How to Find the Right Sports Career Path

When you look at the rising values of sports franchises, the lucrative TV contracts that teams and leagues are signing, and the explosive growth in supporting sectors such as sports gambling, it’s easy to see the increased consumer demand for sports. That demand also means more opportunities in the sports industry, and makes a sports management degree attractive for college students aspiring to enter the field. So what sports management jobs are out there today? That’s what Clint in Minnesota asks the WorkInSports Podcast:

“Hi Brian, I’m a sophomore in college and have an assignment in school to outline my career aspirations as part of our career preparedness program. I want to work in sports because I love it, but I have no clarity after that. Can you help me understand some notable sports management jobs and how I figure out where I fit in?”

How to Get a Job in Sports Management

A degree in sports management can help you get established in the industry, but it isn’t a requirement. Gaining real-world experience while in college holds more weight on your resume than a single line detailing your major. When VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp speaks at college classrooms about this topic, students generally picture these sports management jobs:

• Sports agent
• General Manager
• Athletic Director
• Social Media Manager

Find Your Sports Career Fit!

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All those titles are high-visibility roles that directly relate to the success of teams, athletic departments, athletes, and brands. Each of these roles is competitive, and it can take a long time to rise to that level.

How do you figure out what area of the industry is the right fit for you? Researching people who hold the roles that you hope to attain is helpful. For example, you can find a college Athletic Director’s online profile and look at their path and how long it took for them to reach their position. One additional step that can give you a leg up while in college is to check out the entry-level positions (frequently listed as coordinator or assistant) in a part of the industry that interests you and read the job descriptions, so you know exactly what skills and experience you need to stand out when you are starting your job search.
    
Listen to the full episode for more tips on how to get a job in sports management. Also, subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice. Additional content is available on our YouTube channel!