Executive Sports Leadership | Dallas Mavericks Externship | Credentials

Unlock the Power to Drive Your Career Forward

High Point University students who apply and are selected for the Certificate in Executive Sports Leadership, Dallas Mavericks Externship program, will gain an unparalleled experience at the Dallas Mavericks headquarters in Texas. This program offers participants hands-on experience in customer service, sport management, and professional networking with leadership and staff at an NBA team. Applicants are selected by a committee based on their academic and extra-curricular accomplishments in sport management. Selection is highly competitive, so students are encouraged to get involved with any of the sport management clubs, attend guest speaker events, and gain volunteer and internship experience in the industry as all these factors are assessed when applications are reviewed. . The program is managed by the Sport Management Department within the Nido R. Qubein School of Communication. Applications for Spring 2025 are now closed. Stay tuned for future opportunities.

This program is available to students enrolled in the Sport Management major or minor. Applications have ended for Spring 2025. Stay tuned for future application details.

Contact: Dr. Jenny Lukow

Phone Number+1 (336) 841-9184
Email [email protected]

By participating in this program, you’ll develop a life-changing skillset that sets you apart.

Develop Industry Insights: Provides a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of an NBA team at their headquarters and on gameday in a 20,000-seat arena. Opportunities include shadowing in executive leadership, data management, merchandising, event planning, sales, facility management and others.
Expand Professional Network: Allows students to connect with industry professionals, peers, and NBA staff, building valuable relationships and networking opportunities.
Promote Workplace Etiquette and Professionalism: Encourages professionalism through workplace etiquette, interaction with patrons, and maintaining an “interview-ready” demeanor.
Cultivate Sales and Customer Engagement Skills: Provides students the opportunity to learn directly from a world-class sales and activations team, including observation of service to patrons at a high-profile sports event, honing interpersonal and communication skills.

Upon successful completion, students will receive:

Certificate in Executive Sports Leadership, Dallas Mavericks Externship
Recognition on LinkedIn and other professional networks
Enhanced resume credentials, reflecting hands-on experience at a world-renowned sporting event
Access to HPU’s network of industry professionals and ongoing development resources

Employers Want Credentials*

80%

of employers believe Certificates will strengthen a resume

72%

of employers more likely to hire a person with a Certification

100%

Tuition Free Certification available to HPU students

*Coursera Survey 2022, Rising Significance of Microcredentials

executive sports leadership certification

dallas mavericks ceo suite with students

Application and Selection Process

To ensure that participants are highly motivated and ready to maximize their experience, students must apply to the program. The selection process will consider:

Academic Performance and Extracurricular Involvement: Preference is given to students who demonstrate a commitment to their academic and career pursuits. Due to the highly competitive nature of the application process, students are encouraged to highlight their involvement in student clubs and extracurricular activities, as well as volunteer and internship experiences within the sports industry. A resume is required to be submitted with the application package.
Statement of Interest: A short essay detailing why the student wishes to participate and how they hope this experience will contribute to their career goals.

Selected students will receive confirmation and instructions on preparing for the program.

Applications for Spring 2025 have closed.

Program Structure

Participants will engage in the following components to earn their certificate:

Pre-Event Preparation and Orientation:
- Complete an initial orientation with HPU’s Office of Communication, focusing on workplace etiquette, networking and professionalism.
Experiential Learning at the Dallas Mavericks:
- Executive Leadership Coaching and Networking: Spend time with executive leadership at the Dallas Mavericks headquarters to gain exclusive insight into achieving organizational goals for an NBA team.
- Event Operations and Merchandising: Shadow event logistics, merchandising, and facility management to gain hands-on experience in the sports management field.
- Industry Networking and Observation: Engage with professionals at every level of the Dallas Mavericks, learning about sport and event management, hospitality best practices, and industry standards.
Live Social Media Broadcast and Reflections:
- Experience Documentation: During the event, students record and share video of their experiences to @HighPointU social media channels, detailing their experiences, key takeaways, and the impact of this externship on their career aspirations.

Certification Requirements

To qualify for the Certificate in Executive Sports Leadership, Dallas Mavericks Externship, students must:

Successfully complete the application process.
Attend orientation session.
Fulfill assigned responsibilities during the externship.
Record live video reflections during the trip.

Are You Ready to Land Your Dream Job?

Start your journey toward professional excellence with High Point University’s Certification in Executive Sports Leadership. Equip yourself with the mindset and skills employers value most.

Questions? Email us with questions!

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