Yes! Visit the Verified Internship Program Criteria At-A-Glance page for a useful overview and links.
CMAA Verified Internship Program
The path from student or enthusiast to seasoned professional involves key experiences that help shape and guide a career—sometimes even one the individual didn’t know they wanted.
That’s where internships come in. They’re not only a powerful introduction to the world of club management for aspiring professionals, but they also bring real value to our industry. Internship programs help strengthen our talent pipeline, ensuring a vibrant future for club leadership. And along the way, interns often bring fresh ideas and perspectives—so the learning goes both ways.
Program Information
CMAA has developed a Verified Internship Program to elevate and streamline club internship offerings. Because clubs differ widely in their membership size, culture, and offerings, it may be difficult for students to know exactly what they can expect from their internship experience. This verified internship criteria helps manage the expectations of students, faculty, and managers, and holistically showcases what a career in the club industry looks like.
Is there an overview of CMAA Verified Internship Program criteria?
How do I create a CMAA Verified Internship Program at my club?
Clubs interested in becoming part of the CMAA Verified Internship Program (VIP) can follow these four simple steps:
- Review & Register
Start by reviewing the VIP program requirements and confirming your club's ability to meet the standards. Once reviewed, complete your official registration for the VIP. - Post Your Internship
Submit your club’s internship opportunities to the CMAA Internship Listings Job Board. This free listing allows students nationwide to view and apply. Approved clubs will have a Verified Internship Program icon added to their job listing. - Stay Connected
Maintain ongoing communication between supervisors and interns throughout the internship season. Regular check-ins help ensure a positive and educational experience. - Complete Program Evaluations
At the approximate mid-point and at the conclusion of the internship, supervisors must submit their official evaluations. Interns must submit a wrap-up of their internship experience. This feedback helps CMAA ensure the quality and success of the program.
Clubs must apply for this program annually.
What are the benefits of having a CMAA Verified Internship Program at my club?
Students want a clear understanding of what to expect from their club internship experience. The CMAA Verified Internship Program ensures this by establishing clear expectations from the start. This program provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in multiple areas of club operations while deepening their understanding of careers in club management.
To qualify, clubs must offer interns at least 10 hours of structured education, encompass at least 300 hours (inclusive of time worked, education programming, etc.), and stay in compliance with forms that CMAA requires. By participating, clubs help cultivate the next generation of club management professionals, attracting bright, passionate talent and encouraging long-term careers in the industry.
Program Policies
Required Forms and Submission Deadlines
- Clubs must submit the following forms to the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) to maintain their VIP status:
- Verified Internship Program Application
- Verified Internship Program Club Intern Information
- Verified Internship Program Progress Report for Supervisors
- Verified Internship Program End of Season Evaluation
- Forms must be submitted within 7 days of the reminder email. An additional, shorter reminder will be sent approximately 5-7 days later. If there is no response to either reminder, the club’s VIP status may be revoked.
- After the internship begins, CMAA will send an email reminder to clubs that have not submitted the required Verified Internship Program Club Intern Information.
- If the Verified Internship Program Club Intern Information is not submitted, the club will be informed that their VIP status has been revoked.
Annual Reapplication Requirement
- Clubs must reapply for VIP status each year, as previous participation does not guarantee renewal. To maintain VIP status, clubs must meet all current eligibility requirements and submit all required documentation.
VIP Status Application Timeframe
- Clubs must (re)apply for VIP status each year after November 1. The VIP follows CMAA’s membership year, which runs from November 1 to October 31.
CMAA Career Opportunities & Networking Showcase Placard
- Clubs with current VIP status that are participating in the Career Opportunities & Networking Showcase at the World Conference & Club Business Expo will receive a VIP placard for display on their table.
- Only clubs that have an active and current VIP status at the time of the event will be eligible to receive the VIP placard. This placard will serve as a visible indicator of their VIP status and participation.
- The placard should remain on-site and will be collected by CMAA staff following the conclusion of the Career Opportunities & Networking Showcase.
Eligibility for LinkedIn Badge
- Only CMAA Student Members who successfully complete their internship and submit all required documentation are eligible to receive the VIP Intern LinkedIn badge. Membership status will be verified prior to badge distribution.
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