Sports administration is related to the commercial and business aspects of sports and recreation. Although many sports enthusiasts are keen to get into the professional side of sports, jobs can be extremely competitive, and breaking through will require a bit of knowledge. Sports administration is a specialized field, so standing out through exceptional work and good connections will make a big difference when applying to the job market.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Get an Education in Sports Management
Step 1. Create a direction for your future
Education is important to sports administration, and you can't ignore a college degree for this competitive field. Customer service, sales, and public relations are primary roles feeding senior sports management. Know in which direction you want to go and pursue opportunities for those roles.
- Customer service includes hosting events, providing stadium entertainment, and off-site events for sponsors.
- Sales jobs primarily work around sporting event ticket sales over the phone or online. Jobs could start in group sales and promotions could include corporate sponsorships.
- Public relations includes writing press releases and media guides for athletes.
Step 2. Apply to a college sports management program
Although other programs such as business and marketing can land you a job in sports, many colleges offer specific programs aimed at sports administration.
- The field of sports management is quite small and tight-knit, and future employers will look at your experience throughout college. A sports management program will provide you with opportunities for experience, which is recommended if you want to be competitive in the job market.
- Consider the location. Going to a university in a region where there are large sports franchises can make it easier to get hires and internships in the industry.
Step 3. Contact people who work in sports administration and in the sports industry
Many colleges invite alumni and guest speakers to speak with students, giving you practical insights into the field. Other exposure includes attending industry panels and events throughout the university. Meet as many people as you can to learn about their experiences.
Join university student sports administration organizations as a way to promote leadership experience and connect with other career students. Seniors in these organizations will become alumni and may possibly open doors for you for internships or jobs in the future
Step 4. Consider getting a master's degree
Master's degrees can be helpful when considering roles such as an athletic director or head coach of a team. A master's degree isn't essential, but it can be important if you don't have many connections to sports teams outside of college.
If you are changing careers and your undergraduate studies are not in sports administration, you might consider pursuing a master's degree. This field is primarily focused on connections and experience, two things your competition will have and you won't. College programs can give you both that would otherwise be nearly impossible to get
Part 2 of 3: Gain Experience with College Internships
Step 1. Volunteer for a local sports team or sporting events
Learn how the business side of sport works and if it is an environment that you like. Although you may not be paid, it is still a valuable experience to add to your resume. Volunteer experience could range from providing entertainment, working selling tickets, or doing small jobs.
Step 2. Apply for your first internship
Internships will set you apart from other applicants once you graduate. The main goal of your first internship is to gain experience, which will put you in a position to secure a more specialized internship later on.
The first internships are usually in ticket sales. Even if you don't envision yourself working in sales in the future, it's important to understand this side of the sport. Tickets are a main source of income for sports teams and selling seats is how you keep your business running
Step 3. Get a summer internship
Once you've completed your first internship, continue to gain experience through summer internships. These are generally more specialized and should depend on your career goals. If you want to work with corporate sponsorships after college, get a job in group ticket sales. If you prefer customer service, work on special event planning.
Use internships as an opportunity to connect with professionals in the field and earn good references that will help you land a job in sports administration after graduation. The field is small, so don't burn your bridges; Always give the best of you
Part 3 of 3: Get a job as a recent graduate
Step 1. Apply for available entry-level positions in sports administration
Provide explicit details in your application about the experience you have gained in the field. Attend any job fair the college offers. Even if you don't get a job there, you will leave your name and face for any potential future employer to see.
These will probably not be your "dream job" or your ideal salary, but gaining experience is key to improving your resume
Step 2. You will need to seek promotions at all times
There are not many opportunities for a higher degree or a raise. So you have to go into your boss's office and ask for a promotion by showing him arguments.
Step 3. Attend conferences and workshops
This will give you the opportunity to develop your network of professional contacts and follow the latest trends in the field. Any contribution you can make to conferences, such as presentations, will benefit you as a way to expose your name and work.
Step 4. Join professional bodies, organizations, and societies
A number of organizations, such as the North American Society for Sport Management, have sections for both students and professionals. Organizations provide ways to connect with other professionals, improve industry standards, and provide publications to keep you current in the workplace.
Advice
- Every time you work for a team or do an internship in the sports industry, strive to differentiate yourself. Since the sports industry is competitive, an intern must make a mark by leading a project, suggesting ideas, and doing their best. This motivating approach will also get you more referrals and contacts for future positions.
- Familiarize yourself with the paths that successful sports management people have taken to get where you want to go.
- Connect throughout your career. As with many other types of jobs, you will discover the best jobs by meeting the right people. From the moment you start classes and land your first volunteer position or internship, make sure you meet people from all aspects of sports culture who could be of value in the future.