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Postgraduate Internship Program 2025-26

The NCAA Postgraduate Internship Program provides a yearlong, immersive learning experience at the national office in Indianapolis for college graduates pursuing a career in college sports administration.

Interns gain valuable insight into the inner workings of college sports from a national perspective, while receiving comprehensive training, mentorship and professional development opportunities. They also participate in site visits to NCAA member campuses, conference offices and affiliate organizations to expand their industry knowledge and connect with current leaders in college athletics.

Over the past 25 years, PGIP alumni have gone on to hold influential roles across the collegiate athletics landscape — on campuses, in conference offices, and beyond. Graduates of the program have been hired by organizations such as the Southeastern Conference, Mountain West Conference, NFL, WNBA, U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, USA Basketball, Women Leaders in College Sports, ESPN, Converse, and numerous Division I, II and III schools.

NCAA postgraduate interns are nonexempt employees with full benefits, making this a robust, real-world experience that equips participants for long-term success in the industry.

2021-22 Leadership Development Intern - Brandon Floyd - Postgraduate Internship Program
The NCAA Postgraduate Internship Program was truly a transformational and impactful experience for me. The comprehensive training, mentorship, and networking opportunities provided invaluable insights into the inner workings of college sports administration. Not a day goes by without me leaning back on the knowledge I gained from this exceptional program. Brandon Floyd, 2021-22 Leadership Development Intern

Who is Eligible?

To qualify for the NCAA Postgraduate Internship Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Earned a bachelor’s degree from a four-year NCAA member school by the internship start date.
    • No age restriction.
    • Not necessary to have a sports-specific degree.
    • The NCAA Postgraduate Internship Program is not designed to provide credit toward an undergraduate degree, but an intern may be eligible to earn credit toward a graduate degree.
  • Are not current or former NCAA national office interns or employees.
  • Are legally authorized to work in the United States.

Additional Information

  • It is not required to have experience in an athletics department.
  • Being a former student-athlete is not a requirement to apply.
  • Interns are paid hourly with a rate that equates to $33,000 when annualized. Interns also receive full benefits.
  • The 2026-27 NCAA Postgraduate Internship Program will take place in person in Indianapolis, with relocation required for all cohort members. All NCAA interns will be subject to the same in-person/virtual work policy as all full-time NCAA staff members. 

How to Apply?

The NCAA Postgraduate Internship Program offers 36 positions across 12 departments, each with unique responsibilities and desired qualifications. To explore available opportunities, review the listings in the "Internships"section on this page.

Before applying, we encourage candidates to carefully read each department-specific description to identify the best fit for their skills and interests.

When you're ready to apply, click the "Apply Now" button and complete the following:

  • Respond to a series of short-answer questions.
  • Upload your resume (required).
  • Submit an optional cover letter.

Join the PGIP Informational Webinar

Need more information before applying? NCAA leadership development is excited to host an informational webinar related to the Postgraduate Internship Program. This is your opportunity to hear directly from NCAA staff and get your questions answered.

Tuesday, August 19 | 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST | Virtual

During the session, representatives from each NCAA department will share:

  • An overview of their team's responsibilities.
  • The intern's role and contributions.
  • What they're looking for in an ideal candidate.

The webinar will conclude with a live Q&A where staff will answer your questions about the application process and the program.

Be sure to check back on August 12 when applications open — webinar registration will go live then!

Important Dates

  • Aug. 12, 2025: Application opens (8 a.m. ET)
  • Sept. 12, 2025: Application closes (5 p.m. ET)
  • Dec. 2025: Candidate selection and notification
  • June 15, 2026: Start date for 2026-27 postgraduate internship cohort (Indianapolis, IN)
  • May 28, 2027: End date for 2026-27 postgraduate internship cohort (Indianapolis, IN)

Program Hub

Applications Closed

Candidates have the option to select up to three departments/positions to apply to. We encourage you to diversify your selections among the various departments. Choosing multiple areas within one department limits your accessibility to other opportunities that may better suit your background. Choose the top two/three choices and explain why you should be considered for those positions.

Success Stories

Nicole Ezeh, a former Butler track and field athlete, worked in NCAA communications as a postgraduate intern. (Photos courtesy of Nicole Ezeh)

Nicole Ezeh found her ‘why’ during NCAA postgraduate internship

Former track and field athlete employs transferable skills to thrive in internship, professional career.

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“All of these amazing things started happening when I realized I don’t have to have the pressure of being like anybody else.” (Courtesy of Therese Pitman)

Former postgraduate intern Therese Pitman inspires student-athletes to embrace change

Empathy, authenticity and servant leadership guide former Pitt lacrosse player in career in college athletics.

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Courtney Cronin, who now covers the Chicago Bears for ESPN, honed her skills as a broadcast journalist while telling student-athlete stories during her NCAA digital communications internship. (Photos courtesy of Courtney Cronin)

ESPN reporter Courtney Cronin developed multimedia journalism skills during NCAA internship

Cronin, who now covers the Chicago Bears, used time at NCAA to build her portfolio, develop skills and tell impactful stories.

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Former basketball walk-on Nick Mutebi leveraged leadership as a student-athlete to succeed in NCAA internship, eventually leading him to work for the NBA.

NCAA internship helped pave Nick Mutebi’s path to NBA

Former basketball walk-on at Wayne State (Michigan) found way to stay in sports.

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Alexis Barnes combined her passions in law, compliance and enforcement to land a job working for the Big Ten. (Photo courtesy of Alexis Barnes)

NCAA internship helped make Alexis Barnes’ Big Ten dreams a reality

Former enforcement intern said yes to every opportunity, helping to prepare her for her next career move.

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Former Manhattan pole vaulter Maddie Arndt used her NCAA internship as a springboard into her career in college athletics.

NCAA internship helped vault UConn’s Maddie Arndt into athletics career

Experience at national office helped her make smooth transition from stint as student-athlete.

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2024-25 NCAA PGIP Cohort

Meet the NCAA’s 2024-25 Postgraduate Internship Program cohort

Group of 34 college graduates includes 26 former student-athletes.

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