10 Aug What an international sports management internship actually looks like
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Compared to the likes of marketing, finance, and business development, sports management is among some of the most niche industries for an internship abroad out there. But just because it’s lesser-known doesn’t mean the quality is any less, and @Sarah Harrison is here to prove it.
“It’s inspiring how much you can grow in just a few weeks when you step outside your comfort zone.”
Inside a sports management internship abroad
Last summer, Sarah took on a sports management internship in Paris with @Energy Kids Academy through Absolute Internship. As a Sport Management major at Cardiff Metropolitan University in the UK, this gave her a front-row seat to how sports academies operate globally, and she described the experience as “rewarding” and “unforgettable.”
In just four weeks, she gained far more than what many would expect from a sports management internship:
Real-world application of classroom learning
Sarah got to apply her skills and classroom learning to real projects. She assisted in coaching young athletes, making use of her communication and leadership skills, and saw firsthand how sports can empower the youth.
The impact of her contributions was very visible to her, too, especially upon seeing the joy in the athletes’ faces.
Global exposure
Interning at a global company naturally exposes you to cultures you may not be familiar with. That isn’t a bad thing, though. It means you have the opportunity to expand your cultural awareness. Down the line, being culturally competent makes you a more compassionate and admirable teammate and/or leader.
For Sarah, global exposure came in the form of athletes from diverse backgrounds as well as an international team. She learned that despite the differences in cultures, sports can bring everyone together and create a community of passionate individuals.
Exploring Paris with fellow students in the internship abroad program
A well-rounded work experience
It’s easy to imagine a sports management internship taking place in a gym or a field, but in reality, that isn’t always the case. Sarah, for one, was on and off the courts during her internship.
While coaching young athletes was part of her responsibilities, she also supported Energy Kids Academy by reaching out to potential new clients and developing external communication materials. This variety in her tasks allowed her to hone not just her physical skills, but soft skills like teamwork and professional communication as well.
Lessons beyond the internship
Outside of her internship, Sarah spent her summer exploring Paris with fellow interns from around the world. She visited iconic landmarks, tried local French cuisine, and even made a trip to the city of Bordeaux through the program. These experiences allowed her to build friendships with people she otherwise may never have met.
A keepsake from her time abroad
Living abroad, even for a short period, also taught her how to adapt to unfamiliar environments. Whether it was navigating a new city, communicating with people from different cultural backgrounds, or simply adjusting to daily life in France, every experience helped her become more independent and confident.
This is especially valuable in niche industries like sports management. Careers in sport often involve working with athletes, coaches, organizations, and communities from all over the world. Learning how to confidently connect with people from different backgrounds and to keep an open mind is just as important as understanding the industry itself.
Through her time in Paris, Sarah gained a broader perspective that will serve her well wherever her career takes her.
While sports management may not be as commonly discussed as public relations or engineering, Sarah’s internship delivered many of the same benefits students look for when going abroad: professional development, international exposure, transferable skills, and personal growth. In fact, niche internships can sometimes offer something even more valuable: the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the exact field you’re actually passionate about.
If you’re considering an internship abroad, check out our programs! We connect you with internships across Europe and Asia, in industries such as sports management, graphic design, and event planning.
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