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Student-Athlete Internships 1

Are you a current Purdue Student-Athlete interested in gaining professional experience and leadership skills? Purdue Athletics offers a Leadership program that pairs you with a department within Athletics or an external company to gain real-world work experience while developing you holistically.

Our goal is to prepare the next generation of leaders and provide them with the leadership tools and resources to begin successful careers. Throughout the internship, you will have the opportunity to build your technical skills and understanding of collegiate athletics, as well as create connections throughout the industry while improving your resume.

Eligibility

The EMPOWER Student-Athlete LEAD (Leadership, Experience, and Applied Development) Program is available for Purdue University Student-Athletes only. You must be able to work over the summer (virtually and or in-person). Internships will start during the summer (May-August). This is a paid leadership program.

The application for this Summer (2026) will be open from February 9, 2026 through March 2, 2026. Interviews will be scheduled between March 11 and March 12.  

Summer 2026: Participating student-athletes will attend two L.E.A.D. (Leadership, Experience, and Applied Development) workshops workshops throughout the summer. Student-Athletes will build and achieve sustainable career goals, expound on the significance of communicating, collaborating, and cultivating professional connections, and explore various wellness strategies to promote mental health while transitioning out of college.

Eligibility: Current Purdue University student-athletes only

Transfer Policy: If student-athlete enters the transfer portal, they will be removed from consideration/or department internship immediately.

External Internship Candidates: Must secure internship placement by April 1st, 2026 to be eligible for the program. Student-Athlete Development will provide internship resources and assist student-athletes seeking internships outside the athletic department.

Student-Athlete Development Internship Workshop Timeline:

  • TBA: L.E.A.D. Workshop #1
  • TBA: L.E.A.D. Workshop #2

Student Internships

John Purdue Club

• Assist in the Day to Day Operations of the John Purdue Club
• Plan and execute a variety of tasks within the department
• Help with the setup and implementation of Virtual JPC Events
• Front of Office (Answering Phones, Business Office, and Clerical)
• Communicate with donors through stewardship: including phone calls, thank you notes, and face to face
• Other Duties as assigned - Major Gifts/Annual Fund projects
 

Athletic Compliance

• Assist the ACO staff with educational updates/reminders (e.g., check-in meetings, TMP reminders, SA education, etc.)
• Assist with brainstorming and providing feedback related to Name, Image and Likeness (NIL)
• Explore interests and complete projects that relate to the student-athlete’s interest in compliance
• Assist with updating participation and seasons of competition
• Other duties as assigned
 

Strategic Communications

• Assist Strategic Communications staff as it builds and maintains the Purdue Boilermaker brand
• Observe and learn social media strategy and apply principles
• Help in the preparation for upcoming Purdue sport seasons
• Assist with updating statistical research and other historical projects
• Other duties as assigned
 

External Internship

• Interest in working with Purdue Athletics in order to be paired with an external company to gain experience.