Six students were awarded funds for the Elon University Queen City Internship Grant.
Six students participating in the fall Study USA Sport and Community Experience in Charlotte received Elon University Queen City internship grants. Through generous donations, this grant supports students doing registered, unpaid internships in the metro Charlotte region. The grant is available through Elon’s National Campus Programs in coordination with the Student Professional Development Center (SPDC). Elon opened a new campus in Charlotte, North Carolina in September 2023.
“This semester, participating in the Elon in Charlotte program has been an invaluable opportunity to further explore my professional goals,” said Lauren Winslow ’27, who interned at NASCAR. “With the support of the Queen City Internship Grant, I was able to fully dedicate myself to my internships with NASCAR as an email and performance marketing intern and with the Atlantic Coast Conference as a football game day operations intern. Each experience offered unique insights into the sports industry, from crafting impactful marketing campaigns to understanding the complexities of college football operations. These opportunities have greatly contributed to my growth and reaffirmed my passion for pursuing a career in the dynamic sports industry after graduation.”
Shaan Gandhi ‘27 interned at the Atlantic Coast Conference. Gandhi reflected on his experience and how it strengthened his skills.
“My time at the ACC has allowed me to refine many important everyday skills needed in the workplace, including time management, new software and adapting on the fly (as the sports field is ever changing),” said Gandhi. “But perhaps the most important skill that the ACC internship allowed me to focus on was how to be a professional. Whether that be something as simple as an email, an in-person conversation, or how to be a good listener in meetings, these are critically important to being a good team player.”
Gadhi was given an internship project that was well-received by his peers: “The grant I received allowed me to experience and accomplish these things, as well as experience the city of Charlotte, and I am very much appreciative of that award,” he said.
James Dyer ‘25 interned at the Dream Big Basketball Academy (DRBA) and the Charlotte Checkers.
“I learned a lot about how both small and larger sports organizations operate. I have learned how to work in a professional sports atmosphere and what is expected of certain people,” he said. “This helps me further my career path by letting me see how a front office might work in a professional sports team. I am grateful for these funds because they allowed me to get to my internship sites, as well as have good experiences outside of work with my coworkers.”
Katelyn Miller ‘27 took advantage of the great networking opportunities her internship offered at the Atlantic Coast Conference.
“Working at the Atlantic Coast Conference has taught me a lot about the student-athlete experience and how a ‘Power Five’ conference operates. I have been fortunate enough to have met with most of the people in the office to learn what they do, and this has been helpful in figuring out what I want to do,” she said. “The Queen City Internship grant has allowed me to support myself day-to-day with professional clothing, groceries, gas and other necessities.”
National Campus Programs, Study USA and the SPDC are extremely grateful to everyone who made this support possible.
Students interested in learning more about the Elon in Charlotte programs can check out the Study USA website. Applications for the summer 2025 and fall 2025 Study USA programs are due Feb. 1, 2025. Enrollment is limited. Contact global@elon.edu for questions.