No Sports Management Degree? No Problem!

Sports management programs have grown at colleges across the country. According to Georgetown University, sports management occupations are projected to grow 7% through 2029. While sports management degrees are commonplace now, not every university offers one. WorkInSports Podcast listener Joyce goes to one of those colleges and is looking for advice on how to break into sports without a sports management degree:

"Hello Brian, I am an upcoming freshman at Wellesley College. As a D3 school and athlete, we have less sports-related programs and majors. So for someone who intends to work in sports, how do I intentionally pick the right courses, majors, and internships starting off in freshman year? Do you think it's important to keep my options open considering I am in a liberal arts school? Thank you!"

The sports industry has numerous roles within it. For example, say you want to work for a professional team. The organization will need employees in:

• Business and Finance
• Marketing and Communications
• Event and Facilities Management
• Administration and Front Office
• Sales and Sponsorship

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Whatever subset of the sports industry interests you should influence your academic path. If working behind the scenes in media relations and marketing is appealing, go into marketing or public relations. A business major transfers into the sports industry for anyone who wants to manage an organization’s day-to-day operations.

The major attached to your degree is a small part of preparing for a career in the sports industry. As VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp constantly says, internships and volunteering are the ticket to building your experience and carry more weight on your resume than the specific degree you obtained. Focusing on honing your skills via gaining relevant experience is important, and the major you choose, even if sports management isn’t available, will support your credentials upon graduating.

Enjoy the full episode for detailed advice on what to do if a sports management degree isn’t available. Also, subscribe to the WorkInSports Podcast for more sports career advice, and catch additional content on our YouTube channel!