Internship-Sponsorship and Events

**Internship:** Sponsorship & Events Intern

**Organization:** Empower Sports & Entertainment -Carolina Ascent FC & Charlotte Independence

**Department:** Corporate Partnerships & Events

**Duration:** Internship Term

College Credits, Unpaid

**Learning Plan Overview**

The Sponsorship & Events Internship is designed to provide hands-on experience in corporate partnerships, sponsorship activation, event management, and professional sports operations. The intern will develop practical skills while supporting the planning, execution, and evaluation of sponsorship and event initiatives.

**Learning Objectives**

**1. Sponsorship Sales & Prospecting**

**Learning Goal**

Develop an understanding of the sponsorship sales process and how organizations identify and engage potential partners.

**Activities**

· Conduct sponsorship prospect research.

· Identify companies that align with club partnership objectives.

· Assist in maintaining prospect databases and tracking documents.

· Support partnership development efforts through research and outreach preparation.

**Expected Outcomes**

· Understand sponsorship inventory and partnership opportunities.

· Learn effective prospecting and market research techniques.

· Build professional research and business development skills.

**2. Corporate Partnership Account Management**

**Learning Goal**

Gain experience managing sponsor relationships and delivering partnership value.

**Activities**

· Assist with sponsor fulfillment and account service.

· Track contractual benefits and activation requirements.

· Support communication and coordination with partners.

· Maintain organized partnership records and materials.

**Expected Outcomes**

· Understand the importance of client relationship management.

· Learn sponsorship fulfillment processes.

· Develop communication and customer service skills.

**3. Proposal Development & Presentation Skills**

**Learning Goal**

Learn how sponsorship opportunities are packaged, presented, and evaluated.

**Activities**

· Assist with sponsorship proposals and presentations.

· Support preparation of partnership recap reports.

· Gather data and content for sponsor-facing materials.

· Contribute ideas for sponsorship activation concepts.

**Expected Outcomes**

· Improve business writing and presentation skills.

· Understand how sponsorship value is communicated.

· Gain experience creating professional sales materials.

**4. Event Operations & Game-Day Execution**

**Learning Goal**

Develop practical event management skills through direct involvement in matchday operations.

**Activities**

· Support sponsor activation setup and execution.

· Assist with pre-game, halftime, and post-game sponsorship activities.

· Coordinate logistics for matchday and special events.

· Participate in venue setup and breakdown.

**Expected Outcomes**

· Understand event planning and execution processes.

· Gain experience in logistics management.

· Develop problem-solving skills in a live event environment.

**5. Community & Special Event Planning**

**Learning Goal**

Learn how sports organizations engage fans, sponsors, and community stakeholders through events.

**Activities**

· Assist in planning community programs and club events.

· Support vendor coordination and event logistics.

· Work with multiple departments to execute successful events.

· Help ensure brand standards are maintained throughout activations.

**Expected Outcomes**

· Develop event coordination skills.

· Learn stakeholder and vendor management practices.

· Understand community engagement strategies in sports.

**6. Professional Development**

**Learning Goal**

Strengthen workplace and career-readiness competencies.

**Activities**

· Use Microsoft Office and Google Workspace tools for daily tasks.

· Participate in team meetings and project discussions.

· Collaborate with staff across departments.

· Complete assigned projects independently and as part of a team.

**Expected Outcomes**

· Improve organizational and time-management skills.

· Enhance professional communication abilities.

· Develop confidence working in a fast-paced business environment.

· Gain exposure to careers in sports marketing, partnerships, and event management.

**Key Competencies Developed**

* Sponsorship Research & Prospecting

* Account Service & Relationship Management

* Sports Marketing Fundamentals

* Event Planning & Operations

* Project Coordination

* Business Communication

* Presentation Development

* Data Tracking & Reporting

* Team Collaboration

* Customer Service & Fan Engagement

**Success Measurement**

The internship will be considered successful when the intern can:

* Independently complete sponsorship research assignments.

* Support sponsor fulfillment and activation efforts effectively.

* Assist in the development of proposals and recap presentations.

* Execute assigned game-day and event responsibilities with minimal supervision.

* Demonstrate professionalism, organization, and teamwork.

* Apply sports marketing and sponsorship concepts in real-world situations.

**Overall Learning Outcome:**

Upon completion of the internship, the intern will have a comprehensive understanding of corporate partnerships, sponsorship activation, and event operations within a professional sports organization, preparing them for future opportunities in sports business, marketing, partnerships, and event management.