Northwestern University Athletics
Opportunities with Northwestern Athletics Marketing
The Northwestern Athletics Marketing department hosts unpaid internship positions throughout the year that are available to aspiring sports business professionals. Through hours worked in-office and/or at home Northwestern Athletics events, Marketing Interns receive a comprehensive overview of aspects of collegiate sports marketing including gameday operations, in-game promotions, event planning, ticket sales, and others. Marketing Interns are also able to learn from business professionals across various departments to develop a robust knowledge of collegiate athletics and career opportunities within the industry. Course credit is available.
→ Our application period for 2022-23 terms IS NOW OPEN! For more information and questions, email our staff at wildcatmarketing@northwestern.edu.
Participation Requirements
As per University policies, participation in the Northwestern Athletics Marketing Internship requires a criminal background check. Successful applicants will need to submit to a criminal background check prior to starting.
Questions?
Feel free to email our staff at wildcatmarketing@northwestern.edu with any and all questions you have.
Where are they now?
Take a look at where our former interns and NSMA members are now, and how our programs helped get them there!
 Jared Levin Manager, Strategic Partnerships Intersport Fall 2018 Intern "Interning at NU Athletics was a tremendous experience. I was able to advance my skills and knowledge across marketing, community relations, event management and brand partnerships giving me a much greater understanding of collegiate athletics and the industry as a whole. Without the NU internship, I would not have landed my first full-time job within sports to which I now have been in for 2+ years. I am grateful to all the friends and colleagues I worked with during my internship there and would recommend an internship at NU to any young professional looking to break into the sports industry." |
 Kevin Bell Partner Services Coordinator Seminole Sports Properties Summer 2020 Intern "My internship at Northwestern was an extremely rewarding experience. Spending four months under the guidance of industry leaders who were willing to share their knowledge helped me grow significantly in the industry. This internship gave me hands-on experience and networking opportunities necessary to take the next step in my career. The NU marketing staff went beyond to create a fun, engaging learning environment. I highly recommend anyone aspiring to work in the sports industry to take advantage of the internship opportunities at NU Athletics!" |
 Ryan Porter Athletic Administration Graduate Assistant Western Illinois Summer 2020 Intern "The internship with Northwestern Athletics Marketing was as good as I could have ever imagined. It made me get out of my comfort zone and network with so many people. We went through various workshops including resume building, interview prep, and budgeting. They also really made us feel like we were part of the staff, being able to sit in on meetings and do projects that are meaningful to the department. The staff will not only help you during the internship but go above and beyond to help you reach your goals after the internship. Overall, I'm very thankful to be part of this internship and for the people I met along the way. Go 'Cats!" |
 Thomas Burton Group Sales Representative St. Louis Cardinals Fall 2018 Intern "Northwestern provided me with a great start to my career in sports. Through my internship at Northwestern, I was able to gain valuable experience and meet some awesome people who have helped me get to where I am today." |
 Emelia Edmondson Game Operations Graduate Assistant Illinois State Redbirds Spring 2021 Intern "The opportunities to network with Northwestern Athletics professionals, advance my communications and marketing skills, and collaborate with interns were pivotal experiences that allowed me to develop a foundational understanding of the sports industry. Northwestern Athletics' internship program gave me the skills and knowledge necessary to progress in the professional sports industry. Go 'Cats!" |
 Garrett Dailey Management Assistant Enterprise Rent-A-Car Spring 2020 Intern "By participating in this program, I was able to learn how to work in a fast-paced environment, and juggle multiple projects. I was also able to learn how to effectively work with other people." |
 Perla Solano Ad Sales Intern NBCUniversal 2020-2021 Full-Year Intern "My internship at Northwestern Athletics has helped me gain a greater understanding of collegiate athletics and getting real-life experience. I learned to assess my own strengths as an aspiring professional in marketing. Northwestern Athletics gave me an opportunity to strengthen my skills in marketing and leadership." |
 Sammie Villwock Assistant Director of Development Ole Miss Athletics Winter 2018 Intern, NSMA Member "I am very grateful for the time I spent as an intern and NSMA member at Northwestern. I was able to gain valuable experience that has proved vital in my journey towards pursuing a career in collegiate athletics." |
 Sarah Meadow Marketing Intern Blue Wire Podcasts 2020-2021 Full-Year Intern "Interning with Northwestern Athletics was truly one of the highlights of my time at Northwestern. The hands-on experience wI gained was invaluable and something I am extremely grateful for!." |
