The Importance of a Good Sports Internship Strategy

Networking is a critical component to success in your sports career, and one of the best ways to make connections in the early stages of your search is through sports internships. Of course, that's internships plural as jobs in the sports industry are competitive and having multiple sports internships to put on your resume is a great way to stand out when you are applying for jobs.

Kyle Davidson was recently named the Chicago Blackhawks' General Manager, the 10th GM in franchise history. Davidson graduated from Laurentian University in 2009 and got his foot in the door with the Blackhawks' organization as a video assistant intern. Twelve years later, he runs the show and makes decisions about the team's coaching staff, roster, trades, free-agent signings, and drafts.

Kellen in Minnesota is taking the first steps in establishing his sports career, and he comes to the WorkInSports Podcast wondering how to get an internship:

"Hey Brian, I am a sophomore in college studying sports management and my professor just told us we need to do two internships to graduate and to start thinking about what we want to do. I'm nervous, and I have no idea what to do. Can you help?"

College programs require internships for graduation to give you career clarity. Getting a taste of an industry path without a long-term commitment helps you decide which direction is right for you and pivot if something doesn't fit. Additionally, internships take up valuable real estate on your resume when you don't have work experience in your industry.

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How to Get an Internship

Finding sports internship opportunities is fairly simple. Most universities have career fairs specifically tailored to put you face-to-face with sports employers looking to take on interns. Additionally, your professors and advisors can connect you directly with their network of contacts to help enterprising students connect seeking out internships outside of the professional speed dating exercise these career fairs can devolve into. Finally,  the WorkInSports job board has hundreds of internship opportunities posted for you to choose from.

Since multiple internships are the way to establish your network, build your resume, and make employers notice you when your job search begins after graduation, you will get the most out of your internship experience by diversifying where you take your opportunities. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind when deciding where to do sports internships:

•    Major professional sports (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL): These brands stand out, regardless of what your internship job duties are.
•    Minor League Sports: There are a lot of opportunities available here. Because they operate with smaller staffs, you will get exposed to a variety of jobs to build a diverse skillset, and that exposure will help you decide which career path fits best.

Listen to the full episode of the WorkInSports Podcast for more internship strategies that will help you establish yourself early in your sports career. Also, be sure to subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice. Check out additional content on our YouTube channel and TikTok!