Having graduated from the BA (Hons) Football Business & Media programme this year, Daniel Morgan has secured a full-time job as Social Media Manager at the International Professional Scouting Organisation (IPSO) after completing a placement there during his degree. Here, he tells us about the diversity within the role and his time at UCFB Wembley…

Tell us about your role as Social Media Manager at IPSO and how you landed it. 

UFCB advertised a placement with IPSO through their Employability & Enrichment scheme - this caught the attention of my friend and now colleague Alex Stanton who suggested we applied together.

As IPSO Social Media Manager I am responsible for implementing a digital strategy to promote ISPO's football scouting workshops and courses, including daily social media posts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. I have the task of creating engaging graphics and resources, and also general admin work on occasion.

What have been some of the highlights of the role so far?

Participating in IPSO's online scouting workshops has been a highlight for me; the product which Colin has created has been absolutely phenomenal. Learning how to scout from one of the best in the industry has certainly been a highlight of my time working with IPSO so far.

How has your BA (Hons) Football Business & Media degree helped in the role?

My degree has helped massively, learning the fundamentals of the new digital age has helped me adapt to my new role and ensure that I hit the ground running early on. Understanding how to use social media to optimise exposure has been very important with my role at IPSO.

You also work as a sports journalist at FansBet. Tell us about the sorts of pieces you write there. 

I operate on a freelance basis with FansBet, who are firm partners with Heart of the Holte – a large Aston Villa fan page that I run. I've created a variety of different content for FansBet, from match previews spanning across Europe's top five football leagues, to opinion pieces specifically based around Aston Villa. Working so closely with FansBet and their editor Matt has allowed me to gain valuable experience in the sports journalism industry, whilst adding reputable articles to my portfolio.

How have you found your time at UCFB so far?

I've really enjoyed my time at UCFB; it has allowed me to take the time to develop my skills and focus on my career within the sports media industry.

As you're graduating this year, how do you think UCFB has set you up for a career in the sports industry?

The copious amounts of Employability & Enrichment placements and opportunities have provided me and other students with the tools to gain real world experience within the industry we are aspiring to break into. In addition to this, the knowledge from lecturers with first-hand experience of the industry such as Chris and Greg provide top class insight.

What advice would you give to any students looking to study Football Business & Media?

I would suggest that students take as many opportunities as they can to gain experience on placements to help get their foot in the door. Having a solid portfolio to partner with your degree is the most important thing you can have when leaving higher education and entering the real world.