American University Athletics Internship Program


Picture. American University Athletics Staff and Interns. Dylan Zahansky and Ryan Shepard. Interns.
Assistant Director of Ticket Sales and Marketing, Benjamin Zenker (middle) along with summer interns Nick Pagano (left) and Bryan Mitchell (right) at the 2017 Eagles Club Golf Classic.
University of Delaware semester in Washington, D.C. student Dylan Zahansky and AU senior (Class of 2018) Ryan Shepard (front to back) interning with AU Athletics Marketing and Ticket Sales.

 

The Department of Athletics at American University is accepting applications for available internship positions for the Fall 2019 semester and 2019-2020 school year. These positions are part-time, unpaid, and are designed to provide exposure, training and mentorship in order to prepare individuals for a career in intercollegiate athletics at the Division I level. Individuals receiving graduate school course credit are encouraged to apply and the positions can be customized to a student’s interests and/or curricular needs. Internships are available in the following areas:

  • Athletic Communications
  • Development & Special Event
  • Facilities & Operation
  • Graphic Design
  • Marketing & Promotions
  • Strength & Conditioning
  • Sponsorship Service & Fulfillment
  • Ticket Office Operations & Sales
  • Video & Multimedia Editing

Opportunities for American University Undergraduate Students in Marketing

American University, a NCAA Division I member of the Patriot League, seeks applicants for volunteer internship opportunities for the Fall 2019 semester and 2019-2020 school year. Areas of specialization include: Graphic Design, Game Day - Promotions and Fan Experience, Marketing and Ticket Sales/Box Office Operations, as well as Photography & Videography. Interns will report directly to full time members of the AU Eagles staff, working closely with and playing key roles in building and fostering a culture of community and spirit at AU. See specialization track descriptions below.

Must be willing to work up to 10-15 hours per week around your class schedules, and be available to work weekend and night events as necessary. 

Qualifications: Passion to learn and gain valuable experience in marketing, business, or communications related fields, and an ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Candidates should have excellent relationship building, social, verbal, written, and oral communication skills.

**Course credit can be earned through AU Athletics Undergraduate Internship opportunities with academic advisor approval.

University of Delaware semester in DC students that are a part of the AU Athletics Internship Program.

University of Delaware semester in Washington, D.C. students Tommy Oakes, Spencer Lubash,

Erika Fawley, & Amanda Manuola (left to right) interning with the AU Athletics Marketing Department. 

To apply, submit cover letter, resume, and names of three references via email to Benjamin Zenker, Assistant Director of Ticket Sales and Marketing at benz@american.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue on a rolling basis.  Please indicate in your correspondence which areas of specialization you are most interested in.

Preferred Dates of Internship-

Fall 2019 Semester: August 16, 2019 through December 21, 2019

2019-20 School Year: August 1, 2019 through May 15, 2020 (dates are flexible)

Graphic Design

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: assisting the entire AU Athletics Department with graphic design projects supporting the AU Athletics brand, marketing, and public relations efforts. Chosen candidates will design content for videoboards and courtside LED displays, email and website, social media, print/digital publications and advertisements, as well as special event collateral exciting AU constituents, on and off campus to become more involved with our program throughout the year.  

Marketing and Ticket Office Sales/Box Office Operations

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: assisting the Assistant Athletics Director and Assistant Director of Ticket Sales and Marketing with all facets of the AU Athletics marketing, ticket sales, and box office operations. Chosen candidates will learn and participate in box office operations, customer service, will call, and reconciliations at our ticketed sports of men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, wrestling, and men’s soccer. Interns will help oversee game day staff and look to advance individual, season, and group sales working to increase ticket revenues and overall attendance from local and campus communities. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in the creation and execution of marketing plans of an assigned athletics team(s), and will have the responsibility of running social media during events that include but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

 

Game Day - Promotions and Fan Experience

Promotions and fan experience on game days is an integral part to the success of AU Athletics operations during every athletics event. Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: assisting the Assistant Athletics Director and Assistant Director of Ticket Sales and Marketing with execution of game day marketing plans at home sporting events, managing Blue Crew festivities at games, executing on-court/field promotions, and organizing contests and giveaways. Candidates will also assist with pre-and-post event operations ensuring superior customer service and experiences for all fans and sponsors.

Photography and Videography

Videography: Videographers are responsible for capturing video at AU Athletics competitions as well as special events, and editing and producing film into high-quality products that will be featured across all communications and marketing channels to enhance the awareness of AU Athletics. Ownership of personal video equipment and video editing and producing softwares is preferable.

Photography: Photographers are responsible for attending AU Athletic events and capturing fan experience, in-game promotions, giveaways, sponsorship marketing, etc. Photographers will also download, sort, edit, and label pictures post-event for use in a variety of communications channels. Ownership of personal DSLR camera and equipment is mandatory.

If there are any questions (e.g. Can I be provided more details about duties and roles?) e-mail Benjamin Zenker at benz@american.edu.


Opportunities for American University Undergraduate Students in Communications

Communications Intern

Picture. On court interview with Mike Brennan.

The internship for the Communications Office as part of the American University Department of Athletics and Recreation is designed to give individuals valuable exposure, training, and mentorship in order to prepare them for a career in intercollegiate athletics.

The program below is designed to be scalable; internships in this area can range from one month to one academic year. Additionally, the program can be customized to a specific individual’s interests and/or academic credit requirements.

Video Intern

The multimedia and video internship for the Communications Office as part of the American University Department of Athletics and Recreation is designed to give individuals valuable exposure, training, and mentorship in order to prepare them for a career in intercollegiate athletics.

The program below is designed to be scalable; internships in this area can range from one month to one academic year. Additionally, the program can be customized to a specific individual’s interests and/or academic credit requirements.
 
Click here to learn more.

 

To apply for the opportunities above please e-mail a cover letter, resume, and at least two references to Nick Guerriero at nickg@american.edu. 


Opportunities for Post-Undergraduate Interns 

American University in Washington, DC, a NCAA Division I member of the Patriot League, seeks qualified applications for several volunteer External Affairs Internship opportunities for the Fall 2019 semester and 2019-2020 school year. Areas of specialization include: Development & Special Events, Graphic Design, Marketing & Promotions, Sponsorship Service & Fulfillment and Ticket Office Operations & Sales/Servicing. Interns will report directly to full time members of the Eagles’ staff, working closely with and playing key roles in our external affairs revenue generation group within an exciting team environment. See specialization track descriptions by clicking here.

Must be willing to work a minimum of 25 hours per week and be available to work weekend and night events as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications: Previous student work experience within a collegiate athletic marketing, ticketing, or development office, or with a professional sports organization; experience with Adobe Creative Suite, especially Photoshop and InDesign is preferred.  Video shooting and editing skills are a plus.  Interns who are currently enrolled in a degree seeking graduate studies program, receiving course credit as a requirement for the internship experience are encouraged to apply, but it is not mandatory of the internship.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in sports management, marketing, business or communications related field, ability to work independently with minimal supervision and excellent relationship building, social, verbal and written and oral communication skills.

To apply, submit cover letter, resume, and names of three references via email to: rsherman@american.edu. Screening will begin immediately and will continue until the positions are filled.  Please indicate in your correspondence which areas of specialization you are most interested in.  

Preferred Dates of Internship:

Fall 2019 Semester: August 16, 2019 through December 21, 2019

2019-20 School Year: August 1, 2019 through May 15, 2020 (dates are flexible)

Don't worry, if there is something not listed above that perfectly fits your interests feel free to e-mail athleticsinternships@american.edu with your areas of interest, cover letter, resume, and at least two references.

 

About American University

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

 

Updated: September 4, 2019