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Career possibilities
Sport and recreation management students can pursue careers in professional sport front offices, college athletics departments, league offices, sport marketing agencies, campus recreation, municipal recreation, and many other areas. The SRM degree is a strong foundation for students who may pursue a master’s degree in sport or recreation management, an MBA, or other advanced degrees.
Sport and recreation management internships and jobs
The Office of Field Experience is actively engaged in recruiting experiential learning partners. As positions become known, links to information about available opportunities will be posted here. They could be volunteer positions, part-time, seasonal or full-time positions.
Please read closely and apply to positions based on your mix of needs regarding credit, experience, and compensation. Check back often as updates and new positions are added regularly.
If you are applying for these positions, let us know! We can maybe help move your application further up the pile.
It is important to remember that semester hour credit is not automatically granted for experiential learning. You must register for SRM:4196 (Interscholastic Internship) or SRM:4199 (Independent Field Experience) and fulfill the requirements for the course and credits. Contact Anna Jensen, Director, Office of Field Experience, with any questions.
Sport Recreation management internships and jobs
Intern with RedZone Football Academy to develop local talent among 700+ participants on more than 50 different teams. Students interested in events, coaching, and operations both on-field and front-office, are encouraged to apply. Learn more about the positions and how to apply.
Internships with UI Recreational Services provide professional development and preparation opportunities throughout the year. Students will gain insight into administration, leadership, event and facility management plus work on a project specific to their interest areas. All the details are available online.
Another local partner to join the UISRM cohort of coaching opportunities is Iowa 7v7 Football. Founded and led by Iowa Football alumnus, Trevor Bollers, Iowa 7v7 provides a range of oportunities including coaching, event management, sponsor and partnership development, and tournament operations. Learn more about opportunities here.
Internships with the Iowa Games are available. We have several alumni in their front offices, so be sure to follow best practices on using your entire network when applying for positions. Check out the diverse offerings and associated application deadlines online.
Internships with University of Iowa Trademarks, Licensing and Hall of Fame open immediately and into the 23/24 academic year. Over the years, several UISRM students have begun their professional careers in this office with mentorship and guidance from Dale Arens and his team. Of utmost importance will be a solid commitment for at least one calendar year including the summer months. Please reach out to Anna Jensen with questions.
Hyatt Place Iowa City has developed a new internship in collaboration with our program. Learn more about what you'll have the opportunity to learn and demonstrate along with application instructions. Both 3 semester hours or 6 semester hours options are available.
The Pro-Fit Gym is continuing their internship program. They have invested a lot of money this past year in gym equipment and expansion (more than $80,000). Additionally, they have invested over $10,000 in sports technology, which helps them gather data and make informed training decisions. Pro-Fit interns will be learning a great deal, being on the cutting edge of data analytics while gaining great experience.
There are three types of internship positions available: Performance Data Analyst, Public Relations, and Fitness Coach. Contact Aaron at Aaron@theprofitgym.com for all inquiries and to apply.
Iowa / USA Wrestling is seeking an intern to support the Social Media Director. This position could be remote or in person. The intern should have some wrestling knowledge and be willing to learn more about the sport while developing engaging content. There could be potential work with Female Elite Wrestling (FEW), as well. Reach out to Charlotte Bailey with resume and letter of interest.
Internships and volunteer opportunities with Girls on the Run of Eastern Iowa and Heart and Sole programs. More details on internships and coaching roles are available.
The Huddle Up Group is offering paid internships in Business Development and Data Analysis.
Maxx MGMT, who represents over 30 NFL/NBA/NCAA athletes on branding, management, and marketing efforts, has internships available. Internships are open to undergraduate students for college credit who are looking for some experience in the athlete management/marketing field this winter/spring. They typically take at least two (sometimes three) interns per semester. Learn more about the positions and application details.
SponsorUnited is a sports marketing agency used by many professional teams for prospecting, ideation, finding decision makers and connecting brands with teams and/or talent. Learn more about the opportunity and how/when to apply for the upcoming semester here.
North Liberty Parks and Recreation is seeking officials for youth recreation leagues. This would not qualify for credit but is a great way for students looking to learn/practice skills while earning funds and helping your local community (about 15 minutes north of Iowa City.)
Contact Brian Motley, Assistant Recreation Director, for more info.
Both Borlaug and Wickham Before/After School Programs are hiring Youth Counselors. This is a paid position that could be used for credit with additional project work added. The position includes working with K-6 grade, supervising and assisting with homework, arts and crafts, interacting and playing games such as dodgeball, capture the flag, four square, volleyball and more. This is a great experience for future careers related to coaching, education, youth development, recreation and more.
The Iowa City Eels is a nonprofit, year-round USA Swimming affiliated club serving developmental and competitive swimmers of all ages from all over Johnson County. They are looking to hire part-time staff who are energetic and motivated with weeknight availability for the fall and spring season. No serious knowledge of the sport or club swimming is required.
Do you want to find connection while making a difference? Girls on the Run of Eastern Iowa is excited to offer programming at many sites in the Iowa City area, including Mann, Weber, Twain, Lucas, Mercer Park, and more.
In order to ensure we can serve as many girls as possible, we need volunteer coaches of any gender identity to join us in our mission. You'll be provided with everything you need to transform the lives of girls during a critical stage in their adolescence. 94% of coaches said they felt like girls became more confident after participating in Girls on the Run.
Learn more and apply to coach online. This would be a volunteer, not for credit, opportunity as the position is currently written. For-credit opportunities also exist with the organization, usually posted in the spring.
Additional resources
- Teamwork Online: UISRM students have access to premium content for free. Thousands of jobs across minor and major league sports! Updated continually.
- Several local positions are currently posted on Teamwork Online in the Cedar Rapids, Dubuque and Des Moines areas. These positions are across a wide range of areas within the industry including scouting, business development, social media, and analytics. Find current Teamwork Online postings in Iowa.
- The Market: Careers in college athletics hosted by the NCAA: This database houses positions including internships, graduate assistantships and full-time positions.
- NIRSA's Bluefish Jobs collects postings in collegiate recreation and more.
- Iowa Parks and Recreation posts jobs and internships from member cities around the state. Some positions posted here may not qualify for credit so double check with the Office of Field Experience before assuming it counts.
- General career, employment and internship sites
- Independent Frontier Baseball League
- Iowa Parks and Recreation internship listing
- Recreation-related employment and internship sites
- Sport-related employment and internship sites
- State and regional recreation and park societies and associations
- Additional internship and job sites
Career resources for UI undergraduate students
The Pomerantz Career Center provides high-quality resources and services to students, alumni, and employers. The site has information designed to help you move through the various stages of the job search process, including the Handshake@UIowa website as well as information on upcoming employer visits, internships, and careers after college.
Meet with a career coach
All undergraduates can meet with a career coach to explore interests, skills, strengths, and values as you plan for after graduation.
Participate in a mock interview
Experience first-hand what an interview might be like by participating in a Mock Interview where you can practice interviewing, ask questions about the interview process, and be critiqued by volunteer employers from surrounding communities.
Attend a career fair
Network with employers and learn more about job and career opportunities in a variety of areas right here on campus.
Write an effective resume
Learn the level of detail needed to get noticed in the applicant pool and by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) software, including tips on how to format your resume, effective use of power verbs, a formula for crafting bullet points, and more.
Find or create an internship
We'll guide you through the process of finding an internship, creating your own opportunity, and evaluating internship offers.
Explore majors and careers
Learn more about how your personal attributes impact potential success and satisfaction with different career options and work environments. Or, start by exploring career fields and find majors that align with your interests and skills.