Overview

About the Ascend Internship Program (HBCU & HSI)

Now celebrating its first year, the Ascend Internship Program is a cornerstone of OVG’s commitment to developing diverse early-career talent and expanding pathways into the sports and live entertainment industry. Designed specifically for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), this immersive experience combines hands-on learning, career development, and mentorship—helping interns build the skills and networks needed to launch impactful careers.

Program Highlights

• Career Readiness Workshops: Interactive sessions that equip interns with practical tools for professional success—communication, personal branding, interview prep, and workplace navigation.
• Mentorship: Each intern is paired with an OVG leader who provides guidance, coaching, and real-world insight throughout the program.
• Capstone Project: Interns collaborate on a team-based project tied to real challenges in sports and live entertainment, building strategic thinking, problem-solving, and cross-functional teamwork.
• Capstone Showcase: The program culminates in a final presentation where interns share their work and key takeaways, celebrating their growth and contributions.

Global Partnerships Ascend Internship Description

The Global Partnerships team is responsible for connecting world-class venues with world-class brands, across more than 140 properties in the U.S., including 6 owned-and-operated venues, 35+ NBA & NHL arenas, third-party sales clients, and more. The Global Partnerships Internship offers a glimpse of a career in corporate partnerships, allowing you to learn, ideate and act on some of the most prestigious properties in sports and entertainment, with exposure in both sales and activation.

[This role applies to multiple positions and locations, including Austin, TX, Baltimore, MD, Coachella Valley, CA, Denver, CO, New York, NY, Seattle, WA, and Tempe, AZ.]

This role is expected to last from June 8, 2026 and will end on August 7, 2026.

This role will pay an hourly rate of $22.00 (35 hours maximum).

This position will remain open until April 10, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Global Partnerships: Understand the daily responsibilities of property sales and management in sports & entertainment 
• Sales Process: Assist in sales pipeline growth, prospecting of brands, identify new target categories, and collaborate with sales managers related to OVG Global Partnership venues 
• Sales Platforms: Gain experience in relevant resources (Salesforce, Kore, and SponsorUnited) 
• Brand Briefs: Create brand briefs during key stages of the sales process (e.g., before prospecting and prior to introductory meetings, preparation documents for OVG executives) 
• Brand Proposals: Assist in the creation of client presentations 
• Partnership Activations: Contribute to the planning and execution of partnership activations at venue events 
• End-of-Season Recaps: Help prepare recap decks to present to clients at the end of the season 
• Other Program Details: Participate in a summer-long capstone project, engage in professional development workshops, and meetings with company executives

Key Learnings:

• Hands-on experience supporting partnership strategy and activation across OVG’s portfolio of venues and properties.

• Exposure to the development of brand sponsorships
• Understanding of how to deliver premium experiences through brand touchpoints and hospitality experiences
• Growth in leadership and communication through collaboration on high-impact projects with internal teams and brand partners.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled as a full-time student or a recent graduate at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) or Hispanic Serving Instiution (HSI) at the time of the program start
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines. 
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.