4 From Potential Pitfalls to Best Practices

Whether you are aiming for a role in sports marketing, event management, or in working with student-athletes relative to their academics, understanding the unique dynamics of this field is essential. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

• Unpaid Internships

  • Many sport internships are unpaid, which can create financial strain for students. Unpaid internships may offer fewer learning opportunities and can make interns feel like “second-class citizens” within the organization. Be prepared for this possibility and consider how it aligns with your financial situation.
  • Unpaid internships have become deeply entrenched in the sport industry. Organizations often expect young professionals to work multiple unpaid internships to improve their chances of securing full-time paid positions later. This practice may disadvantage students from less privileged backgrounds who may need to maintain part- or full-time jobs and are not able to set aside 10+ hours a week for an unpaid internship on top of work, academics, and family responsibilities. This reality contributes to a less socioeconomically diverse workforce in the industry.

• Limited Learning Opportunities

  • Some internships may involve repetitive or menial tasks, especially if they are unpaid. It is essential to advocate for meaningful learning experiences and seek out opportunities to contribute to projects that align with your career goals.

• Networking

  • While merit-based criteria matter, networking remains crucial. Building and maintaining professional relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and industry professionals both during and after the internship can significantly impact your future job prospects. Attend industry events, connect on LinkedIn, and actively engage with others during your internship. 

• Balancing Workload

  • Internships can be demanding, especially if you are juggling coursework or other responsibilities. In the previous chapter, during the discussion of work ethics, I mentioned arriving early and leaving late. Strive for a healthy work-life balance does not mean coming in an hour early or staying an hour late. It means not running in exactly when you are scheduled to work or taking the first 30 minutes of your day to get settled, chat with everyone, get coffee and eat your breakfast. Do not pack up 15 minutes before the end of the workday, and if your supervisor is expecting something before you leave that you haven’t finished, make sure you check in with them before you leave. If you are repeatedly struggling with workload expectations and academic responsibilities communicate openly with your supervisor. 

• Legal Considerations

  • Ensure that your internship complies with labor laws and regulations. Unpaid internships must meet specific criteria to be legally valid. Familiarize yourself with your rights and responsibilities as an intern. I suggest that you investigate this further, by navigating US Department of Labor’s website to the for further information. 

• Skill Development

  • Use your internship as an opportunity to develop practical skills. Seek feedback, ask questions, and actively participate in projects to enhance your knowledge and abilities. Overall, feedback provides external perspective on your performance, highlighting areas you do well and areas where you in need of improvement. Actively seeking feedback demonstrates that you are open to learning and willing to take steps to improve. It is a mature and proactive approach to your professional development. Finally, asking for feedback fosters strong relationships with supervisors and colleagues because it shows that you value their input. 

• Professionalism

  • Treat your internship as a professional experience. Punctuality, communication, and a positive attitude are essential. Remember that you are representing both yourself, the college, and the organization. In addition to being able to use the organization as a reference, your professionalism may encourage the organization to seek out or expand their internship program with your college.

• Career Pathways

  • Consider how your internship aligns with your long-term career goals. Use the experience to explore various aspects of the sports industry and identify areas where you excel or need further development, what types of work you like, and what tasks do not motivate you.

Remember that each internship experience is unique, and being proactive, adaptable, and open-minded will help you navigate potential pitfalls and make the most of your time in the sport industry.