Director’s Office
- Social Media
- Team Operations
- Facilities
- Ticketing
- Event Operations
- Penn Relays
The range gives students several ways to explore collegiate athletics. If you are interested in content and media, communications or social media may be areas to consider. If you want to explore how teams, venues and events operate, look at team operations, facilities, ticketing or event operations.
Read each Quaker Internship Program posting closely to understand its specific responsibilities and expectations.
🤝 What Does the Quaker Internship Program Include?
The Quaker Internship Program emphasizes mentoring, development and cross-training. Beyond their assigned responsibilities, participants have opportunities to learn about other parts of the University of Pennsylvania’s athletics department.
Lunch & Learns with athletics staff
Quaker Internship Program participants can hear directly from University of Pennsylvania athletics professionals about their career paths, responsibilities and experiences in the sports industry. These sessions offer a chance to learn about roles you may not have considered.
Connections across the department
Working alongside University of Pennsylvania athletics professionals, coaches and staff gives Quaker Internship Program participants opportunities to build relationships and better understand different career paths in college sports.
Volunteer opportunities beyond your role
Quaker Internship Program participants can take part in volunteer opportunities that expose them to other areas of the department. This can help students broaden their experience beyond their day-to-day assignment.
Exposure to Division I athletics
The Quaker Internship Program offers a firsthand look at how the University of Pennsylvania’s athletics department operates within an Ivy League university.
💡 How to Make the Most of the Quaker Internship Program
Choose an area you want to explore. Think about which responsibilities interest you and what skills you want to develop. A specific department gives you a clearer starting point for your Quaker Internship Program application.
Connect your experience to the role. Class projects, campus organizations, part-time jobs and volunteer work can all provide relevant examples. Explain what you have done and how it relates to the Quaker Internship Program position you are pursuing.
Use the learning sessions. Come to Lunch & Learns with questions about staff members’ work and career paths. Learning how someone entered the industry can help you identify your own next steps.
Explore other parts of the department. When volunteer opportunities are available through the Quaker Internship Program, use them to learn how different teams work together. These experiences can help you discover what you enjoy and what you want to pursue next.
Keep track of your contributions. Record projects, tasks and skills throughout your time in the Quaker Internship Program so you have specific examples to discuss in future applications and interviews.
📂 How to Apply to the Quaker Internship Program
Students can apply through the University of Pennsylvania’s Quaker Internship Program application form.
Review the application and individual Quaker Internship Program postings for current requirements. Before accepting a position, confirm the schedule, expected hours, academic credit arrangements and responsibilities with the program and your school.
You can also explore Quaker Internship Program opportunities and other sports industry internships on The Sports Intern – Internship Job Board.
