POSITION TITLE:
Guest Experience Programs Intern
REPORTS TO:
Guest Experience & Programs Coordinator
LOCATION:
Indianapolis, IN
FLSA STATUS:
Non-Exempt
EMPLOYMENT TYPE:
Intern
DURATION OF INTERNSHIP:
January 2026 – June 2026
ABOUT US
At Penske Entertainment, we don’t just host world-class events—we create unforgettable moments. Our team fuels four iconic motorsports brands:
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) – home of the world’s largest spectator sporting facility and annually hosts the world’s most prestigious auto race: the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.
- INDYCAR - The Indianapolis-based governing body for North America's premier open-wheel auto racing series, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and its developmental series, INDY NXT by Firestone.
- IMS Productions - A multifaceted broadcast and multimedia division that helps bring INDYCAR and IMS events to life for global audiences.
- Motorsports Events Management (MEM) – Promotes major events featuring premier motorsports series throughout the United States.
Whether on the track, behind the scenes, or on the screen, our people are at the heart of everything we do. If you’re ready for a career where excitement, purpose, and impact collide—we want to meet you.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Working with the Coordinator, the Guest Experience Programs Intern will help primarily with the planning an execution of the Guest Experience Non-Profit Program. The Programs intern will also assist with College Program Event Staff staffing, initiatives, and extracurricular opportunities. During the Month of May, the Guest Experience Programs Intern will act as a key on-the ground representative for the Non-Profit participants and problem-solve day-of staffing issues.
In this role, you’ll be an important part of delivering top-tier experiences to fans, partners, and teams across the motorsports world. You’ll take ownership of key responsibilities, collaborate across departments, and bring energy and innovation to a fast-paced environment.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
- Understand and contribute to the Non-Profit Program strategic goals
- Provide support with application and onboarding activities for all seasonal employees
- Compose and coordinate correspondence with a diverse group of seasonal employees
- Work with the Guest Experience team to plan and execute College Program staff events
- Aid in the recruitment efforts for both programs during the event planning period
- Help manage the Guest Experience Non-Profit database and provide follow-up support
- Coordinate Guest Experience Non-Profit check-in operations
- Assist with the scheduling and communication of Guest Experience Non-Profit participants
- Troubleshoot various staffing issues such as no-show coverage and over fulfillment
- React to event day issues and assist with problem-solving initiatives
- Aid in the collection of NFP & CP fulfillment rates during our events
- Provide administrative and operational support for IMS Guest Experience department
- Assist with post-event feedback collection and reporting
- Actively participate in all College Program activities and development opportunities
- Resolve and communicate customer service-related issues/concerns
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor
WHAT YOU BRING
We’re looking for someone who’s ready to bring great effort every day and is committed to growing with us.
Required Experience & Skills:
- Previous experience in the IMS College Program is preferred
- A strong interest in event and staffing operations
- Interest and experience in event planning and execution
- Ability to quickly process and react to problems with minimal supervision
- Innovative thinker and self-starter with perseverance to lead teams to success
- Effective written/verbal communication and advanced computer skills
- Effective interpersonal and leadership skills
- Ability to work in a role that requires clerical, organizational and operational skills, as well as initiative and flexibility
- Cultural competence and the ability to thrive in a diverse environment
- Alignment with Penske Entertainment’s core values and standards
Education:
- Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university
Leadership:
- This position does not have supervisory responsibilities
- This position will assist with the management of seasonal employees during event times
FLEXIBILITY & TRAVEL
- No travel required.
- Position requires working on some weekends as well as evening hours based upon our business needs.
- Flexibility and adaptability are key skills needed for this role.
- January-April
- Office hours: 10-15 hours/week, Monday-Friday
- May
- 40+ hours/week, including weekends
- June
- Office hours: 10-15 hours/week, Monday-Friday
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
- Must be able to see and hear in the normal range with or without correction, and communicate verbally and in written form with great facility and must be able to be understood
- Must have the stamina to work long hours and must be willing to work an irregular schedule, which may include weekends or evenings
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Employee will be exposed to those conditions normally encountered in a business office environment
- Employee is faced with frequent interruptions and must work in close proximity to others.
- Fast-paced, collaborative office and event settings
- The noise level in the work environment can be loud, due to professional racing events.
BENEFITS & PERKS
- Opportunity to serve as an ambassador for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indy 500
- Access to developmental programming and networking events
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Penske Entertainment is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive—regardless of race, gender, orientation, background, or ability.
