Insurance firm Gallagher is offering summer internships to professional athletes, such as members of the National Women’s Soccer League’s Chicago Stars. The program aims to help athletes prepare for life after sports and offers business experience, skill development, and mentorship in insurance brokerage and sales.

Athlete participants in Gallagher’s internship program gain valuable corporate experience while accommodating their demanding schedules. The program aims to prepare athletes for their post-playing careers, as pro sports careers can be short and unpredictable with varying earnings. Some former athlete interns have even been hired as employees after their playing careers.

Gallagher’s internship program has helped change preconceived notions about the insurance industry for athletes like Chardonnay Curran of the Chicago Stars. The program offers athletes insight into insurance and corporate culture, preparing them for success beyond the field. Some athletes have gone on to work for Gallagher after completing the internship.

AIG recently made headlines by becoming the first Fortune 500 company to invest in an EFL League Two club, Salford City FC in the U.K. This move highlights the growing ties between insurance companies and professional sports. Nationwide, an NWSL partner, also offers a similar internship program for league players to gain professional development experience.

The internship programs offered by insurance companies like Gallagher and Nationwide provide athletes with valuable skills and experiences that can benefit them in their post-playing careers. The growing partnerships between insurance firms and professional sports teams highlight the importance of preparing athletes for success beyond their time on the field.

Read more at CNBC: Gallagher taps pro athletes for summer insurance internships