From Passion to Profession: Pursuing a Career in Sports Management

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Sports is a multi-billion dollar industry that has grown rapidly since the late 2000s. Today, the sports market is estimated to be worth around $83.1 billion with revenue coming from gate receipts, merchandising, media, and sponsorship.

As of 2021, up to 120,578 Americans work directly for sports clubs and teams. This highlights the huge power the sporting sector holds and the potentially lucrative nature of entering a career in sports management.

However, you’ll need to pursue some further education and expand your business acumen before you hang up your cleats and turn to a path of professional sports management. Your knowledge of zone defenses and pick and rolls may have served you well as an athlete, but you’ll need to invest in a new set of business skills if you want to make it in the competitive world of sports.

Further Education

Pursuing further education is not necessarily essential for employment in sports management, but it will give you a much-needed leg up on the competition. Today, there are plenty of major colleges that offer degrees in sports management, athletic leadership, and sport-specific business administration. If college is on the cards for you, consider looking into high-ranking sports industry programs like:

Ohio University’s Center for Sports Administration: OU’s administrative program has over 1,200 graduates and is well-regarded in the sporting world. You’ll be able to connect with a wider alumni network and fast-track your way into the sports management world.
Mark H. McCormack Department of Sport Management: UMass’ sports management program is the gold standard for degrees in the sporting industry. They offer progression up to the PhD level, too, meaning you can pursue research interests if the academic life appeals to you.
University of Oregon’s Warsaw Sports Marketing Center: No sports management list would be complete without mention of the U of O. The U of O is synonymous with the Nike brand and offers graduates a great start in the world of sports and marketing.

When deciding between programs, consider opting for a school that aligns with your budget and has an alumni network that appeals to you. If, for example, you want to work for a big brand like Nike, the U of O is the obvious choice. If, however, you want to work as a sports agent, you may want to opt for Rutgers University Global Sports Business Program due to its proximity to New York.

It’s worth noting that many schools offer part-time programs for folks who are working while pursuing a degree. If you do decide to juggle work and academics, you’ll need to improve your time management skills. Plan ahead before the semester starts and block out time using a digital calendar. This will help you stay on top of deadlines by improving your ability to prioritize the most important projects and coursework. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you do start to fall behind, as sports management is a highly collaborative industry that rewards folks who work well with others.

Soft Skills

Effective sports management involves hands-on work with a number of stakeholders. You’ll need to work well with everyone involved in the business, from athletes to janitors, and should be prepared to engage with folks from all backgrounds. This is crucial, as failing to earn the respect of your peers, coworkers, and staff can spell disaster in the competitive world of sports management.

While pursuing opportunities in the sports industry, consider investing some time and effort into soft skill development. Soft skills are the backbone of effective leadership and will serve you well when working with important stakeholders. For example, if you work remotely, consider using some work-from-home tricks to increase your productivity, including:

Create a routine that is easy to stick to,
Focus on one project at a time to minimize wasted time
Plan your meals and take regular breaks; even if you’re facing a tight deadline or are working with a demanding athlete

These tips will boost your productivity and help you put your best foot forward when working with employees, agents, and athletes. Making time for yourself helps you stay mentally fresh and land big opportunities in the future, too.

Landing Opportunities

Sports management can be a tough industry to break into. Rather than lamenting the lack of opportunity, follow in the footsteps of your favorite athletes and embrace the hustle. You can land your first gig in sports management by:

Working in an athletic department while pursuing a relevant degree,
Tackling an internship to build your CV and gain valuable experience,
Network with alumni, visiting athletes, coaches, and athletic stakeholders at conferences and athletics events.

These tips will put you in the fast lane towards a career in sports management. Even simple acts, like deciding to introduce yourself to a visiting team’s coach, can have a positive impact on your career progression. Just be sure to follow through on all your commitments to prove that you are a credible, reliable candidate for big roles.

Conclusion

Sports management is a fast-paced, highly engaging career that can turn your passion for sports into a rewarding professional track. If you do decide to pursue a career in sports, consider seeking further education from a recognized institution. This will expand your network and help you land opportunities like internships and paid positions.