Disney Sports

Internships

Program Overview

Established in 1996, the Disney Sports Graduate Internship Program provides an inclusive environment for graduate students, which centers on a variety of business practices in operating a sports complex. Supplementing their classroom studies, the twelve month Internship provides a wide variety of practical learning and experiences.

The following criteria apply:

Disney Sports Attractions, Inc. and its affiliates have numerous responsibilities that contribute to the success of their athletic events. Responsibilities include: programming, event management, marketing, merchandise, sponsorship and facility operations at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, as well as business planning and development for future growth of the complex and the sports business at the Walt Disney World® Resort.

This environment provides the perfect laboratory for students in all aspects of sports to receive an integrated learning and working experience. No other location provides the diversity and magnitude of possibilities.

Number of Positions Available
Each year Disney Sports will choose thirty to thirty-five interns for a period of 12 months.

Timeline
Recruitment begins in January for positions beginning that summer. Select programs are available in January with recruitment starting in October.

Program Stipend
Disney Sports will provide selected students a scholarship or stipend for living expenses during the period of the internship. Partnering with Disney, the National Consortium for Academics and Sports (NCAS) will administer the stipend of $1,300 per month per student. Located at the University of Central Florida, the NCAS's mission is to "to create a better society by focusing on educational attainment and using the power and appeal of sport to positively affect social change." To learn more about the NCAS and their member schools please visit their website at http://www.ncasports.org/.

Student Guidelines
Student interns must be enrolled during the time of the internship in a program with a college or university participating in the Disney Sports Graduate Intern Program (see above guidelines for colleges and universities).

The ultimate goal of the program is to provide the student with the kind of real world experience that will make them the top "draft picks" in the job market. This will be done by recruiting the top students from the top colleges and universities, training and developing these students and encouraging organizations with jobs to offer to look at the Walt Disney World® Intern Program as the training ground for their future employees.

Educational Learning Components
The Disney Sports Graduate Intern Program will allow the student to learn from professionals in a real-world, work environment by partnering the student with professionals in the chosen disciplines who will serve as their mentor and teacher. The program will also include the educational component of classroom learning, writing assignments, group sharing, and on the job learning/training.

Classroom Learning
Students will attend classroom-learning presentations once a month. Some presentations may be specifically tailored to the students, while others may be part of a combined learning program for all Disney Sports staff members.

On the Job Learning
All interns will be given the opportunity for hands on learning. Leaders are instructed to provide constant mentoring and teaching. Interns will be given meaningful work experience.

For more information, contact us at wdw.sports.internships@disneysports.com