At UOnline, we offer an online master's degree in sports administration, teaching the skills you'll need to succeed in the sports industry. But a degree alone isn't enough. Getting internships with sports teams is one of the most effective ways to launch your career. Internships provide hands-on experience working with athletes and coaches. Plus, you'll get the valuable opportunity to network with other sports industry professionals. Here's a look at how to land sports agent internships.
What are Sports Agent Internships?
An internship is a temporary work position with a company relevant to your field of study. In a sports agent internship, you work with an agency, sports league, team, or any other organization that hires professional agents. Internships can be paid or unpaid, depending on the role.
Getting a relevant internship is a great way to start if you're wondering how to become a sports agent. Internships provide valuable real-world experiences that you won't get in the classroom. You'll network with other agents, athletes, and other sports professionals, building connections to help you find future career opportunities.
On top of that, you'll hone your communication and negotiation skills — essential for success as a sports agent. Wondering how a sports intern spends their time? Expect to assist with a wide range of tasks throughout the day, including communicating with clients, organizing events, and juggling administrative tasks.
The Difference Between Internship and Practicum
Internships and practicums are often confused with each other, as they are both work training opportunities. However, there are several differences between these two programs for aspiring sports agents.
A practicum is a short-term, heavily supervised training opportunity in a professional environment. A sports agent program usually involves shadowing professional agents in their daily routines. Participants are observed closely to see how they perform professionally but usually do not have much work responsibility.
An internship is typically longer than a practicum; the intern is more involved in the sports agency's day-to-day operations. Interns are usually given more responsibility and may be expected to work independently on some projects. Additionally, some interns receive financial compensation, while practicums are unpaid.
Types of Internships with Sports Teams
You might consider several different types of internships when studying to be a sports agent. Here are some you'll often see in the sports industry.
- Sports Agency Internships: In this role, you work with professional sports agents on negotiations and client relations. This is the most relevant internship option for aspiring sports agents.
- Sports Management Internships: In this internship, you go behind the scenes in the sports industry, working on everything from event management in sports to customer service to team finances. In sports management summer internships, you learn administrative skills that transfer well to a sports agency role.
- Sports Marketing Internships: 2025 internships in sports marketing focus on promoting sports entities, whether a league, team, or specific athlete. You work with a marketing team to launch both digital and offline promotional campaigns.
- Sports Analytics Internships: In this internship, you work with sports data, including athlete statistics, audience engagement metrics, and financial data. You learn how to organize and interpret this data to help sports teams make informed business decisions.
There are many different types of sports organizations that offer internships. Sports teams or leagues are some of the best places to find internship opportunities in the industry, but many independent sports agencies also offer internships.
How to Get Internships in Sports in 6 Practical Steps
Finding the right sports internship sets the stage for a successful career in this industry. Here's a step-by-step look at how to find an internship in the sports industry.
1. Complete Your Education in a Relevant Field
Before searching for an internship, complete your education with sports-related courses or a degree. Ideally, this will be a bachelor's or master's degree in sports administration.
Education lays the foundation for the work you'll be doing in your internship. You'll learn important sports industry concepts and skills and receive guidance from professors with experience in the industry. Completing your education will also make you more attractive to potential employers.
2. Get Involved in Your Community
Making connections in your local sports community can help you find relevant internships and career opportunities. Reach out to professional sports teams in your area about volunteer opportunities. This is a great way to get some hands-on experience and build your network.
If you play sports, you can also let management know you're interested in working in the industry. Nurturing these community relationships can help you find internships or other career opportunities over time. Keep in touch with your new contacts using LinkedIn and other social media platforms.
3. Research the Role and Team
Many sports agency internships are listed on job search platforms or the careers page of the organization's website. Start searching online for internships that align with your career goals.
Before you apply, do in-depth research on the role and the team it's associated with. You can do this by reading Glassdoor reviews or even connecting directly with employees who have previously worked at the company. Doing this research will help you identify whether or not the role will be a good fit based on your skills and interests.
4. Craft a Compelling Resume and Cover Letter
Since so many people want to work in sports, internships can be very competitive. You'll need a strong cover letter and resume to stand out from the pack.
Your resume should feature information about your education and your skills, as well as any relevant work experience you have. If you've worked in another industry in the past, highlight transferable skills — for example, maybe you've done event planning work that could help you thrive in a sports management internship.
Your cover letter should be tailored for each position, briefly explaining why you're interested in the position. This is a great opportunity to highlight your passion for sports and why you would be a great fit.
5. Attend Conferences and Build Your Network
Building strong relationships is a must for success as a sports agent. Networking regularly is a must, even when you're just getting started in your career.
One of the most effective networking methods is attending sports industry conferences. Look for local events in your area where you can meet other sports professionals. For example, the annual Global Sport Industry Conference at the University of Miami draws hundreds of sport industry leaders and experts to speak on industry trends and career opportunities. Once you've gotten to know these professionals, they may be able to recommend you for internships and other exciting industry opportunities.
6. Apply to Local and National Sports Teams
If you're unsure where to start when searching for a sports internship, look at local and national sports teams. Visit their websites or contact them directly to see what opportunities they may have available. UOnline has an exclusive partnership with the Florida Panthers organization that includes designated internship positions with the team for sport administration students.
Don't be afraid to look beyond mainstream sports like football or basketball. Some of the most exciting internship opportunities could come from niche sports organizations.
Begin Your Sports Agent Career with UOnline
Completing an internship will give you the hands-on experience and connections you need to launch an exciting career as a sports agent.
At UOnline from the University of Miami, we offer a master's in sports administration to help you get started. In this program, you'll learn the ins and outs of the sports industry to prepare you for your future career. Our flexible online curriculum is designed to fit your schedule and your lifestyle. Contact us today to talk with an advisor and get started.
