Can Internships Lead to Full Time Positions?

Question: As an intern with a minor league hockey team I worked part time for the game operations and events department. Do you have any advice on how I can land a full time gig?

Answer: Four elements will be vital to your upcoming search: experience, geographic flexibility, networking and research.

You have already taken one of the most beneficial steps to land a full time position by working an internship. With your experience at a minor league level (where front office staffs are inherently small), you should have been exposed to many different career paths available in professional sports. You may have realized that game operations and events is exactly what you want to pursue in the future. If not, is there another department that suits your long term goals more appropriately? Deciding where you want to be in 5 years will help direct and focus your immediate search.

Do not be afraid to look at different geographic regions to take the next step in your career. If you browse through our featured articles, you will find that nearly every profiled executive has had to relocate to advance their career. Geographic flexibility will greatly aid you in your search for a full time position.

Now that you have a sports internship under your belt, you have made contacts in the industry that have become the beginning of your network. Building and maintaining a network of former colleagues, bosses, vendors, sponsors and friends in the industry is essential. Keep in contact with your old boss, provide him/her with an updated cover letter and resume and let them know you are actively searching.

Lastly, do your research. Jobs in this industry are rarely posted publicly. You need to put yourself in a position to hear about openings or they will pass you by. Take advantage of our job board; WorkInSports.com is a business that is dedicated to gathering these word-of-mouth positions and delivering them to you at the click of a mouse. Attend career fairs, read industry publications, visit/join industry associations and set up 'informational' interviews. Dedicate yourself to your sports jobs search.

Equipped with a sense of direction, the correct resources, patience and determination your efforts should reap opportunity.