- What is an internship?
An internship is a supervised work experience with a sport or entertainment organization. It is typically similar to the work that an entry level employee would expect to do and is meant to give the student a work experience in an area in which the student wishes to have a career.
- Why do I need two internships?
One of the unique aspects of the Sport and Entertainment Management Program at the University of South Carolina, and one of the true strengths of the program according to industry professionals, is the requirement for two internships. The first internship, called the practicum, affords the student the opportunity to “test drive” a position in a sport or entertainment organization in which they have an interest. It is our belief that the practicum will allow the student to direct their electives, most of which are scheduled after the practicum, in an area they decide to focus on based on their experience. If the student decides the field they chose for their practicum is not for them they still have time to adjust to another area in the sport and entertainment industry. It is hoped that the final internship can be the student’s entry into the work force and lead to a fulltime position in the sport and entertainment industry.
- Is there a cost associated with the internships?
Yes. As the practicum and internship are both six hours of credit, tuition must be paid to take each one. Along with tuition you will also be expected to pay your room and board just as you would during a regular semester of classes.
- Why do I have to pay to go work for someone?
There are many reasons but foremost among them is the access you get to the faculty member responsible for overseeing your internship. The instructor will spend 30 to 60 minutes each week working on just your journals. You will have much greater access to your instructor during the period of your internship. This kind of individual attention does not happen in the classroom. A second reason is companies today cannot afford to pay interns as much so they want to make sure the intern is receiving class credit for their work. The only way to make this happen is by paying tuition.
- Will I get paid for my internship?
Probably not. While there are some internships that pay a stipend or cover some of your living expenses, you should certainly not count on finding an internship that pays. Because there are so many students looking, internships are highly competitive. Companies just don’t have to pay to get the interns they need. Today’s difficult economic times make it even tougher to find paid internships as many organizations have done away with paid programs.
- How can I reduce my costs?
Start early in your planning process for your internship or practicum. One great idea is to make a list of family and friends you may be able to live with during the internship. This will give you a larger pool of locations to choose from. Planning ahead will also allow you to get your financial aid in order. There are restrictions to what aid can be used when. You should educate yourself on these restrictions. Thoroughly research the locations you select to accurately gauge the costs associated with living in that location. Consider travel costs, both to your location and the cost to commute to work.
- How do I find an internship?
The first step is to make sure you are on the department’s email list. Many opportunities are received this way. You should also use your professors as contacts for potential internships. The most important thing you can do is put a great deal of time, thought and research in to potential opportunities in the sport and entertainment management industry starting with your introductory courses. Variables such as time of year, location, the type of organization and pay (or lack thereof) need to be considered carefully. The practicum and internship are not just another class but an opportunity for you to set yourself apart from the thousands of other graduates all competing for the limited number of jobs. Once you decide on your path the department has many assets in place to help you find the opportunity that is right for you. A word of caution though, you will only get out of the opportunity what you put in it. If you don’t take the selection of your opportunities seriously it is doubtful that it will be a meaningful experience or that you will gain the experience necessary to compete for a position in the sport and entertainment management industry.
- When should I start looking for an internship?
Right now! While this is a bit of an exaggeration, it is never too soon to begin thinking about what you want to do and identify possible organizations you may want to work for. You should be on the department’s email list on which many opportunities are presented. Even if you are a year or more away from one of your internships, these opportunities should be scrutinized to see what is available. Many organizations have recurring internships and what is available now is very likely to be available next year as well. You should begin your search in earnest (sending resumes etc.) six to nine months prior to your intended internship semester if you are serious about getting the internship you want.
- How do I find out about the requirements for the practicum or internship?
Practicum and internship information briefings are held each semester at various times. You are REQUIRED to attend one of these briefings. Notices will be placed on the bulletin board outside the SPTE Office and e-mail notification will be sent to all students who have signed up to receive departmental e-mails.
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