HOW I GOT A SPORTS INTERNSHIP AT 17 !
- Pari Surana
- May 23, 2024
- 5 min read
Everyone writes blogs on how to get internships but how about getting a sports internship as an athlete in India? No, I haven’t heard or seen anyone write about that. So here I am covering a very important and overlooked topic.
The majority of Indian athletes are under some kind of financial burden, which either hinders their training or leads them to give up their sport. But what if I told you there's a way to earn while pursuing your passion? It's true! Countless athletes find their calling in the sports industry post-retirement, but why wait until then? Don't wait until your prime years slip away before setting out on your internship journey. Make the most of your off-season training by investing just 2–3 months in internships. Don't let financial constraints hold you back; seize the chance to intern now and set the stage for a successful career in sports, right from the starting line.
It's never too early to start! I began volunteering at 15, and it's been a game-changer, offering invaluable experiences and a gateway to endless opportunities. Even if you're in your 20s without internship experience, do not hesitate.
Here are a bunch of key points that led me to get a sports internship at 17, as well as a few points that can help you land one:
1) FINISH-LINE –
Launching my sports blog proved to be a game-changer, fostering global connections and showcasing my impact on the Indian sports industry. It played a huge role in securing my internship, allowing recruiters to grasp my portfolio and witness my project management skills at a young age, which definitely helped me stand out.
It doesn't mean you won't get an internship if you don't have an online presence, but it's always better because it can help you find one faster and stand out.
Here are a bunch of ways you can do this:
Making the right use of Instagram: Creating content for fellow athletes, such as motivational reels, training advice, mindset development, etc., not only helps enhance your brand and profile but also has the potential to secure sponsorship deals and much more.
Building up your LinkedIn profile: This can tremendously help you connect with the right people and at the same time build your portfolio . Using LinkedIn as a platform to write articles about sports, posting about your achievements, connecting with people in the industry, etc. can lead you to land internship opportunities and, at the same time, expand your network.
2) Work Experience -
In my journey, past work experiences, whether formal internships or volunteering, have been key to securing internships at a young age! From summer camps in New York to non-profit volunteering, each endeavour adds to your CV. However, if you're just starting out, here are some tips to jumpstart your CV-building journey.
Volunteering in non-profits: This is one of the most straightforward internships to secure, as most of them don't offer a stipend. However, you shouldn't initially focus on the stipend but rather on the experience you can gain. You can easily contact them via their website, email, or LinkedIn. Seek out non-profits or organizations that offer free sports training to the underprivileged or are committed to environmental causes. It's an ideal starting point for aspiring athletes / sports enthusiasts to dive into meaningful work. Here are a couple of foundations y’all could reach out to:
Manage Your Sports Team / Club Social Media: From creating engaging content to attracting sponsors, it's not just about gaining work experience—but also a very meaningful thing you can do to help grow the online presence of your team or club. It's a great way to make an impact, promote something that's close to your heart, and at the same time build up your skills.
Coaching Summer Camps: Unlock your leadership potential by coaching young athletes in your sport. I experienced this firsthand during my diving camp in New York, where coaching honed my responsibility, patience, and leadership skills. Join summer camps or workshops organized by your coach or club to make a difference while improving your performance and portfolio, as these little things that will help build up your skills at the end of the day.
Helping in Event Planning: Get involved in organizing sports tournaments with your coach (if he or she is organizing one for their club)—it's a valuable step towards landing a sports internship. Especially if it's football or basketball, dive into tasks like formatting, financial planning, and sponsorship outreach. This hands-on experience not only develops your event management skills but also enhances your resume for potential internships in sports management companies.
3) Contacts -
Leveraging connections in the industry, whether through friends or family, can significantly boost your chances of landing a sports internship. However, it's essential to recognise that simply having contacts isn't a guarantee. Two years ago, I experienced this firsthand when I reached out to a contact through my dad's network, only to have them turn me down due to my lack of experience. Determined to succeed, I spent the next two years building my portfolio and skills. When I reached out again recently, armed with a stronger profile, I secured the internship. Remember, while contacts can provide opportunities, it's your hard work and dedication that will ultimately secure your position. The only advantage is that you have easier access and the possibility of getting one than if you just reached out with no contact or connection.
4) Attending Sports Events –
Connecting with the sports world is crucial for securing internships and making your mark in the industry. Personally, my website Finish-Line and LinkedIn have been my go-to's for networking, but nothing beats the power of face-to-face interaction at sports events. Interacting with CEOs and founders, sharing stories, and discussing mutual interests can be transformative. Recently, at a sports tech event, I took the plunge, engaging with industry leaders. I was definitely quite nervous initially as it was one of my first events and I was the youngest out there however, being the youngest proved advantageous. I even landed an internship offer! Stepping out of your comfort zone at events not only builds connections but also sharpens communication skills crucial for the professional world. So, get out of your comfort zone, attend events, and kickstart your journey in the sports industry!
5) Emails and calls -
People often mistake the final step in securing an internship for the first. The worst thing you could do is fire off mass emails to companies without laying the groundwork. But let's set the record straight: companies won't respond unless you've done your homework. Researching, building your portfolio, and showcasing how your strengths align with their needs are key. Don't waste time spamming countless companies. Instead, target smaller firms, especially for your first internship—they offer invaluable learning experiences. Now, if they are interested, they would want to have a call with you. Make sure to read about the company and list down important notes during the call. Be confident and honest when sharing about your strengths. When I had my call, I made it clear that, as an athlete, I had training in the evening so I would have to leave earlier than usual. Do not hesitate to speak about your athletic demands and timings, as they are at the end of the day a sports company so they will understand your athletic commitments.
I hope this has given y’all a clear idea of how you can get a sports internship and the requirements to get one. These opportunities not only offer financial support to athletes but also invaluable industry experience. Remember, these steps aren't only exclusive to athletes; anyone passionate about sports can benefit. For further insights on CV building or crafting compelling emails, don't hesitate to reach out.
Here are a few sports companies and organizations you could contact for internship opportunities:
Do y'all want me to write and talk more on funding resources and opportunities for athletes? If so, then comment down below.
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