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Support the NCAA’s commitment to fair competition by helping uphold the rules that govern college athletics. Enforcement postgraduate interns work alongside experienced professionals to review potential violations, research NCAA legislation, support investigations and serve as a resource for member schools and conferences. Through meaningful projects and collaboration across the national office, you’ll gain hands on experience applying NCAA legislation while helping protect the integrity of collegiate athletics.

Is this Internship Right for You?

This internship is ideal for recent graduates pursuing careers in collegiate athletics, compliance, legal or regulatory affairs, higher education or athletics administration. Successful candidates are analytical, detail oriented and self motivated professionals who enjoy interpreting legislation, solving complex problems and applying policies in real world situations. Candidates with an advanced degree or professional experience in collegiate athletics, compliance or a related field are encouraged to apply.

Audience

College graduates with a bachelor’s or graduate degree from a four-year NCAA member institution who are pursuing a career in college sports administration. No prior athletics department experience or sports-specific degree required.

Format

A full-time, in-person internship at the NCAA national office in Indianapolis, with 45 positions across 12 departments. Applicants may select up to three departments of interest in a single application.

Time Commitment

A yearlong program running June 14, 2027 through May 26, 2028. Relocation to Indianapolis is required.

Compensation

Interns are paid hourly at a rate that equates to $33,000 annualized and receive full benefits. Applicants should plan for their own relocation costs to Indianapolis.

Eligibility

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a four-year NCAA member institution by the internship start date.
  • No prior experience as an NCAA national office intern or employee.
  • Legally authorized to work in the United States (international students may apply through Optional Practical Training for F-1 students).
  • No age restriction or sports-specific degree required.
  • Prior athletics department experience and former student-athlete status are not required.
  • Not a current or former NCAA national office intern or employee.

Why Enforcement?

The Enforcement staff helps preserve fairness and accountability across college athletics by reviewing potential NCAA violations, conducting investigations and supporting member schools through the enforcement process. Throughout the internship, you’ll collaborate with experienced professionals, analyze NCAA legislation and gain valuable insight into how compliance and enforcement support the Association’s mission.

What You’ll Experience

Execute

Take ownership of meaningful projects that support NCAA investigations, legislative research and the review of potential violations while contributing to the integrity of college athletics.

Support

Work alongside experienced enforcement professionals to assist with case management, legislative research, member support and investigative projects.

Develop

Strengthen your analytical, communication, research and critical thinking skills through mentorship, collaboration and hands on experience applying NCAA legislation.

Connect

Build relationships with NCAA staff, member schools and conference representatives while gaining valuable insight into enforcement, compliance and collegiate athletics governance.

Job Description

The Enforcement postgraduate intern supports the NCAA Enforcement staff by reviewing and processing self reported violations, researching NCAA legislation, assisting with investigations and serving as a resource for member institutions. Working alongside experienced investigators and national office staff, interns gain practical experience applying NCAA legislation while contributing to case management, member education and enforcement initiatives.

You’ll Gain Experience in:

  • NCAA Compliance & Enforcement
  • Legislative Research
  • Investigative Case Management
  • Regulatory Analysis
  • Member Institution Support

Responsibilities

Legislative Review & Case Processing

  • Receive, review and process self reported Level III and secondary violations submitted by NCAA institutions and conferences.
  • Research NCAA legislation, case precedent and applicable bylaws to support accurate case processing.
  • Apply NCAA policies and procedures while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.

Investigative Support

  • Provide case support during inquiries involving potential NCAA violations.
  • Assist investigators with research, documentation and special projects.
  • Participate in interviews and other investigative activities as appropriate.

Member Support & Collaboration

  • Communicate with member schools regarding reported violations, case status and NCAA processes.
  • Respond to questions regarding enforcement procedures and penalties.
  • Participate in staff meetings, mock hearings and other professional development initiatives while collaborating across the national office.

What We’re Looking For

Candidates are encouraged to possess many of the following skills and experiences:

  • Professional experience in collegiate athletics, compliance or a related field
  • Advanced understanding of NCAA legislation and policies
  • Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem solving skills
  • Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
  • Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations
  • Exceptional organization and time management
  • High level of professionalism, integrity and confidentiality
  • Commitment to customer service
  • Microsoft Office proficiency
  • Familiarity with NCAA applications, including RSRO, LSDBi and Pathfinder, preferred
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities while working independently and collaboratively

Former Enforcement interns have built careers in NCAA compliance, athletics administration, conference offices, higher education, legal and regulatory affairs, applying the analytical, investigative and legislative experience gained through the NCAA Postgraduate Internship Program.

Download the Job Description

Ready to Apply?

If you’re ready to gain hands on experience, build your professional network and make an impact across college athletics, review the requirements and submit your application.

Resources

Educational and Leadership Opportunities
Additional Questions