With the expansion of sports networks and a greater focus on fitness and health, there’s never been a better time to join the world of sports and build a successful career. Due to the rise of technology, the industry is booming with possibilities. Careers in sports management, such as athletic director, business development lead, and public relations specialist are highly lucrative and in great demand. While sports is an exciting and evolving industry, this also means there is fierce competition. Today, we will share our top tips to get a job in the world of sports or even propel one that you already have to greater heights.
Write Down Your Goals
Firstly, it’s important to establish a clear vision of your ideal sports career by considering your passions, skills, and abilities. This will help you narrow down the options that are available to you. Once you have a list of all of your skills and abilities, you should write down your career goals and determine what you need to do to achieve them. You will need to think about key factors, such as experience and education required, and whether or not you are willing to relocate or frequently travel. These considerations will help you find the right fit for you.
Get Your Degree
Many jobs in sports require some form of degree or certification, which means the better your education, the higher chance you will have of landing a high-paying and rewarding role. The University of Stirling attracts students from around the world with its highly-rated master’s degree in sport management. Find out more about this course and how it can help you gain specialist knowledge of sport. You will learn how to tackle the inherent challenges of sport management, such as conducting research, event planning, and developing sports organisations. In addition, this unique course will provide you with real life practice and access to a range of industry contacts.
Gain The Right Experience
Consider gaining relevant experience through sports internships and entry-level positions. These will be key indicators of your passion for sports and willingness to work hard to achieve your goals. In fact, many world-class sports managers, coaches, and other sports professionals began their careers by playing the sport and understanding it to a level that others couldn’t. As a result, starting from the bottom and working your way up to more lucrative positions is the best route to success. If you are struggling to find paid opportunities, even volunteering and work shadowing can help you kickstart your career.
Learn More About The Industry
Securing a job in sports takes more than being a big sports fan, as you will need to better understand the commitment and passion that drives the players, teams, and sports organisations. This will help you learn more about the business from a practical standpoint. In some fields of work, you may be working with a variety of sports organisations, while in others, you may work closely with a specific team. Therefore, you should continually educate yourself on the industry by following the right sports sites and blogs and watching the sports networks, particularly if they relate to your field of work.
Explore Your Options
Not everyone will be interested in working for the world’s biggest sports teams. Although there is potential for success, this may also come with increased stress and high stakes. Thankfully, jobs in professional sports are varied and largely dependent on the sport. However, many of them are universal, including coaches, coach assistants, personal trainers, physiotherapists, managers, and admin assistants. Whatever you choose to do, it’s key to have the right experience, which can back up your skills and get your foot in the door.
Start Networking
No matter the industry, networking is crucial, so you will need to be confident and know how to sell your skills to people you meet. You may want to start by reaching out to everyone in your circle, such as your friends, relatives, professors, and business associates. Also, joining groups and attending sports conferences may help you find out more about your area of interest and maximise your learning. If you want to secure a sports internship, it’s important to make your presence known by asking questions, talking to the right people, and staying on top of industry news.
Spruce Up Your Resume
A well-written resume can open pathways to a successful sports management career. Apart from highlighting your skills and employment experience, it’s essential to showcase your all-round talents and passion for sport. Instead of looking at templates online, you should focus on creating an original resume that will stand out from other applicants. To ensure your resume is instantly appealing, it will have to be well-organised and clearly laid-out with visually outlined sections. It’s best to use consistent alignment and a good balance between text and white space.