Internship Insights
Navigating the Career Launchpad
Nyaduoth Lok, George Washington University basketball student-athlete, at mentorship program atUnited States Institute of Peace and internship program at International Justice Mission.
It is a New Year which brings new opportunities!
Exploring the significance of internships? Wondering when to kickstart your search or where to begin? Don't worry—we've got you covered! Let's dive into why internships matter and unravel the timing and avenues for your internship quest.
Internships serve as pivotal stepping stones in your academic and professional journey. They offer a hands-on bridge between classroom learning and real-world application. By completing an internship, you gain practical experience, hone essential skills, and immerse yourself in the dynamics of your chosen industry.
Navigating internships as an athlete can indeed pose unique challenges. Balancing rigorous training schedules, family and social life, academic commitments, and the demands of internships can be a formidable task. Many athletes find it challenging to secure internships during the school semester. The constraints of mandatory on-campus presence during college summer sessions, including training for the sport, further complicate the situation. The demanding nature of athletic programs often limits the flexibility available for athletes to engage in traditional internships. As a result, student-athletes may need to explore alternative options or creative solutions to gain valuable work experience.
Here are a few strategies to consider:
Off-Season Opportunities: Explore internships during off-seasons when the athletic schedule is less demanding. This could provide a window of opportunity to engage in work experiences without conflicting with sports commitments.
Flexible or Remote Internships: We believe in-person internships are best, but seeking internships that offer flexibility in terms of working hours or those that can be done remotely are a good option as well.
Summer Sessions Planning: Work closely with academic advisors and athletic departments to plan summer sessions strategically. If possible, consider staggering academic and athletic commitments to create windows for internships during the summer.
Networking and Alumni Connections: Leverage the power of networking within the athletic community and beyond. Alumni who have experienced the dual challenges of being athletes and professionals may offer valuable advice or opportunities. There are many university supporters that love sports, have season tickets, and donate. Don’t be comfortable just performing and being told ‘Good game.’ Leverage these interactions and relationships on how it can help you now or in the future. After all, this is one of the main points of playing college athletics.
Internship Programs for Athletes: Some organizations and companies recognize the challenges faced by student-athletes and may offer internship programs tailored to accommodate these unique schedules. Look for initiatives specifically designed for athletes by these companies or advocate for yourself and see if it is something that they will allow for you.
Now that we’ve shared some strategies to consider for college athletes that may find it difficult to entertain internships, let’s discuss timing and search.
Timing is key when embarking on your internship search. Ideally, you should begin exploring internship opportunities as early as your first or second year of college. This proactive approach provides ample time to identify your interests, tailor your skillset, and align your academic pursuits with potential career paths. Starting early also allows you to secure internships with competitive companies that may have early application deadlines.
Where do you begin your search? Numerous entities cater to aspiring interns. Take advantage of your university's career services—they often offer exclusive job postings, resume workshops, and networking events. Attend career fairs and industry-specific conferences to connect with professionals and explore potential opportunities. Online platforms like The Athletes Advocate (geared specifically for athletes in relevant fields), LinkedIn, Indeed, and intern-specific websites are treasure troves of internship listings.
The transition from sports to a career beyond the athletic arena is a significant journey that requires thoughtful planning. Waiting until the last minute may limit your options and make the process more challenging. By taking proactive steps early on, you can set the stage for a smoother transition and a successful career beyond sports.
Here are some additional suggestions to consider, regardless of whether you're a college athlete, professional athlete, or someone with a general interest in career development:
Embrace a mindset of continuous learning.
Cultivate a strong, professional, thoughtful online presence. This includes regularly updating your LinkedIn account and connecting with your network regardless of your current employment status.
Attend industry-specific networking events, both in-person and virtually. Building strong connections with professionals in your field can open doors to potential opportunities and mentorship in the future.
Tap into the alumni base. As mentioned, don’t be satisfied just being an athlete. Connect with people who show interest in you as a person.
During the recruiting process, discuss this with coaches and university staff. Official visits are very organized. Take this time seriously and start developing your strategy here even if you don’t know what your major will be.
Hold your coaches and programs accountable. Use the sport as much as it uses you. Don’t accept answers like, ‘you won’t have time to do that…it will interfere with games/practices.’ Push the envelope for your overall development not just in the sport but in life. That’s what every program, coach, and public relations message of the university sells.
Let the internship games begin!!!!