Our Intern program is a paid opportunity that allows participants to contribute to the organization's success while applying knowledge gained in the classroom. This semester will be fully in-person. Interns are responsible for arranging their own transportation and housing. 

Intern Expectations: 

• Interns are expected to work 24–29.9 hours per week, reporting to the Irvine office approximately five days per week. While assigned to a specific division, interns will have opportunities to learn about other areas within Excel through lunch-and-learn sessions held throughout the semester. 

Important Dates: 

• Our Spring Program runs from Monday, January 4th, 2027, through Thursday, May 6th, 2027. 

Office Hours: 

• Scheduling will be coordinated with their advisor within standard office hours of 8:00 AM–5:00 PM CT, Monday–Friday. 

Interview Process 

• Applications close November 20th, 2026.
• If selected, the expectation is that offers will be extended by early December. 
• The program begins on January 4th, 2027. 

Performance Intern Qualifications 

Applicants must meet at least one of the following educational or certification qualifications: 

• Have senior standing in college (completed junior year of undergraduate studies).
• Hold a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Sport Science, Strength and Conditioning, Exercise Physiology, Data Science, or related field.
• Be enrolled in or have completed a master's degree in one of the above fields or a related discipline.
• Possess or be working toward the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. 

Performance Intern Responsibilities & Learning Opportunities 

1. Athlete Coaching & Program Development

• Collaborate in developing and modifying individualized, periodized training programs targeting speed, agility, strength, power, and conditioning.
• Adjust programming based on athlete progress, performance assessments, and rehabilitation considerations.
• Provide effective exercise instruction and demonstrations, emphasizing proper technique, execution, and safety.
• Lead warm-up and activation sessions to prepare athletes for training. Maintain detailed records of training programs, athlete progress, and performance metrics.

2. Performance Testing & Applied Sports Science

• Conduct performance assessments and ensure accurate collection, documentation, and interpretation of athlete data.
• Analyze performance metrics to identify areas for development and inform individualized training programs.
• Gain hands-on exposure to advanced sports science technologies and assessment methodologies, including:
  • Strength, Power & Neuromuscular Assessment: Force plate testing, strength diagnostics, and advanced resistance training technologies. Speed, Movement & Workload Analysis: Sprint performance testing, GPS-based workload monitoring, and biomechanical assessments.
  • Body Composition & Physiological Monitoring: Body composition testing, bloodwork analysis, and individualized nutrition strategies.
  • Recovery & Joint Durability: Sleep and recovery monitoring, individualized recovery, mobility and strength strategies, and tendon function assessments.
  • Sport-Specific Performance: Advanced hitting, pitching, and shooting analytics, alongside 3D motion capture and biomechanical analysis. 

3. Integrated Athlete Development

• Collaborate with performance coaches, physical therapists, and other specialists to support comprehensive athlete development.
• Integrate insights from physical therapy professionals to align training programs with rehabilitation status and long-term performance goals.
• Learn to translate objective assessments into actionable strategies across training, nutrition, recovery, and sport-specific development.
• Gain an understanding of how interdisciplinary collaboration supports athlete performance, injury risk management, and return-to-play decisions. 

4. Continued Education & Professional Development

• Attend bi-weekly educational presentations covering topics related to athletic and professional development.
• Stay informed on emerging sports science research, technologies, and assessment methodologies.
• Select a relevant player development topic, conduct research, and deliver a presentation incorporating visual and interactive elements to senior performance and player development staff. 

5. Facility Operations & Professional Standards

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe training environment.
• Regularly inspect equipment to ensure proper working condition.
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail in daily operations. 

Performance Intern Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 

• Ability to protect the confidentiality and privacy of individuals, company documents, and records.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with competing timelines and priorities.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, motivated, and analytically minded.
• Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, and ability to maintain a professional appearance.
• Reliable, flexible team player capable of collaborating across departments. 

Physical Demands 

• Ability to lift 50 pounds or more and properly demonstrate and perform prescribed exercises. 

The pay for this position is $17.40 per hour. Please note that the foregoing compensation information is a good-faith assessment associated with this position only and is provided pursuant to applicable California and New York City salary transparency laws.