NFL Internship

• About the NFL
• Types of Internships Available
• Explore Opportunities
• Strategies to Win this NFL Internship
• Resume Writing Tips for the NFL
• General Eligibility Criteria
• Understanding Internship Compensation: Are Internships Paid?
• Top 3 Interview Preparation Questions & Sample Answers

About the NFL

The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league consisting of 32 teams. It offers various internship opportunities, including the NFL Summer Internship Program, which lasts 10 to 12 weeks and provides paid positions for undergraduate seniors, MBA candidates, and law students. Interns work five days a week, gaining invaluable experience and access to industry leaders through projects, speaker presentations, and networking opportunities. The NFL also provides internships in areas such as digital marketing, ticket sales, and legal affairs through its league and team-specific programs. These internships are designed to build a pipeline of talent for future roles within the organization.

Types of Internships Available

• NFL Summer Internship Program
  • A 10-12 week paid internship for undergraduate seniors, MBA candidates, and law students, providing opportunities across various departments like Communications, Marketing, Legal, and Football Operations.
• NFL Rotational Program
  • A two-year program allowing participants to complete up to four rotations across different NFL offices, including exposure to areas such as the League Office, Media Office, and NFL Films Office.
• HBCU Experienceship Program
  • Specifically designed to connect and develop HBCU students by providing career exposure through shadowing experiences and practical learning opportunities in the sports industry.
• International Internship Programme
  • A seven-month full-time paid internship based in the NFL UK office that focuses on helping individuals from underrepresented communities gain work experience in departments like Commercial, Marketing, Media, PR, and Football Operations.
• Seasonal Athletic Training Internships
  • Team-specific internships for certified athletic trainers that involve daily athletic training staff duties, game day support, and rehabilitation protocols.
• NFLPA Internship
  • Offered by the NFL Players Association for summer and fall sessions, providing professional experience for students and recent graduates interested in the sports industry.

Explore Opportunities

To explore internship opportunities with the NFL, you can visit the official NFL careers page at NFL Early Career Programs.

Strategies to Win this NFL Internship

• Maintain excellent grades
  • A high GPA distinguishes you from other applicants and may lead to honor society memberships, expanding your network. For example, consistently achieving a 3.8 GPA or higher throughout your college career can significantly boost your chances.
• Pursue leadership roles
  • Take on leadership positions in campus organizations, academic groups, or part-time jobs. For instance, serving as the president of your university’s sports management club demonstrates initiative and leadership skills.
• Choose a relevant major
  • Select a major that aligns with NFL operations, such as sports management, business, marketing, or finance. A student majoring in sports administration with a minor in data analytics, for example, would be well-positioned for various NFL internship opportunities.
• Gain relevant experience
  • Seek internships or part-time work in sports-related fields before applying to the NFL. Working as a student assistant for your college’s athletic department can provide valuable hands-on experience in sports operations.
• Network actively
  • Attend sports industry events, career fairs, and NFL-sponsored programs. For example, participating in the NFL’s HBCU Experienceship Program can provide valuable connections and insights into the league’s operations.
• Develop diverse skills
  • Acquire skills in areas like data analysis, social media management, or video production. An aspiring NFL intern who creates a popular sports analysis YouTube channel demonstrates both technical skills and passion for the industry.
• Tailor your resume and application
  • Craft a resume that highlights your relevant experiences, skills, and achievements specifically for the NFL internship. For instance, emphasize your experience organizing large-scale events if applying for an internship in the Events department, and ensure your application materials are polished and error-free.

Resume Writing Tips for the NFL

1. Highlight relevant sports experience
   • Emphasize any experience you have in sports, such as volunteering with a local team, managing sports events, or working in a sports-related job. For example, if you volunteered as a coach for a youth football league, describe how you organized practices and developed training programs, showcasing your leadership and organizational skills.
2. Showcase your knowledge of the NFL
   • Demonstrate your understanding of the NFL’s operations and culture by incorporating specific projects or coursework related to sports management or marketing. For instance, if you completed a project analyzing the NFL’s marketing strategies, mention how this experience provided insights into the league’s branding efforts and fan engagement techniques.
3. Tailor your resume to the NFL
   • Customize your resume to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the NFL internship requirements. Highlight achievements that demonstrate your ability to contribute to the NFL’s goals. For example, if applying for a marketing internship, detail your experience in executing successful social media campaigns that increased engagement by 30%, ensuring your resume is concise and targeted to the role.

General Eligibility Criteria

It’s important to note that these requirements may vary depending on the specific internship position and can change over time. Always refer back to the original job posting for the most up-to-date and accurate eligibility criteria for the internship you’re interested in.

Understanding Internship Compensation: Are Internships Paid?

NFL internships are paid. For instance, the NFL Summer Internship Program offers a salary of approximately $3,549 per month, along with a $500 stipend to help cover housing and transportation costs. Similarly, the San Francisco 49ers internship program provides paid opportunities, with interns working 30-40 hours per week and receiving hourly compensation. 

It’s important to note that details regarding compensation and other benefits may vary between different programs and teams. Therefore, always refer to the specific internship listing and ask questions during the recruitment process to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Top 3 Interview Preparation Questions & Sample Answers

1. Why do you want to intern with the NFL?
   • Sample Response: I have always been passionate about sports, and the NFL represents the pinnacle of professional football. Interning with the NFL would allow me to combine my love for the sport with my skills in marketing, enabling me to contribute to the league’s efforts in engaging and expanding its fan base globally.
2. How can your experiences contribute to our team?
   • Sample Response: During my time as president of the university’s sports management club, I organized events that increased our membership by 30%. My experience in team leadership and event coordination can help streamline operations and enhance fan engagement activities at the NFL.
3. What do you know about the NFL’s current initiatives or challenges?
   • Sample Response: I am aware that the NFL is focusing on growing its international presence, particularly in Europe and Asia. With my background in international business and fluency in Spanish, I can assist in developing strategies to reach new markets and enhance international fan experiences.