If Student-Athletes are Deemed Employees, Isn’t Athletics an Internship?

In February 2024, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruled that Dartmouth College's men's basketball players are employees under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).

And just this month (July 2024) a three-judge federal panel has left open the possibility of college athletes being considered employees of their schools. The opinion offered by the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (Johnson v NCAA) is considered a big win for athletes being considered employees under minimum-wage law.

While this represents “cracks forming in the dam”, against an industry that has used student-athletes’ Name, Image, and Likeness with little to no compensation in the past, not everyone is excited with the thought of student-athletes becoming employees of the college.

In May of this year, Congressman Bob Good (VA-05) for example introduced the Protecting Student Athlete’s Economic Freedom Act, which states that a student athlete may not be considered an employee of an institution, conference, or association. Rep. Good’s bill aims to preserve the integrity of collegiate sports and safeguard educational opportunities for student athletes.

Regardless of which position you take, there is a growing recognition in the industry among college administrators, coaches, college recruiters, and employers that student-athletes who are spending 20-40 hours a week (or more) in team related activities are learning valuable soft skills that will benefit them as they transition from the playing field to the corporate team.

We think that commitment should qualify them for Internship credit because the vast majority of student-athletes do not have the time to also engage in internships, which employers suggest are a critical factor that moves recent grads resumes to their short lists. And, with 98 percent of student-athletes not advancing to professional leagues, the need to have participated in internships is going to be extremely important.

Consider for a moment the kind of soft and life skills student athletes are learning by participating in college sports!

?Skills Student-Athletes Learn About:

1. Teamwork: Student-athletes learn to collaborate effectively with others towards a common goal, an essential skill in any professional environment.
2. Communication: They develop strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills, crucial for both on and off the field interactions.
3. Time Management: Balancing academics, practice, and competitions teaches student-athletes how to prioritize and manage their time efficiently.
4. Leadership: Whether they hold a formal leadership position or not, student-athletes often develop the ability to motivate and guide their teammates.
5. Resilience: They build mental toughness and the ability to bounce back from setbacks, which is invaluable in any career path.

Here is Why Team Sports Should Be Considered an Internship:

Participating in team sports provides a unique and practical learning environment that mirrors the professional world in many ways, making it a valuable internship experience.

1. Practical Experience: Just like internships, student-athletes gain hands-on experience in real-world scenarios, learning to navigate challenges, strategize, and execute plans under pressure. This practical exposure helps them develop skills that are directly transferable to their future careers.
2. Networking Opportunities: Being part of a team connects student-athletes with coaches, trainers, peers, and alumni, building a network that can offer support, mentorship, and career opportunities. These relationships are akin to the professional connections made during an internship.
3. Skill Development: As mentioned above, team sports provide a platform for developing critical soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership. These are the same skills that internships aim to cultivate, preparing individuals for successful professional lives.

Offer Student-athletes Optional Internship curriculum:

We are not advocating that student-athletes get carte blanche internship credit for the time they spend in practice, weight training, games, team meetings. Student-athletes could participate in optional on-demand courses and curriculum that reinforces the soft skills and life skills they are learning on the playing field. Programs that provide certificates and proof to employers of their commitment to advance their knowledge and skills.

By recognizing participation in team sports as a form of internship, we believe the valuable life and career skills that student-athletes acquire while engaged in their sport, sets them up for success beyond their athletic careers. Want to discuss how this can be done? Let's talk!

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