NIFS offers 14-week internships to provide practical experience to students studying within the health/fitness field. Click here for a detailed description of the various internship opportunities. A stipend of $150 is provided every 2 weeks to assist with academic and living expenses.
Summer 2019
May 6, 2019 – August 9, 2019
Last Day to Apply: February 1, 2019
Fall 2019
August 26, 2019 – November 22, 2019
Last Day to Apply: May 24th, 2019
Spring 2020
January 13, 2020 – April 10, 2020
Last Day to Apply: September 20, 2019
Summer 2020
May 11, 2020 – August 7, 2020
Last Day to Apply: February 7, 2020
Once all of this material is received, it will be forwarded to the appropriate coordinator(s) for review. Selection process will begin immediately following the last day to apply. Positions will be determined based on experience, achievement, professional recommendations and a phone interview.
Please send your application to:
NIFS Attention: Ashley Smith, 250 University Boulevard Indianapolis, IN 46202.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ashley Smith, Internship Coordinator, at (317) 274-3432 ext. 287 or email.
For an internship application, click here.
Undergraduate Students Junior or Senior status with priority given to candidates within 12 - 15 credit hours of graduation.
Graduate Students Current enrollment in a graduate program or recent completion of graduate degree.
Applicant acceptance is based on whether an internship is a graduation requirement or provides academic credit.
In addition, we require you to have successfully completed a CPR course (adult, child, infant CPR and relief of choking) prior to the start of your internship.
Interns are responsible for securing their own housing during their internship. Interns selected into the program will receive a listing of affordable housing options located near NIFS.
Each intern is assigned to a staff member who will ensure that experience in the day-to-day activities and responsibilities of the position are provided. Most interns participate Monday through Friday, and have the weekends free; however, there may be some circumstances where an intern is required to participate in an evening or weekend activity.
The specific hours in which the intern participates each day is dependent upon the position and will be assigned by his or her supervising staff member. Interns are scheduled an average of 35 hours per week; approximately 32 hours will be spent in the center to which they have been assigned; 4 hours will be spent working on projects, in weekly meetings, or experiencing other areas within NIFS.
In addition to your regular activities, you may be asked to participate in various events and programs. It is our philosophy that interns should be able to experience a broad range of activities in the health and fitness industry so that they can be more marketable when they seek employment. Some of the additional activities you may be involved with include:
"I chose to do an internship at NIFS because I knew it was a great organization that reaches out to all types of people. NIFS has a broad range of clients and I believe the various services they provide help target all of those different needs." —Stephanie Carr
"I chose do an internship at NIFS because I knew it would provide me with a variety of great experiences in the area of nutrition and wellness. I was also excited about gaining experience in other departments, such as athletic performance, fitness, or corporate management. I feel this broad range of opportunities will greatly help me achieve my future career goals." —Jenna Brinkman
"The most beneficial part of my internship at NIFS was that every day was different and continued to offer new opportunities and experiences. Through different corporate sites and on-site departments, I was able to participate in several group fitness classes and programs, health fairs, field trips and nutrition consultations that allowed me to gain insight into different fitness and wellness aspects of the field that I would like to pursue in my career." –Julie Schwefel
"The benefits that I’ve received from participating in the internship program at NIFS include broadening my exercise library, learning how to teach group fitness classes, how to properly design workout routines, how to get to know members in the fitness setting, how to develop and present to a group, and the processes that go on when trying to publish an article in a magazine. All of these things are irreplaceable things that I can take on with me to wherever setting I may be in next. I am much more confident in my abilities now." –Alicia McKinley
Honestly, I must say the professionalism of the internship. I received the experience of working full 8 hour days, 5 days a week. I had weekly meetings and had to take minutes, which will definitely help me in the professional world. Giving presentations, writing blogs/emails about upcoming things has helped me build a bigger confidence in speaking and writing. – Alliyah Beeks
"Absolutely! NIFS took interest in my goals and our coordinators were passionate about preparing us for future professional situations. Through intern presentations, Live It Up and research development articles, resume building, mock interviews and team building activities, I feel prepared to effectively communicate and confidently pursue a career in this competitive health field." –Julie Schwefel
"Yes, definitely. My internship at NIFS has really helped me become confident in my abilities to work with members to achieve their goals. I have broadened my exercise library tremendously and have really improved my abilities to explain and cue certain exercises. I have also learned to work with a member in a professional manner no matter the situation. On a personal level, I have built meaningful relationships with many members and employees here at NIFS. It has showed me that you can have a career that doesn’t feel like work, it can be fun and make you want to come to work every day." –Jennifer Hall
The main area that has helped me prepare for my future in this field is seeing and helping run all aspects of the wellness center. From helping with manager duties, to performing assessments, to leading classes, I feel like I have really seen all aspects of the running of the facility. – Clay Blackwell
"My advice would to be take advantage of all the opportunities here at NIFS. There are 6 departments you can be involved in, not including all the corporate sites so you can really try anything you want!" –Emily Maggert
"Be open minded! Take advantage of any and all opportunities that you can. –Elissa Mason
Be proactive and take initiative when you are here. The internship goes by fast, so take advantage of all the resources NIFS has to offer!" –Kristi Konsella
The internship program of the National Institute for Fitness and Sport is committed to educating, mentoring, and leading students by providing practical job experiences and engaging students in meaningful career development activities.