Exhibit Sponsorship Intern

Exhibit & Sponsorship Intern at Leidos — Research Report

Introduction

The Exhibit & Sponsorship Intern role at Leidos offers a unique entry point into the events and corporate sponsorship landscape for students pursuing careers in event management. This internship, scheduled for the upcoming season from September 8, 2026, to December 11, 2026, provides remote work flexibility while delivering 25 hours of weekly engagement . Candidates will gain hands-on experience managing projects, utilizing databases, and supporting high-impact sponsorship initiatives that drive Leidos' brand visibility.

Securing this Leidos internship is a strategic career move for rising juniors and seniors, offering a pathway to understand how major defense and technology firms leverage events for business growth. The role is particularly valuable for those aiming to transition into full-time event coordination or sponsorship management positions, as it combines operational rigor with creative strategy .

Overview of Leidos

Leidos is a premier Fortune 500 innovation company specializing in engineering, science, and digital solutions for the government and commercial sectors. The company operates across critical industries including defense, health, and civil infrastructure, positioning itself as a key partner for national security and modernization efforts . Unlike typical tech firms, Leidos focuses on mission-driven outcomes, often working on complex projects that require deep technical expertise and security clearances .

The company’s market presence is robust, with major offices in Austin, Texas; Newport, Rhode Island; and Twinsburg, Ohio, serving as hubs for its diverse sectors . Leidos competes with giants like Booz Allen Hamilton and General Dynamics but distinguishes itself through a strong emphasis on digital modernization and undersea systems innovation . Its culture is known for being collaborative and mission-focused, attracting professionals who value stability and the opportunity to work on high-stakes government contracts .

People want to work at Leidos because it offers a stable career path with opportunities for professional growth, including potential access to security clearances and specialized training . The company’s reputation as a leader in government contracting provides interns with exposure to industry-standard processes and a network of influential professionals.

Exhibit & Sponsorship Intern Role

Role Overview

This intern serves as a critical support member for Leidos’ event and sponsorship teams, focusing on the logistics and coordination of corporate exhibits and sponsorship packages. The role directly impacts the business by ensuring that Leidos’ brand presence at industry events is professional, accurate, and aligned with strategic marketing goals . Interns act as the operational backbone, managing data and communications that allow senior staff to execute high-level sponsorship strategies.

Detailed Responsibilities

The day-to-day tasks for the Exhibit & Sponsorship Intern are diverse and require strong organizational skills. Key responsibilities include:

• Managing project timelines and coordinating logistics for upcoming exhibits and sponsorship events .
• Communicating information accurately to different audiences, including internal teams and external vendors .
• Working with databases and electronic reporting tools to track sponsorship data and exhibit inventory .
• Utilizing MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint to create reports, presentations, and correspondence .
• Providing strong customer service to stakeholders and ensuring all event details meet quality standards .

Day-to-Day Workflow

A typical day involves a mix of independent data management and collaborative communication. Interns start by reviewing their task list in Outlook and updating project trackers in Excel or database tools . Mid-morning often includes virtual meetings with team members to discuss exhibit progress or sponsorship status, requiring clear verbal communication . The afternoon is frequently dedicated to drafting reports in PowerPoint or Word, ensuring all data is accurate and formatted professionally .

Since the role is remote, the workflow relies heavily on digital collaboration tools. Interns must maintain a reliable WiFi connection and adhere to a schedule of 25 hours per week, with a minimum availability of 20 hours between 9am and 5pm Central Time . This structure ensures alignment with the core team’s operating hours while allowing flexibility for other academic commitments.

Tools and Technologies

The technical stack for this role is rooted in the Microsoft ecosystem, which is standard for corporate event management. Interns will primarily use MS Excel for data tracking and reporting, often leveraging formulas for spreadsheet proficiency . MS PowerPoint is essential for creating visual presentations for sponsors, while MS Word handles documentation and contracts .

Additionally, the role requires proficiency with electronic reporting tools and databases, which may include internal Leidos systems or industry-standard event management platforms . While specific proprietary software isn't listed, the emphasis on database experience suggests familiarity with SQL or similar data management concepts could be beneficial .

Skills and Requirements

Technical Skills

Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in the core Microsoft Office suite, specifically Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint . Experience working with databases and electronic reporting tools is a preferred qualification, indicating the need for data management capabilities . Spreadsheet proficiency, including the ability to use Excel formulas, is critical for tracking sponsorship metrics and exhibit inventory .

Soft Skills

Strong organizational skills are paramount, as the intern will manage multiple projects simultaneously . The ability to communicate information accurately and effectively to different audiences is a key requirement, ensuring clarity in vendor and stakeholder interactions . Customer service orientation is essential for supporting internal teams and external partners, while attention to detail ensures error-free reporting and logistics .

Experience Expectations

Leidos targets college seniors or graduate students majoring in event and hospitality management, or a related field of study . Experience managing projects is preferred, suggesting that candidates should have prior involvement in event planning or project coordination . A graduate degree is not required; the company prioritizes curiosity and initiative over perfection, making this accessible to motivated undergraduates .

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship, now or in the future, and must perform work physically within the US . Minimum availability of 20 hours per week, Monday through Friday, between 9am and 5pm Central Time is mandatory .

Salary and Benefits

The Exhibit & Sponsorship Intern at Leidos is compensated at a rate of $23.00 per hour, which is a competitive market rate for remote event management internships . For a 25-hour weekly commitment over the 9-week duration (September 8 to December 11, 2026), this translates to an estimated total compensation of approximately $4,095 .

Benefits include the flexibility of a remote work environment, allowing interns to work from anywhere in the USA with a reliable WiFi connection . The role offers exposure to a Fortune 500 company, providing a strong professional network and potential full-time conversion opportunities for those who excel . While specific stipends or learning budgets are not detailed in the job posting, Leidos typically offers robust learning and development resources for its interns .

Leidos Hiring Process

Step-by-Step Hiring Stages

The hiring process for this internship follows a structured path designed to assess both technical proficiency and cultural fit. The stages typically include:

1. Application: Submitting a resume and cover letter through the job portal before the deadline .
2. Screening: Automated and manual review of qualifications, focusing on event management majors and project experience .
3. Assignment: Potential practical task, such as a spreadsheet exercise or a mock sponsorship proposal, to test skills .
4. Interviews: Virtual interviews with the hiring manager and team members to discuss experience and availability .
5. Offer: Final selection and contract issuance for the September–December term .

Application Timeline

The application window for this specific internship is tight, with the window expected to close on July 17, 2026 . Given the internship starts in early September, candidates should apply immediately to ensure their materials are reviewed. The typical process duration from application to offer is likely 2–4 weeks, requiring quick responsiveness to interview requests .

Screening Methods

Leidos uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) that scans for specific keywords. Critical keywords include "event management," "hospitality," "project management," and "MS Excel" . The resume must clearly state the candidate’s major and current enrollment status (rising junior/senior or graduate student) . Portfolio requirements are not explicitly mentioned, but highlighting past project management experience in the resume is crucial .

Interview Preparation

Example Interview Questions

Recruiters for this role will likely ask questions that test organizational skills and event knowledge. Common questions include:

• "Describe a project you managed where you had to coordinate multiple stakeholders. What was the outcome?"
• "How do you ensure accuracy when working with large datasets in Excel?"
• "What strategies would you use to communicate complex event details to a non-technical audience?"
• "Why are you interested in the Exhibit & Sponsorship Intern role at Leidos specifically?"

How to Answer

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. For example, when discussing project management, clearly define the situation, the task you were assigned, the specific actions you took (like using Excel for tracking), and the positive result achieved . This approach demonstrates clarity and a results-oriented mindset, which Leidos values .

What Recruiters Evaluate

Recruiters evaluate candidates based on their organizational skills, communication ability, and technical proficiency with Microsoft tools . They look for evidence of curiosity and initiative, prioritizing these traits over a perfect resume . Additionally, they assess the candidate’s ability to work remotely and adhere to the required Central Time schedule .

How to Get Selected

Practical Tips

To secure the Exhibit & Sponsorship Intern position, tailor your resume to highlight any experience in event planning or project coordination . Explicitly mention your proficiency with MS Excel, including specific formulas you know, as this is a key requirement . Ensure your resume clearly states your major and that you are a college senior or graduate student, as this is a mandatory qualification .

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Candidates often get rejected for failing to meet the availability requirements, such as not being able to work 20+ hours between 9am–5pm Central Time . Another common mistake is omitting the "event and hospitality management" major or related field, which is a primary filter . Submitting a resume that lacks specific examples of project management experience can also lead to rejection .

How to Stand Out

Stand out by including a brief portfolio or link to a project you managed, even if it was academic or volunteer-based . Demonstrate your curiosity by researching Leidos’ recent events or sponsorship activities and mentioning them in your cover letter . Networking with current Leidos employees on LinkedIn to ask about the team culture can also provide insider insights that strengthen your application .

Final Thoughts

The Exhibit & Sponsorship Intern role at Leidos is a high-value opportunity for students in event management to gain real-world experience in a Fortune 500 environment. With a competitive salary of $23/hour and the flexibility of remote work, this internship offers a strong foundation for a career in corporate events . Apply before the July 17, 2026 deadline to secure your spot in this impactful program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the salary for Exhibit & Sponsorship Intern at Leidos?
The salary is $23.00 per hour, with a time commitment of 25 hours per week .

Q: How competitive is it to get hired at Leidos?
Leidos is a competitive employer, but they prioritize curiosity and initiative over perfection, making it accessible for motivated students with relevant majors .

Q: What skills are most important for this role?
The most important skills are organizational ability, strong communication, and proficiency in MS Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint .