Recruiting season has begun within the sport and entertainment industry with countless companies across the country have already published a list of their internship opportunities. College students looking to earn a spot at these highly sought-after businesses press ‘submit’ to enter their name into the pool of other highly qualified candidates. This can be an incredibly daunting process for students. If you’re anything like me, anxiety sets in when you see, “Thank You for Submitting” displayed across your computer screens and you wait to hear back. While this season is stressful to examine it is even more nerve-racking to apply to a position without any knowledge of what the opportunity truly exntails. Therefore, today I am going to dive deeper into one of the incredible opportunities within the sport and entertainment space, the Wilson Sporting Goods internships.
WRK Office Hours
If you were unable to attend the WRK Office Hours hosted by WRK founder, Corinne Milien where she shared 2023 early career opportunities, do not fret! I’m here to break down what was discussed so you know the ins and outs of the Wilson’s internship opportunities before you apply. Wilson’s Senior Manager of Talent Acquisition, Tony Gallardo, was kind enough to spend thirty minutes of his day providing more insight about the program. From sharing what he looks for in a candidate to benefits of being an employee, he went into detail of it all, so let’s get started!
About Wilson Sporting Goods
The Iconic W of the Wilson Sporting Goods brand is easily recognizable. Whether you’re watching a baseball game, perusing tennis racquet options, or even shooting some hoops with friends you may encounter the Wilson brand. Founded in 1913 as Ashland Manufacturing Company, the Chicago-based brand makes equipment for just about every sport under the sun, including but not limited to: tennis, golf, basketball, soccer, football, baseball, badminton, softball, racquetball and squash. While Wilson is a lasting brand in sports, the company continues to grow and expand. In fact, 2021 was a memorable year for the company as they launched their first brick-and-mortar store in their hometown of Chicago and returned as the official ball of the NBA. The company also celebrated their new flagship store in New York City. Wilson Sporting Goods has shaped the sports apparel and equipment industry we know today.
The Internship Program
Since you are reading this blog post you have already completed the first step in the recruiting process, deciding where to apply. Now that we have established our interest in Wilson Sporting Goods, the next crucial step is to determine which role best suits you. Therefore, it is important to consider your past experiences, interests, and skills when reviewing the options available. From creative services to engineering roles, Wilson offers students a diverse range of opportunities to gain real world experience. Currently the company has 22 unique listings posted for current juniors or rising seniors, recent graduates, or graduate students.
Ideal Candidates
During the conversation, Gallardo offered advice on what he looks for in an ideal candidate. I found his insights on work experience the most valuable. I tend to have the mindset that if it was not an organized experience then I cannot add it to my resume or mention it on my cover letter. However, Gallardo encouraged students to include any experiences that may be applicable to the role. For example, let’s say the role you are interested in requires that you support community projects but you have never held a job position that required you to support a community project; but in college you led an event to raise money for your local children’s hospital. While you may not have received compensation, you still have experience with community projects and you should definitely include it in your resume or cover letter.
Locations/Relocation
Wilson Sporting Goods headquarters is located in Chicago, Illinois. A lively metropolitan city positioned right off of Lake Michigan. While most of the internship positions are located in Chicago there are various roles that are based in other locations throughout the United States. Possible locations include their innovation center in Schiller Park, which is a quaint town approximately 22 minutes from Chicago. Other cities include New York City, NY and Roseville, California a populous city just outside of Sacramento. Therefore, it is important to review the internship location when you apply. If relocating to any of the potential locations is not an option for the intern, Wilson does offer remote positions for select roles. While each candidate has individual circumstances on whether they can or cannot work in-person, Gallardo noted that those who are able to work in the office ultimately have a slightly different experience than those who do not.
Program Timeline
The Wilson Sporting Goods summer internship program offers interns flexibility with start dates of May or June and ending in August or September, depending on a student’s academic schedule. Overall, this allows students from any university or college to apply as the company works with the student to ensure it works with their academic schedule. During the summer, there is a week when all interns come to Chicago for organized events with leadership Gallardo that could include a yacht dinner on Lake Michigan and other opportunities to bond with fellow interns. Even those who work remotely will have their expenses covered to make the trip.
Benefits
One important consideration to note is that the company does not provide benefits such as health or dental insurance. Although these benefits are not included within the internship, there are other benefits that the company provides including holiday pay and housing assistance.
Housing
If placed in a role that is located in the Chicago office, Wilson Sporting Goods will provide assistance in securing housing. The company works with Chicago-area universities during the summer to offer housing within their residence halls at a cost-effective rate. Knowing that relocating may cause financial challenges for some interns can receive a $500 housing stipend that to put directly towards their housing expenses each month. This opportunity is considered based on an individual’s financial situation.
Chicago in the summer
Like previously mentioned, Wilson’s headquarters are based in Chicago. Aside from the events planned through the company, Chicago is an incredible city to spend your summer with multiple festivals, concerts, and the Wilso sponsored Chi-League, a pro-am basketball tournament at the University of Chicago at Illinois. You will have an incredible experience in and outside of the office.
Pay/Work Hours
All of Wilson Sporting Goods internship opportunities pay interns an hourly rate depending on your academic status. Students who are rising seniors are paid at an hourly rate of $20/hour, students who recently jst graduated are paid at an hourly rate of $25/hour, and current graduate students or engineers are paid at an hourly rate of $30/hour.
Closing Thoughts
The Wilson Sporting Goods internship program provides students – like you and me – an incredible opportunity to work hands-on in the sport industry. I highly recommend you review the various opportunities that are available and apply! I know that applyinh for summer internships may be an extremely daunting proces but you have already taken the first step to bing successful by reading this blog, which I hope alleviates some of your stress. By knowing the ins and outs of the company, the application process, and the opportunities offered by Wilson you are informed of this valuable experience. Now it’s time to turn your interest into reality.
Take that leap of faith, get your resume in order, and apply to an internship that may change your life.
Written by Melissa Vozar, a third-year Sports Management student at the University of Michigan. Melissa is part of the editorial team for MA:E Magazine contributing to the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American, APIDA, community. Melissa is involved with the university’s Athletic department assisting with its social media presence and public relations. Melissa is passionate about the world of sports and integrating creative design.