The University of Pennsylvania Strength & Conditioning Department is committed to the growth of our interns by way of coaching development, program design, and professional networking. Individuals who wish to participate in Penn’s Strength & Conditioning Internship Program will have the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge for those who are in pursuit or serious about eventually pursuing strength and conditioning as a career. This is an unpaid position that is eligible for Continuing Education Units through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. The position has a minimum of one semester commitment. Responsibilities will include a minimum of 15 hours per week as a secondary coach to our full-time staff, assisting with both weight room and on-field sessions. Duties will include setup and break down of sessions, cueing and hands-on coaching, and daily operations including facility upkeep. A mandatory weekly classroom-based session will cover our internship curriculum including hands-on learning, coaching cues, and professional development.
WHY AN INTERNSHIP AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA?
- World-class institution with extensive collaborative opportunities
- Work within a Sports Performance Department that serves as a ‘Team Around the Team’ for all coaches and student-athletes
- One facility, 33 teams, over 900 student-athletes, and six S&C coaches with over 60 years of combined experience
- A commitment to education, empowerment/autonomy, and growth of staff, interns, and student-athletes
- Integrated use of technology and applied research
- Immersive and holistic educational curriculum
- Ability to serve as accredited internship site for college credit
- Approved CEU provider through the NSCA
- Approved location for NSCA Foundation Assistantship
EDUCATIONAL CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
*Coach Development: Understanding and applying the skills to lead in a weight room, administer programming over time, and finding a coaching voice.
*Program Design: Young coaches will work on designing and implementing a safe, well-rounded program based on periodization concepts, exercise order, progressions/regressions, and the creation of a feedback loop that includes testing/monitoring.
*Professional Development: Internship class will elevate their interview skills, resume materials, and learn professionalism in networking.
*Coaching Philosophy: Young coaches will learn how to deliver their message and exercise soft skills related to emotional intelligence, creating athlete buy-in, effective communication, and team collaboration.
REQUIREMENTS
Necessary Qualifications:
*Possess or actively working toward a degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Sport Psychology, Nutrition, or related field
*Strong desire to pursue career in field of Strength & Conditioning/Sports Performance
*Strong work ethic, communication skills, and time management ability
*Capacity and interest to work 15 hours per week (schedule determined by coordinator)
Preferred Qualifications:
*Possess or actively pursuing NSCA-CSCS exam
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested in joining the Sports Performance Department of one of the nation’s most prestigious institutions? Send the following materials to Christina Bernal (
cbernal@upenn.edu), Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach.
- Cover Letter, including
- Why you are interested in this opportunity at Penn
- What days per week, hours per day you are available
- Resume with contact information
- List 1-2 professional or academic references (optional)
