Want to Work in Sports? Here’s What It’s Really Like
The sports industry isn’t just about playing; there’s a huge, fast-moving world behind the scenes!
With the same level of competition
These days, I have so many students wanting to eventually work in an area of sports, whether that’s through a business angle, management, or with the teams directly. If you’re crazy about sports but think your talents are more off the field, you’re in luck! The sports industry isn’t just about playing; there’s a huge, fast-moving world behind the scenes, and it needs all kinds of people to make it run. Sure, it looks super glamorous on TV, but the truth is, working with sports teams isn’t just about hanging out with star athletes or going to fancy games. It’s a lot of hard work, and the first hurdle starts with the college program you attend. These programs are highly sought after and very competitive, but they can also help you get your foot in the door.
So, What’s Sport Management?
Sport management is basically a business with a sports twist. You could end up managing teams, pulling off big events, running giant stadiums, or helping athletes get their brand out there. You’ll pick up useful skills like marketing, budgeting, planning, and even handling tough situations. Hands-on experience is crucial, so attending a school with access to teams is something to consider.
What are the classes like?
Every college does it a bit differently, but you’ll take classes like:
Sports marketing
Event and facility management
Business basics and finance
Sports law and ethics
Athlete representation
You can focus on what interests you most. Maybe you love numbers and want to tackle budgeting, or maybe promoting big events is something you are interested in.
The Reality: It’s Not All Superstars and Glamour
Lots of students want in on sports management, so there’s competition for every spot. Starting salaries can range from about $47 to $85K, but keep in mind there are many different avenues for jobs like sports analytics, social media and marketing, team management, and more. Every avenue takes a lot of hard work and determination.
Final Thoughts
If you’re excited about sports and want a career that’s never boring, sports management might be for you. Remember, it’s not just about loving sports. It takes strong academics, business savvy, and a willingness to work crazy hours.
