At the heart of the Pittsburgh Pirates organization lies a commitment to fostering belonging, growth, impact and pride. With these four pillars as the foundation, a structured internship program was designed to offer hands-on experience to students aspiring to work in the front office of a professional baseball team.
The Pirates Internship Program goes beyond traditional learning experiences. Its objective is to cultivate future leaders, innovators and change-makers by prioritizing diversity and belonging, fostering learning and growth, and providing opportunities to make a meaningful impact. Pirates interns immerse themselves in real projects and develop critical career skills while being exposed to a variety of unique experiences.
“Working for the Pirates gave me an inside look into how things are run on a Major League level. I will never forget the atmosphere in this stadium during the Phillies series, I literally had goosebumps, and the fact I played even the smallest of parts in that is something I will always carry with me as I continue through my career.” -- Intern, Scoreboard
From Day 1, interns received a warm welcome with an orientation and tour of the historic PNC Park. Their first group event included a breakfast with Pirates Executives, offering interns an exclusive opportunity to connect with top leaders. They were then introduced to the program, going over what to expect, cross-department group initiatives and learned how to conduct informational interviews.
"The front office has left a drastic impact on my future career aspirations. Since the beginning of my internship, I have always felt welcomed and that my opinions were valued. The genuine and fun attitudes of everyone who works here has definitely made this experience as great as it has been. I hope to one day work here full time!" -- Intern, Business Intelligence
A visit to the Clemente Museum provided interns with a deeper understanding of the legacy and cultural impact of one of baseball’s greatest players, Roberto Clemente. This trip reinforced the values of pride and belonging within the Pirates organization.
Midseason, interns attended a workshop that was packed with activities designed to prepare them for their careers. A panel of former Pirates interns shared their experiences, while a resume workshop helped interns polish their professional profiles. They wrote a letter to their future selves, which they will receive in the mail in a year, reflecting on their growth. A lunch with managers provided additional networking opportunities, and professional headshots were taken to enhance their professional image.
"Before working with the Pittsburgh Pirates, I was unsure about my career path. Now, I am confident in pursuing a career in sports management, thanks to the mentorship and experiences I've gained here." -- Intern, Human Resources Information Systems
On the last Thursday in July, interns were recognized nationally through National Intern Day. Celebrated early during a home game, the Pirates Intern Appreciation Day featured an on-field recognition through a group salute followed by a suite experience. This event underscored our appreciation for their hard work and contributions.
To culminate their internship experience, interns presented their group projects, showcasing their collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. They were given three different topics based on results from our fan surveys, providing an opportunity to express their creativity while learning more about different departments within the front office. These projects allowed them to identify a problem and provide a potential solution; while highlighting the impact they’ve made and presenting the skills they’ve developed throughout the program.
The Pittsburgh Pirates Internship Program is more than just a steppingstone; it’s a launchpad for future leaders in the sports industry. By focusing on belonging, growth, impact, and pride, the Pirates provide a transformative experience that shapes the next generation of professionals. Pirates interns leave not only with enhanced skills and knowledge but with a sense of pride that will stay with them throughout their careers.
"Working here has reassured my desire to be a General Manager someday. The hands-on experience and the guidance from seasoned professionals have been instrumental in shaping my career goals." -- Intern, Baseball Operations