Disney Sports Graduate Internship 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.
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.
Eligibility Requirements
The ultimate goal of the program is to position the student as a top "draft pick" in the job market. After they have acquired the knowledge at their college or university, we will provide an environment for them to obtain real world experience.
Technical – Learning Component
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, group sharing, and on the job learning/training.
Leadership-Learning Component
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.
The Disney Sports Graduate Internship program is designed as a twelve month sports management training program, with specific areas of focus for each quarter.
Quarter 1: Getting to know our world; focus on understanding the Disney Company and Disney Sports
Quarter 2: Exploring our world, refining skills & self discovery; focus on Sports Management
Quarter 3: Resume, networking & interviewing skills; focus on completing project work, building relationships
Quarter 4: Job opportunities, interviewing, & project work; focus on continued project and event work and job opportunities
The following is a list of positions available starting summer 2012. We have made several changes to categories and role descriptions that will help our candidates choose the best programs to fit their career goals. All listed roles have a number associated with that internship. For each program you are interested in, please indicate those numbers in your cover letter and the application form for interview consideration. All roles list how many interns are needed and the length required for each program. (All positions will not be available every year and additional positions may be substituted at any time).
Internships listed are available for current graduate level students only.
Application Deadline: March 1, 2012
Broadcast Operations
1. Sports Digital/Broadcast/Distribution (1)
Facility Operations/Management
2. Box Office Operations (1)
3. Facility Operations (1)
4. Premium/Special Events (1)
Finance
5. Sports Finance (2)
Marketing
6. Sports Marketing (4)
7. Marketing Graphic Design (1)
Program Services
8. Sports Program Services (1)
Public Relations
9. Sports Public Relations (2)
Sports Event Sales, Programming & Event Management
10. Disney Created (3)
11. Third Party Sales and Programming (1)
12. Premium Sales / Atlanta Braves Spring Training (1)
13. Sports Development (4)
Sponsorship
14. Alliance/New Business Development (2)
15. Sports Sponsorship (2)
Volunteer Management
16. Volunteer Services & Community Outreach (2)
Event Management
17. Event Management (3)
Sales
18. Disney Institute Sales (2)
runDisney
19. Event Management (1)
20. Event Management (1)
21. Event Management (1)
Broadcast Operations
1. Sports Digital/Broadcast/Distribution
Number of Positions available: 1
Length of Program: 12 months (Summer 2013 - Summer 2014)
The intern will have the opportunity to learn the dynamics of sports product and digital distribution. The Intern will actively participate in the development of on-site digital content campaigns, and distribution for newly developed on site ESPN's Wide World of Sports Complex berm network. Through research, observation, and participation, he/she will learn the digital production, new media process at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and will be provided with the opportunity to actively participate in decision-making and execution by assisting on site Manager in the following areas:
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Operation
2. Box Office Operations
Number of Positions available: 1
Length of Program: 12 months (Summer 2013 - Summer 2014)
Interns will support the team by assisting with the development of
3. Facility Operations
Number of Positions available: 1
Length of Program: 12 months (Summer 2013 - Summer 2014)
The Facility Operations team monitors the total operation of the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex by working closely with all business units. This area is responsible for three departments.
Key events the intern is involved with include: AAU Basketball/Volleyball, Pop Warner Super bowl, Atlanta Braves Spring Training, Walt Disney World Marathon, and the Old Spice Classic
4. Premium/Special Events
Number of Positions available: 1
Length of Program: 12 months (Summer 2013 - Summer 2014)
The intern will observe and participate in the day-to-day operations of ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, learning how each discipline partners for best results, how problem solving is handled, and how the Sports team provides the highest quality of Guest Service. The intern will become familiar with our business practices and diversity strategies while working directly with the Sports Complex Special Events Team. The intern must demonstrate schedule flexibility as our business involves weekends and evenings as well as normal operation. The following disciplines will be covered during the internship:
Finance
5. Sports Finance
Number of Positions available: 2
Length of Program: 12 months (Summer 2013 - Summer 2014)
The interns will learn the financial systems and analysis used by Disney Sports to determine the viability of specific events for ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The interns will become integrated into the event selection process from the prospect stage through contract. These roles will be involved primarily in special projects with some responsibility for routine financial reporting.
Responsibilities include:
Marketing
6. Sports Marketing and Technology
Number of Positions available: 4
Length of Program: 12 months (Summer 2013 - Summer 2014)
Interns will be mentored by a cross section of Sports Marketing professionals and will have the opportunity to learn the dynamics of sports event marketing through a variety of approaches (i.e. Direct to Athlete, Group Marketing to Team coaches and parents, as well as Direct to Consumer Spectator Marketing). Interns will be exposed to and participate in the development of marketing campaigns and projects including research, strategic planning, creative development, print and digital advertising, social media, promotions and other tactics used to appeal to the variety of potential participants in Disney Sporting events. Through research, observation, and participation, he/she will learn the marketing process for ESPN Wide World of Sports and runDisney brands and will be provided with the opportunity to actively participate in decision-making and execution by assisting Sports Marketing
Responsibilities include:
7. Marketing Graphic Design
Number of Positions available: 1
Length of Program: 12 months (Summer 2013 - Summer 2014)
Disney Sports Attractions is looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic and creative individual. Although this is a sports-based internship, you do not have to be interested in sports to work here. Ideal candidates will have a passion for design and an enthusiasm for marketing. This is a highly competitive opportunity that will allow the chosen candidate to work on high-level projects for some of the most respected brands in the world including ESPN, the Walt Disney Company, and many others. Your work will reach a wide variety of audiences in the United States and abroad. You’ll work directly with our marketing team to create and develop plans for some of our well-known events including Atlanta Braves Spring Training, Disney Soccer, Old Spice Classic, runDisney events, and much more.
Responsibilities include:
There are many aspects to the role including:
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for someone who is more than just a whiz with a mouse or a Wacom tablet. The person who ultimately gets the role will be filling a vital part of our creative marketing team.
Program Services
8. Sports Program Services
Number of Positions available: 1
Length of Program: 12 months (Summer 2013 - Summer 2014)
The Intern will report to the Program Services Manager and will be involved in the creation and servicing of the Program Services line of business. The Intern will be provided the opportunity to actively participate in the decision making process by assisting the Program Services Manager in the following areas:
Responsibilities include:
The Sports Program Services Intern will primarily support the runDisney line of business during the course of the twelve months. When necessary, the Intern will also provide support for the other Disney Sales Teams (Baseball/Softball, Soccer, Lacrosse, etc).
Sports Program Services Intern Requirements:
The Intern will also be given the opportunity to observe and participate in the planning, organizing and managing of a variety of events in different sports at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
Public Relations
9. Sports Public Relations
Number of Positions available: 2
Length of Program: 12 months (Summer 2013 - Summer 2014)
The intern will have an active role in the day-to-day operation of the sports public relations department where he/she will be given the opportunity to take a hands-on approach to practicing sports public relations on a local and national scale. The intern will have the opportunity to observe, learn and participate in the development and execution of sports public relations initiatives involving national, regional, local and niche sports publications and outlets, as well as serve in sports information roles
The interns will develop public relations plans, serve as public relations project manager on various events and learn the strategic thinking required to successfully promote youth and professional sports events and athletes. The intern will actively participate in the development and execution of public relations tactics related to events, initiatives and news announcements by assisting in the following areas:
Sports Event Sales and Programming
10. Disney Created
Number of Positions available: 3
Length of Program: 12 months (Summer 2013 - Summer 2014)
Disney Created Portfolio:
Interns will be involved in the creation, planning, sales, marketing, and execution of “Disney Created Events”. Disney Created Events are events that are owned and executed by the Disney Sports Team. All Sales and Marketing aspects are handled in-house for these events, and this team’s primary role is to identify, recruit, and work with the teams and athletes prior to arrival, during the event, and post event.
Interns will work directly on a diverse portfolio of sports consisting of Soccer, Baseball, Fastpitch Softball, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Volleyball, Track & Field, Cross Country, Golf, Tennis and Rugby.
The Disney Created Sales team manages over 20+ events that are offered for youth, high school and college athletes at all skill and division levels. Events in the portfolio range from recreational, to competitive, to elite.
Marquee Events:
The Disney Created Sales interns will have the opportunity to observe the dynamics of choosing appropriate events for ESPN's Wide World of Sports Complex. They will learn the types of information the Sales Manager collects to determine the value of events, including the importance of event profitability and strategic considerations, and observe event contract negotiations.
The intern will be mentored by Sports Sales Managers and will be involved in strategic, long-term planning and daily operational management for current and future Disney Created events to be held at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. They will interface with Facility Management and other Walt Disney World® departments to insure that all requirements of the event are met.
The interns will be provided the opportunity to actively participate in the decision making process by assisting the Sales Managers in the following areas:
Sales
Event Management
Marketing
Responsibilities include:
Required Qualifications
Intern must have a passion for sports, prior playing and coaching experience is recommended but not a necessity. Intern must be able to take initiative, be energetic, have a strong work ethic, be outgoing and be able to communicate with guests, staff, coaches and respective leader.
Desired Qualifications
11. Third Party Sales and Programming
Number of Positions available: 2
Length of Program: 12 months (Summer 2013 - Summer 2014)
The intern will have the opportunity to participate and gain experience managing 3rd Party Clients (AAU, Pop Warner, USSSA, etc) for ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The intern will work with internal and external business partners to program new events and service existing events at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Interns will learn event business valuation, contract negotiation skills, and general account management functions. The intern will assist in the following areas:
Sales & Programming Requirements:
12. Premium Sales/Atlanta Braves Spring Training
Number of Positions available: 1
Length of Program: 12 months (Summer 2013 - Summer 2014)
The intern will be mentored by the Sales Managers and report to the Area Manager of the Premium Sales Team. They will have the opportunity to work on all sales related functions and provide sales support for Atlanta Braves Spring Training and other Premium events, such as the Old Spice Classic and the WDW Pro Soccer Classic, that may take place at the Complex. The intern will actively participate in the decision making process by assisting the Sales Managers in the following areas:
13. Sports Development
Number of Positions available: 4
Length of Program: 12 months (Summer 12 - Summer 13)
The Sports Development Intern will be mentored by a Business Development Manager and will gain experience in valuing new event opportunities including 3rd Party Rights Holder Events and / or Disney Created Events. The intern will have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of the "Event Cycle" including:
Sponsorship, Sports Housing, Event Operations, Facilities Operations, Sports Food & Beverage and Merchandise
Sponsorship
14. Alliance/New Business Development
Number of Positions available: 2
Length of Program: 12 months (Summer 2013 - Summer 2014)
The intern will be mentored by the Manager, Alliance Development and will gain experience in the areas of sponsorship at ESPN's Wide World of Sports Complex event-specific sponsorship, as well as overall sponsorship of The Walt Disney Company's many global assets. The intern will observe and assist with all aspects of Alliance Account Management and Development in the broad areas of event/asset branding, marketing opportunities, procurement/merchandising initiatives and partner hospitality offerings. Specific responsibilities include:
Responsibilities include:
BRANDING
MARKETING
PROCUREMENT/MERCHANDISING
HOSPITALITY
15. Sports Sponsorship
Number of Positions available: 2
Length of Program: 12 months (Summer 2013 - Summer 2014)
Lines of Business
Responsibilities include:
Research
Proposal Development to Include:
Execution to Include:
Documentation
Marketing
Volunteer Management
16. Volunteer Services & Community Outreach
Number of Positions available: 2
Length of Program: 12 months (Summer 2013 - Summer 2014)
The Volunteer Services & Community Outreach Team supports over 25 events and fills over 19,000 volunteer shifts annually. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of Volunteer Management. Interns will gain an understanding of the event planning processes including pre-event logistics, on-site volunteer operational s support, and post-event responsibilities. Additionally, they will coordinate Community Outreach experiences for teams participating in sports events. The Interns are mentored by our Volunteer Services Manager.
The Interns will actively participate in decision-making and event delivery by assisting in the following areas:
Event Managment
17. Event Management
Number of Positions available: 3
Length of Program: 12 months (Summer 2013 - Summer 2014)
The interns will be given the opportunity to observe and participate in the planning, organizing and managing of a variety of events in different sports at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The interns will be encouraged to fully participate in the management of events by assisting the Sports Event Managers in the following areas:
Ideal candidate should be detail oriented, able to multitask, willing to learn and go the extra mile, energetic, take ownership of a project from start to finish, and able to work a variety of hours based on event needs (holidays, weekends, nights, etc)
Sales
18. Disney Institute
Number of Positions available: 2
Length of Program: 12 months (Summer 2013 - Summer 2014)
The intern has the opportunity to learn the dynamics of the sports industry through the lens of the Disney Institute, Walt Disney Company’s external training division. The intern will actively participate in engagements with external clients and will develop relationships with these clients. As sports organizations engage Disney Institute to benchmark Disney’s best business practices to apply to their organizations, the intern will work on the account team to better manage and create these relationships. Interns will gain skills necessary to negotiate deal terms and contractual agreements. Interns must have a strong understanding of the business behind sports, the sports landscape, and posses exceptional communication skills. The intern is responsible for helping identify and manage client opportunities, market research, planning potential and future engagements, and assisting the account manager on his day-to-day activities.
Responsibilities include:
runDisney
19. Event Management
Number of Positions available: 1
Length of Program: 12 months (Summer 2013 - Summer 2014)
The runDisney Event Management Intern will report directly to the Event Management Team to plan, implement, maintain and execute Awards Ceremonies and Bonus Medal Operations for east coast runDisney events. The intern will provide operational support and assist with other tasks as needed.
Responsibilities include:
20. Programming
Number of Positions available: 1
Length of Program: 12 months (Summer 13 - Summer 14)
Responsibilities Include:
Other tasks as needed:
21. Sales
Number of Positions available: 1
Length of Program: 12 months (Summer 2013 - Summer 2014)
The runDisney Sales Intern will report directly to the runDisney Sales Team to assist with research, reporting, sales plan development, VIP and hospitality coordination and guest communication. The intern will support and assist with other tasks as needed.
Day to day responsibilities include:
Disney Sports Graduate Intern Program
Q: Why is the internship program designed as a 12-month experience?
A: There are several reasons. Walt Disney World® Resort is a large property requiring additional training and experience to be able to work comfortably. Several months are needed for orientation to the property. We develop events in a yearly cycle so it is best to work an event from beginning to end. We invite all our interns to assist in managing and coordinating the many large events we hold throughout the year. This provides each intern with an opportunity to experience different types of events throughout the year.
Q: Interns are not considered Walt Disney World® Cast Members (employees) but are considered Operating Participants? What is an Operating Participant?
A: Our interns are not considered employees of the Company. Here at Walt Disney World®, our Operating Participants are people who work on Disney property and receive a variety of benefits (free park admission, merchandise discount, etc.).
Q: How do I make Housing arrangements? Do you help to find Housing?
A: Securing an apartment is your responsibility. However, you will be provided information to help make your selection easier. A list of apartments, recommended from past Sports interns, is provided and includes critical information you need (i.e. distance from work, price range, amenities, discounts, etc.)
Q: Can I inquire about having one of the other arriving interns as a roommate?
A: Upon acceptance of your program, you are asked if you would like to be listed on a roommate list with other sports interns arriving for the internship program. This list is given to all students interested in securing a roommate while here on their internship program.
Q: Do we have medical insurance coverage on the program?
A: As a Disney Sports Intern, you are not eligible for any medical coverage. Please be sure to keep the current insurance plan you hold as a student.
Q: What is the dress code at Disney Sports? At Walt Disney World® Resort?
A: It is important that you understand the Disney Grooming Guidelines for Walt Disney World® Resort. This must be what you reference when planning your wardrobe. The guidelines are provided to you when you are accepted in the program. For working in the Disney Sports locations, we do offer additional grooming guidelines. Disney Sports Interns are able to wear khaki pants, collared shirts, and casual blouses. You may also wear plain tennis shoes. Be aware that Capri pants, jeans, sleeveless shirts, and sandals are not acceptable. It is important that any logo you have on your collared shirts does not conflict with the Disney brand.
Q: Do I need to have my own car to participate on the program?
A: Yes, you must have your own transportation to participate in the program. Your program may require you to work anytime during a 24-hour period and/or 7 days a week. Your role may also require you to move about the property.
Q: If I am selected to work in one area, will I be able to experience other areas that are of interest to me?
A: Yes, we like you to experience other locations while on your internship. Although you will be assigned to a specific department, many events require additional manpower to manage. Interns are given the opportunity to assist with other large events we hold on property i.e. The Walt Disney World® Marathon, The Children's Miracle Network Golf Classic, Pop Warner Football, Disney Soccer Showcase, and Atlanta Braves Spring Training, to name just a few.
Q: Will I be able to take time off (i.e. vacations, holidays) during the 12-month internship program?
A: Yes, we try to accommodate each intern's request for holiday and vacation time. We recommend the equivalent of two weeks off throughout the year for holiday and vacation.
Q: The internship program begins each summer. Do I get to select my arrival date or are there specific dates I must arrive?
A: Our internship program has several arrival dates to select from. We usually have one arrival date in June, July and August. Although we offer several dates, some internships require specific arrival dates (i.e. Event Management with AAU and the Sports Event Golf Programming internships both require arrivals in June).
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is more than just a place to play. It's where young athletes can experience something bigger than they've ever experienced before: a 255-acre state-of-the-art wonderland of courts, fields, courses and sports technology. It is a place where athletes and fans alike walk in loving sports and walk out knowing sports love them back.
If you are up to the challenge of working at the industry leader, we encourage you to apply for the Disney Sports Graduate Intern experience.
We will accept applications until March 1, 2013. Telephone interviews will be conducted between March 11th and March 29th, 2013. Decisions and offers will be made no later than April 30th, 2013.
Please submit your application via: http://espnwideworldofsports.teamworkonline.com
Questions about the program can be directed to: wdw.sports.internships@disneysports.com.
The start dates of the internship may vary depending on when the students complete classes. The target arrival date is July 8th, 2013.
In order to be considered for an internship, you must submit the following:



