Delivered through Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC)’s Professional and Community Engagement (PACE) programme, the annual internships offered in partnership with the Crusaders, provide UC students the opportunity to work for the organisation between November and February, as part of a wider range of PACE course offerings. During their internships, students have opportunities to contribute meaningfully across a wide range of areas while also learning skills and competencies that will help them confidently find work after they finish their degree.
For many of the interns, the experience brings their studies to life by allowing them to apply theory in a fast-paced, professional environment.
“During my internship with the Crusaders, I was involved in a range of partner and community events, including working on their flagship community event, the Long Run,” says Paris Chin, who is studying towards a Bachelor of Arts. “My role included organising registrations, bib allocation and supporting behind-the-scenes logistics to help the event run smoothly. I've loved seeing the positive and hard-working dynamic that runs within the team. This environment has given me a cool opportunity to experience working within a larger sports team and continue growing my professional identity while relating it to my studies.”
Across digital marketing, accounting, communications and events, students apply their academic learning to authentic projects, from supporting online engagement initiatives and community events to contributing to organisational planning and delivery. The internships also provide them with an insight into professional expectations, collaboration and accountability.
For Josie Sparrow, who is studying towards a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Marketing, the internship offered the opportunity to take ownership of a project focused on connecting fans with the Crusaders in new ways.
“During my time with the Crusaders, I led a project focused on digital fan engagement initiatives, including transforming their flagship charity fundraiser, the Long Run, into a virtual event that anyone, anywhere in the world could take part in,” Josie says. “The experience gave me confidence in applying what I’ve studied at UC and it has shown me what a positive, collaborative, and creative workplace culture should look like.”
The PACE internship courses bring together students from a range of disciplines, representing all UC faculties.
Courtney Skelt, Crusaders Event Manager and Crusaders Intern Programme Manager, says the calibre of students coming through the programme continues to impress.
“The quality of the UC students we hosted over the November to February period was outstanding,” Skelt says. “They brought a strong work ethic, a genuine willingness to learn, and the ability to confidently deliver across a wide variety of roles and tasks within the organisation. From supporting day-to-day operations to playing key roles in major initiatives like our flagship charity event, the Long Run, the interns consistently stepped up and delivered to a very high standard.
“These students didn’t just gain experience — they became valued members of the Crusaders team.”
Clare Dannenberg, Academic Lead – Career Development Learning and Work-Integrated Learning and PACE Programme Lead, says opportunities like this reflect UC’s university-wide commitment to employability.
“Initiatives such as the PACE internship courses are supported by the Centre for Employability and Career Development, which brings together career development learning, work-integrated learning [WIL] and industry partnerships,” Dannenberg says. “By strengthening partnerships with industry and community organisations, WIL experiences like these help students connect their learning with future opportunities and prepare them to be adaptable, engaged and ready to contribute.”
Learn more about Te Pokapū Rapuara | Centre for Employability and Career Development and PACE, and how they support students to build career capability throughout their studies.
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