Entering higher education is often about individuals bettering themselves for a career in the field of their choice, by upskilling and learning the skills necessary to succeed.
Part of the upskilling process is having a firm understanding of how international markets work, especially in the sports industry. With the global sports market worth upwards of $700bn (USD), this knowledge and experience can be the difference between landing the job of your dreams and just missing out.
UCFB’s announcement that it is to open four global hubs over the coming months at the Red Bull Area in New York, Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, BMO Field in Toronto and the MCG in Melbourne, means that its students and alumni will have the unique opportunity to further understand leading global markets right at the heart of the sports industry.
Tellingly, numbers from Universities UK International show that students who spend time abroad studying are 10% more likely to land a graduate job, earn on average 7% more than their peers and are 19% more likely to land a first in their degree programme.
“Anyone who is able to put on their CV that they studied abroad is at a great advantage in terms of impressing future employers,” says Dee Roach, Group Manager & EU Marketing for the Navitas Education Group. “At a very basic level it will give you something to talk about in an interview. But much more importantly it will prove to your potential employer that you have the ability to stand on your own two feet.”
For students who aspire to work in the sports industry, gaining that international experience can also give them the edge over fellow job applicants. Language students make up the largest proportion of mobile students (38%), followed by business, linguistic and those studying art and design (6%). This means that the percentage of sports students who have an international experience will be relatively small, giving UCFB students who attend a Global Summit a real competitive advantage.
“More and more employers are realising the extraordinary benefits of study abroad, and are seeking out graduates who have had study abroad experiences, adds Dr. Mary M. Dwyer, President & CEO of IES Abroad. “Key jobs skills such as adaptability, global understanding and tolerance, leadership, and independence are directly fostered by learning and living abroad.”
