Regarded as one of the most dynamic, varied and rewarding industries in the world, that also happens to be worth $52.1 billion, there’s no better time to land a role in sport. With the expansion of sports networks and global brands, and the explosion of the rapidly evolving sector of data and analytics, there are endless opportunities awaiting you in this multi-dimensional industry.
Here, we’ve put together some top tips and tricks that will help you kick start your career in sport. It might not be easy but, trust us, it’s definitely worth it…
1. Learn about the industry
In order to succeed in the sports industry, you need to be more than just a sports fan. Of course, extensive knowledge about particular teams and leagues can be beneficial, but understanding the industry, how it operates and how to rise the ranks within it are completely isolated from a personal interest in sport. It’s important to take the time to research the global industry, which should also help you figure out which area or sector you'd like to specialise in going forward.
From signing up to newsletters, such as Sport Business Daily, to scrolling social media for all the latest trends, it’s vital to stay well-informed about what’s going on in the world of sport. This demonstrates an awareness that you’re eager to expand your knowledge and that your interest extends beyond simply being a football fan.
2. Saying yes
When asked what one piece of advice they’d give to those looking to break into the industry, several successful managers and directors in sport give the same response: ‘say yes’. Whether that be opening your mind to new experiences, or working beyond your hours to make a lasting impression, your mind-set should be one of boundless positivity and relentless enthusiasm.
By ‘saying yes’ more, you will inevitably meet more people, gain a more holistic understanding of the industry and, crucially, push yourself out of your comfort zone. It’s important to remember this is a highly competitive industry – you have to do everything you can to stand out from the crowd.
3. Gaining experience
You may have the perfect academic record, but this alone won’t be enough to win over employers without relevant industry experience – there’s nothing quite like the real deal, after all.
Getting practical experience under your belt not only demonstrates that you’re proactive in your approach and passionate about a career in sport, it will also help further your knowledge of which specific areas you’d like to work in. Many placements start out unpaid, but the network of contacts you build and the edge it gives you amongst employers makes the experience invaluable.
4. Networking
It’s all about who you know, not what you know – as the famous adage goes. Rightly or wrongly, this is particularly true in sport. Building a network of contacts, and establishing relationships with people, is vital for both getting your foot in the door and continuing to progress throughout your career.
In an industry in which success correlates so strongly with communication skills and developing trust in others, the bonds you form working in sport can often, unwittingly, lead to your next career-defining move.
5. Studying a degree in sport
Did you know that there is a university specifically designed for football and sports degrees? University Campus of Football Business (UCFB) offers a range of pioneering programmes to kick start your career in this multi-billion pound industry.
From media and marketing to coaching and psychology, UCFB offers you the chance to specialise in a specific area within sport from the very start. With campuses at both Wembley and Etihad Stadium, students are able to immerse themselves in a professional sporting environment to prepare them for this challenging, but hugely rewarding, world of work.
