The National Sports Journalism Center believes strongly in providing its students with internship opportunities that will help them grow skills and develop valuable relationships with professionals.
Therefore, the center already has commitments from some of the nation’s top sports news organizations to take interns from our program. And, the list of internships is growing.
Some students who have benefited from these connections include:
MATT DOLLINGER: Indianapolis Colts intern in 2009-10; hired by Sports Illustrated after graduation.
"My experience with the Indianapolis Colts was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I covered the team from training camp in Terre Haute, Ind., all the way to Super Bowl XLI in Miami, writing game stories, features, news and more. I learned what it was like to cover an NFL team and also how to effectively contribute to a first-class sports organization."
DENIS JIMENEZ: Intern for ESPN and the NCAA in 2010
"Working for ESPN was an experience. It was a preview of what life would be from now on: from the moment you graduate and pursue your career dreams. I learned a lot about the business and especially about myself and about what I really want to do. I learned about broadcasting and the huge amount of work that it takes to get a show on the air. ESPN’s environment is unique. And to be part of it you have to become unique in your own way in order to succeed. But by far the best perk of working at ESPN (aside from the great coffee and awesome food), is that those four letters open a lot of doors.
"I just started working at the NCAA for the New Media department. When coming in, I didn’t know what I was going to do; neither did my bosses. But that thought was very exciting because it meant I would create a position for myself. It has worked pretty well so far. I’ve been able to suggest stories and projects that not only help the NCAA but also help me sharpen my skills as a photojournalist or visual communicator.
"In both instances, the NSJC was crucial. Without it, I wouldn’t have had these opportunities, plain and simple. I think this has to be the best sports journalism program hands down. The opportunities to further what you want to do are immense. You don’t just sit down in class and listen to a professor talk about journalism for an hour and then get a homework assignment. You actually get to do what you want to do. And get paid for it!"
ZINA KUMOK: Associated Press intern in 2010
"Working for any wire service, but especially the AP, taught me the importance of personal responsibility. Editors don't have time to read your story five times, so it's up to you to make sure it's correct and well-written the first time you hand it in. Professionalism is key – whether it's dressing appropriately or asking the right questions during a press conference. Even though I was an intern, I was never treated like one."
GREG ROSENSTEIN: MLB.com intern in 2010
MLB.com was truly an amazing internship experience. As an associate reporter, I did everything a full-time beat writer would do — game wraps, features, sidebars and notebooks. While it was a lot of work, the experience I gained covering professional athletes on a daily basis is something that I will never forget.
DEANTAE PRINCE: Los Angeles Times intern in 2010
"Interning with the Los Angeles Times was an invaluable experience. Seasoned editors and talented reporters helped me along as I covered the Dodgers, Angels and 2010 All-Star Game in the early stages of my time there.
"But what I appreciated most was the opportunity to work on enterprise stories. I spoke with Mark Prior, Travis Pastrana and sought out old teammates of Phil Jackson's for features. On each, I was given great pointers and advice before and after filing stories.
"It doesn't hurt to have the Los Angeles Times on your resume, but any intern there is sure to become a better writer and reporter in the process."
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BEN HEISLER: Gateway Grizzlies intern in 2010
"Broadcasting baseball for the Gateway Grizzlies of the Frontier League was a critical step in the right direction of working to achieve my goals as a sportscaster and on-air personality. Located just outside St. Louis, Mo., the Grizzlies allowed an opportunity to practice and improve on my sportscasting fundamentals and personal delivery, yet still gain valuable on-air experience in a major baseball market. The NSJC experience was quite valuable because it provided me opportunities to contribute and participate in the constantly growing digital media age of sports. I went into my job excited for the challenge, but most importantly felt prepared and ready thanks in large part to the NSJC."
EMILY DIEKELMANN: Indiana Pacers and Indianapolis Indians Intern in 2010
"My time with Pacers Sports and Entertainment was very enriching and educational. By being in the office directly, I saw the day-to-day operations as well as some of the behind the scenes activities. What I learned there will be very beneficial to me in the future with whatever career path I take.
"Out of the three internships I have had, the Indians was by far my favorite. I loved the atmosphere that I was in and the work environment was wonderful. I looked forward to going to the games and was able to make new friends and contacts that will hopefully last me a long time."
NICK MORELAND: IUPUI Sports Information Department intern in 2010; now working for the NCAA
"Working as an intern for the IUPUI Sports Information Department was a great opportunity that provided valuable experience and opened my eyes to the worlds of collegiate athletics and sports media. I served as the primary contact for the men's golf team, writing tournament stories, compiling statistics and creating the team's media guide while assisting with other tasks in the department.
"This fall, I am working as an intern at the NCAA National Headquarters in the Statistics Department. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to work for such a great organization and look forward to working hard in order to gain more valuable experience.
It's awesome to see the caliber of internships and jobs that NSJC students are earning. It makes you feel great about your program and makes you want to succeed that much more!"
JUSTIN WHITAKER: Intern at ESPN 1070-AM in 2010:
"At ESPN 1070 'The Fan,' I was able to work with some great sports and journalism minds such as Bob Kravitz, Dan Dakich, Eddie White, Michael Grady and Joe Staysniak. Getting to pick their brains and be a sponge around them made every minute of my internship worthwhile."
Students in the IU sports journalism program will be able to compete for internships with:
Learn more:
Therefore, the center already has commitments from some of the nation’s top sports news organizations to take interns from our program. And, the list of internships is growing.
Some students who have benefited from these connections include:
MATT DOLLINGER: Indianapolis Colts intern in 2009-10; hired by Sports Illustrated after graduation."My experience with the Indianapolis Colts was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I covered the team from training camp in Terre Haute, Ind., all the way to Super Bowl XLI in Miami, writing game stories, features, news and more. I learned what it was like to cover an NFL team and also how to effectively contribute to a first-class sports organization."
DENIS JIMENEZ: Intern for ESPN and the NCAA in 2010"Working for ESPN was an experience. It was a preview of what life would be from now on: from the moment you graduate and pursue your career dreams. I learned a lot about the business and especially about myself and about what I really want to do. I learned about broadcasting and the huge amount of work that it takes to get a show on the air. ESPN’s environment is unique. And to be part of it you have to become unique in your own way in order to succeed. But by far the best perk of working at ESPN (aside from the great coffee and awesome food), is that those four letters open a lot of doors.
"I just started working at the NCAA for the New Media department. When coming in, I didn’t know what I was going to do; neither did my bosses. But that thought was very exciting because it meant I would create a position for myself. It has worked pretty well so far. I’ve been able to suggest stories and projects that not only help the NCAA but also help me sharpen my skills as a photojournalist or visual communicator.
"In both instances, the NSJC was crucial. Without it, I wouldn’t have had these opportunities, plain and simple. I think this has to be the best sports journalism program hands down. The opportunities to further what you want to do are immense. You don’t just sit down in class and listen to a professor talk about journalism for an hour and then get a homework assignment. You actually get to do what you want to do. And get paid for it!"
ZINA KUMOK: Associated Press intern in 2010"Working for any wire service, but especially the AP, taught me the importance of personal responsibility. Editors don't have time to read your story five times, so it's up to you to make sure it's correct and well-written the first time you hand it in. Professionalism is key – whether it's dressing appropriately or asking the right questions during a press conference. Even though I was an intern, I was never treated like one."
GREG ROSENSTEIN: MLB.com intern in 2010MLB.com was truly an amazing internship experience. As an associate reporter, I did everything a full-time beat writer would do — game wraps, features, sidebars and notebooks. While it was a lot of work, the experience I gained covering professional athletes on a daily basis is something that I will never forget.
DEANTAE PRINCE: Los Angeles Times intern in 2010"Interning with the Los Angeles Times was an invaluable experience. Seasoned editors and talented reporters helped me along as I covered the Dodgers, Angels and 2010 All-Star Game in the early stages of my time there.
"But what I appreciated most was the opportunity to work on enterprise stories. I spoke with Mark Prior, Travis Pastrana and sought out old teammates of Phil Jackson's for features. On each, I was given great pointers and advice before and after filing stories.
"It doesn't hurt to have the Los Angeles Times on your resume, but any intern there is sure to become a better writer and reporter in the process."
BEN HEISLER: Gateway Grizzlies intern in 2010"Broadcasting baseball for the Gateway Grizzlies of the Frontier League was a critical step in the right direction of working to achieve my goals as a sportscaster and on-air personality. Located just outside St. Louis, Mo., the Grizzlies allowed an opportunity to practice and improve on my sportscasting fundamentals and personal delivery, yet still gain valuable on-air experience in a major baseball market. The NSJC experience was quite valuable because it provided me opportunities to contribute and participate in the constantly growing digital media age of sports. I went into my job excited for the challenge, but most importantly felt prepared and ready thanks in large part to the NSJC."
EMILY DIEKELMANN: Indiana Pacers and Indianapolis Indians Intern in 2010
"My time with Pacers Sports and Entertainment was very enriching and educational. By being in the office directly, I saw the day-to-day operations as well as some of the behind the scenes activities. What I learned there will be very beneficial to me in the future with whatever career path I take.
"Out of the three internships I have had, the Indians was by far my favorite. I loved the atmosphere that I was in and the work environment was wonderful. I looked forward to going to the games and was able to make new friends and contacts that will hopefully last me a long time."
NICK MORELAND: IUPUI Sports Information Department intern in 2010; now working for the NCAA"Working as an intern for the IUPUI Sports Information Department was a great opportunity that provided valuable experience and opened my eyes to the worlds of collegiate athletics and sports media. I served as the primary contact for the men's golf team, writing tournament stories, compiling statistics and creating the team's media guide while assisting with other tasks in the department.
"This fall, I am working as an intern at the NCAA National Headquarters in the Statistics Department. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to work for such a great organization and look forward to working hard in order to gain more valuable experience.
It's awesome to see the caliber of internships and jobs that NSJC students are earning. It makes you feel great about your program and makes you want to succeed that much more!"
JUSTIN WHITAKER: Intern at ESPN 1070-AM in 2010:
"At ESPN 1070 'The Fan,' I was able to work with some great sports and journalism minds such as Bob Kravitz, Dan Dakich, Eddie White, Michael Grady and Joe Staysniak. Getting to pick their brains and be a sponge around them made every minute of my internship worthwhile."
Students in the IU sports journalism program will be able to compete for internships with:
- ESPN
- The Associated Press in New York
- Los Angeles Times
- Chicago Tribune
- MLB.com
- Big Ten Network
- NCAA National Headquarters
- Indianapolis Star (correspondents)
- ESPN Radio/Indianapolis
- Indianapolis Indians
- Indiana Fever
Learn more:
- Contact us for more information about courses and programs, or schedule a visit:
- NSJC Director Tim Franklin
Indiana University
School of Journalism
535 W. Michigan Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
IUPUI phone: (317) 278-5335
IU Bloomington phone: (812) 855-2949
- NSJC Director Tim Franklin
