Entry-level positions for aspiring motorsports professionals
Giovanni suggests internships like the NASCAR Next program, and coordinator-level roles like "partnership marketing," and sales programs are good entry points to motorsports; he emphasizes that applicants should highlight their business skills over just passion for the sport and to consider teams like Hendricks Motorsports in addition to leagues like NASCAR for opportunities.
Internships, Motorsports, Partnership Marketing, Sales, Entry-Level Positions
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Giovanni Pieve
Senior Sourcing Analyst (former)
NASCAR
Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey
Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey: MBA
Engineering - Aerospace
Sports & Fitness, Technology
Operations and Project Management
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Internships are a great way to get into motorsports. Mentioning your passion for sports is okay, but focus on what you bring to the business world aspect.
2. Coordinator level roles, particularly in partnership marketing, are a significant area of need within motorsports.
3. Don't just focus on the leagues (NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula One); each team is an independent company (Hendricks Motorsports, Penske Motorsports, McLaren, Red Bull) and offers marketing and coordinator roles.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergrad or a grad student might consider?
There are many ways to get into motorsports. First, I'd encourage internships. Programs like NASCAR Next are great. IndyCar and Penske Entertainment, as well as Formula One, also offer internships.
When you're in school, pursue those internships. When you interview or apply, it's fine to mention your passion for motorsports. However, everyone else applying is passionate too.
Instead of focusing on your passion, highlight what you bring to the business side of things. Don't just talk about your love for sports; everyone has that.
Beyond internships, consider coordinator-level roles. Partnership marketing is a significant area with consistent demand. Sales is another good option, with many academies and programs designed to bring people into the industry.
Don't just focus on the leagues like NASCAR, IndyCar, or Formula One. Remember that each team is its own independent company, such as Hendrick Motorsports, Penske Motorsports, McLaren, or Red Bull. These are also excellent avenues into the industry. Look into the teams as well, as they often have marketing and coordinator roles that can be a starting point.