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Kinesiology, Athletics partner for undergraduate internships

April 28, 2014

Photo of the NIU Convocation CenterUndergraduates in NIU’s Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education who are interested in sampling careers in athletics administration will find the balls now in their courts.

Departmental and College of Education leaders, working in coordination with NIU Intercollegiate Athletics, have developed the unique opportunity.

Huskie Athletics will provide internships each academic year to selected undergraduates who meet internship requirements set by the college and KNPE.

  • Students must register for the KNPE 494 Internship course and be within 18 hours of graduation and have a GPA greater than 3.0.
  • Students who do not meet these requirements must have a letter of support from a faculty member/instructor in the department to receive consideration for the internship.
  • Students must also submit a one-page letter outlining why the internship experience is unique/timely and how the classes already completed allow them to be successful during the internship experience.
  • Credit hours and internship experience hours will be determined by the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education in coordination with placement site within Intercollegiate Athletics.

Students are encouraged to take the internship course after they have discussed their academic and career goals with their academic advisers, members of the faculty or the department’s coordinator of internship programs.

Sean Frazier

Sean Frazier

“We are excited about our partnership with the College of Education and our KNPE program. We have some great opportunities for students to get real world experience within intercollegiate athletics administration,” said NIU Athletics Director Sean Frazier.

“From working with our game management and facilities group to developing Marketing concepts for Huskie Athletics, from helping students achieve academic success to promoting health and fitness within our sport performance and strength program,” Frazier added. “These opportunities combined with class credit when approved by the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education make this program unique and we are looking forward to getting this up and running.”

Applicants will interview for the internships with members of the athletic administrative staff. Chosen interns will assist the athletic management team as they perform their administrative responsibilities and enjoy the opportunity to work with a specific unit within Huskie Athletics:

  • Athletic Business Operations
  • Athletics Communications
  • Athletic Training and Sports Medicine
  • Development and Alumni Relations
  • Event Management and Facilities
  • Graphic Design
  • Hospitality Administration
  • Marketing and Promotions
  • NCAA Compliance and Student Services
  • Sports Performance
  • Student-Athlete Academic Support Services
  • Technology Support Services.
Paul Carpenter

Paul Carpenter

“The Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education is excited to be a partner with Athletics in the Internship Program they have initiated. This is an ideal and natural fit given the foci of Athletics and KNPE and a timely extension, given President Baker‘s call for more internship opportunities for students, of the long and productive relationship we have had,” said Paul Carpenter, chair of the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education.

“The opportunity to gain real world experience in intercollegiate athletics will enhance students’ educational experiences and make them more competitive in the employment market.”

Selected applicants might be subject to an employment background check and will serve in a volunteer status for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.

Applications for the Fall 2014 semester are available by emailing cspears@niu.edu and are due Friday, May 16, for the fall semester. Interviews are planned from Monday, May 19, through Friday, May 30.

Internships begin the first week of the fall semester.

NIU is a NCAA Division I member institution. NIU sponsors 17 intercollegiate sports and is a member of the highly competitive Mid-American Conference.

For more information about Huskie Athletics, email cspears@niu.edu. For more information on the internship program, email pcarpenter@niu.edu.