Summer 2023 Sports Internship Opportunities

Nov 16, 2025 by Alex Braham 44 views

Hey sports fanatics! Are you dreaming of a summer immersed in the world of sports? Do you envision yourself working behind the scenes, contributing to the excitement, and gaining invaluable experience? Well, you're in luck! Summer 2023 is bringing a wealth of sports internship opportunities across various fields, from marketing and communications to sports management and event planning. This is your chance to step onto the playing field, so to speak, and learn from industry professionals while building your resume and network. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to land your dream sports internship this summer. We will explore different types of internships, highlight key skills and qualifications, and offer tips for a successful application. So, grab your game plan, because it's time to score that internship!

Types of Sports Internships Available in Summer 2023

The sports industry is incredibly diverse, offering a wide array of internship possibilities. You can find opportunities at professional sports teams, college athletic departments, sports marketing agencies, media outlets, and even sports technology companies. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular types of sports internships available:

Sports Marketing Internships: If you're passionate about branding, advertising, and fan engagement, a sports marketing internship might be the perfect fit. You'll work on developing marketing campaigns, managing social media, and analyzing market trends. Expect to assist in creating promotional materials, coordinating marketing events, and tracking the effectiveness of marketing initiatives. This is a great way to learn about the strategies that teams and organizations use to connect with fans and sell tickets, merchandise, and sponsorships. Interns will often get to see first-hand how marketing efforts can be used to grow the fanbase, improve brand image, and increase revenue.
Sports Management Internships: Aspiring sports managers, this is your domain! Sports management internships offer a glimpse into the operational side of the industry. You might assist with event planning, athlete relations, facility management, or business development. This type of internship will expose you to the inner workings of sports organizations, teaching you how to manage budgets, negotiate contracts, and oversee day-to-day operations. Expect to work on tasks such as coordinating travel arrangements for athletes, managing ticket sales and concessions, and assisting with game-day operations. These internships are ideal for students interested in the business side of sports, providing them with a holistic understanding of how sports teams and organizations function.
Sports Communications and Media Internships: If you have a knack for writing, storytelling, and public relations, a sports communications internship could be your calling. You'll work with media relations, press releases, social media management, and content creation. You will be tasked with writing press releases, creating social media content, pitching stories to media outlets, and assisting with game-day media operations. This internship will offer valuable experience in crafting compelling narratives, managing a brand's image, and building relationships with journalists and media personalities. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your communication and interpersonal skills while gaining insight into the media landscape surrounding sports.
Sports Analytics Internships: With the rise of data-driven decision-making, sports analytics internships are in high demand. You'll work with statistical analysis, data visualization, and performance tracking. Expect to analyze player performance, develop predictive models, and provide insights to coaches and team management. This is a great opportunity to apply your analytical skills in a real-world sports setting. Interns will learn to utilize statistical software, interpret data, and communicate their findings effectively to stakeholders. This type of internship is ideal for students with strong math and computer skills who have a passion for sports and data.
Sports Journalism Internships: If you love to write and want to be involved in sports journalism, a sports journalism internship could be a good choice for you. Expect to write articles, conduct interviews, and work on content creation. It's a great opportunity to improve your communication and interpersonal skills while gaining insight into the media landscape surrounding sports.

Skills and Qualifications to Land a Sports Internship

To stand out in the competitive world of sports internships, you'll need a combination of skills, experience, and a genuine passion for the industry. While specific requirements vary depending on the role, here are some essential qualifications:

Education: While a specific degree isn't always mandatory, most internships prefer candidates pursuing or holding a degree in a relevant field such as sports management, marketing, communications, journalism, or a related field.
Relevant Coursework: Coursework in marketing, communications, business administration, statistics, or journalism will give you a significant advantage. If you are interested in an analytics role, understanding statistical software and data analysis techniques is critical. Solid writing skills are also valuable, regardless of the role you pursue.
Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills are crucial. You'll need to communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, and fans. This includes active listening, clear and concise writing, and the ability to present information effectively. Being able to communicate effectively is essential for any role in the sports industry, from marketing to management. Good communication skills are necessary for effectively interacting with colleagues, clients, and fans.
Technical Skills: Depending on the role, proficiency in specific software or platforms may be required. This could include social media management tools, data analysis software (like R or Python), graphic design software, or video editing software. Demonstrating experience with these tools will make your application more attractive to potential employers. Proficiency in these technologies can set you apart and streamline your internship experience.
Passion and Enthusiasm: A genuine passion for sports is essential. Show that you are knowledgeable and engaged in the industry. Your enthusiasm for sports will be immediately apparent and will often set you apart from other applicants. Demonstrate your commitment by following sports news, attending games, and engaging in sports-related activities. Passion is contagious, and it will help you succeed and enjoy your internship experience.
Soft Skills: Develop soft skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. These skills are essential in any professional setting and will help you succeed. Be adaptable, and show your willingness to learn and grow. Soft skills are essential for collaborating with colleagues and navigating workplace dynamics. Demonstrating these skills will show you are a well-rounded and capable professional.
Experience: Prior experience through volunteer work, extracurricular activities, or previous internships is a significant advantage. This can demonstrate your ability to handle responsibility and your understanding of the industry. Even if you're early in your career, highlight any relevant experiences, such as participation in sports clubs, volunteering at sporting events, or creating content for a sports blog. It demonstrates your commitment and passion for the field.

Tips for Applying for Sports Internships in 2023

So, you’ve got the skills and you're ready to apply. Here's how to increase your chances of landing that dream internship:

Start Early: The competition for internships is fierce, so start your search and application process early. Many deadlines are in the fall and winter for summer internships. Starting early gives you more time to tailor your application, gather recommendations, and network with professionals.
Craft a Compelling Resume and Cover Letter: Your resume and cover letter are your first impression, so make them count. Tailor your resume to each specific internship, highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the role. Write a concise and engaging cover letter that expresses your passion for sports and explains why you are the ideal candidate for the internship. Do your research on the organization and demonstrate your knowledge. Personalize your application to each company to showcase your genuine interest.
Network, Network, Network: Networking is a crucial aspect of landing an internship. Attend industry events, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, and reach out to people in your desired field. Informational interviews are a great way to learn about specific roles and organizations. Networking will help you learn about opportunities and gain insights into the industry.
Showcase Your Skills: Use your cover letter and resume to demonstrate your skills and accomplishments. Provide examples of your work and quantify your achievements whenever possible. If you have a portfolio, be sure to include a link to it in your application. Highlighting your relevant skills is important to make your application stand out. Showcase your relevant skills, accomplishments, and experience.
Prepare for Interviews: If you're selected for an interview, do your research on the organization, prepare for common interview questions, and practice your responses. Be prepared to discuss your skills, experiences, and why you are interested in the internship. Dress professionally and be enthusiastic. Researching the organization will showcase your interest and prepare you for insightful questions. Practice answering common questions and be ready to discuss your strengths and experiences.
Follow Up: After submitting your application or interviewing, follow up with the hiring manager to reiterate your interest and inquire about the status of your application. This demonstrates your professionalism and genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity. Following up demonstrates your enthusiasm and professionalism. It also keeps you top-of-mind during the selection process.

Where to Find Sports Internship Opportunities in 2023

Finding the right internship requires some strategic searching. Here are some of the best resources:

Online Job Boards: Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and TeamWork Online are great places to start. Search using keywords like