If you love sports and want to pursue a career in sport’s management, a sport’s management program will give you the proper foundation and professional contacts to succeed. A sport’s management degree program can set you apart from the millions of high school athletes that dream of managing their favorite teams. Check out these five tips to getting into a sport’s management program:
1. Know the Field
Before pursuing any path in higher education, you should learn as much about the field as you can. In order to be successful in the sports management field, you will need strong communication skills, business savvy, and entrepreneurialism. In many sports management jobs, you will have to use your passion for the game to make smart business partnerships, identify new revenue opportunities, and gain the trust of your clients. If you do not like sales, customer service, or business classes, then sports management might not be for you.
2. Make Good Grades
According to NACAC’s annual “State of College Admission” report, your GPA is the most important factor a college uses to determine your admittance. High class rank, your personal essay about how much you love football, and your SAT will only get you so far. Colleges want to know that you are motivated and will get the most out of your classes and college experience. If your grades do not reflect your abilities, make that change now.
3. Work in a Sport’s Management Related Field
Landing a job or internship in the field shows that you are committed to the industry and are capable of actually doing the job. There are a plethora of job opportunities on a local level through Little League organization, the YMCA, or afterschool programs that will strengthen your application. You can also attend student-run conferences and job fairs that can help you find a big league internship with a broad range of sport’s teams. For example, The National Sports Forum is the largest annual gathering of sports management employees and executives in North America. These conferences provide an opportunity to learn more about the field as well as networking opportunities.
4. Diversify Your Talents
Sports Management programs are competitive and have a limited number of available spaces for incoming applicants. It is important to demonstrate what separates you from other prospective students. It may be helpful to learn a second language or compete in math and science competitions to show schools that you can offer a new perspective on the field.
Working in ancillary fields can provide you with the skills necessary to succeed in a sport’s management program. For example, a job in customer service gives you the experience to connect with clients and solve problems. Make sure you are able to articulate what you learned from those experiences and how that knowledge relates to sport’s management.
5. Connect with School Recruiters
Getting to know the people in charge and the people currently in a sport’s management program will give you a leg up on the competition. Show up to recruiting events, job fairs, and information sessions. Ask questions, and get your face and personality out there!
The sport’s industry is big money – estimated at $440 billion each year. However, a thriving industry does not mean it is easy pickings for prospective professionals. If you love sports and want a lucrative career in the industry, you have to set yourself apart from the pack. Following these 5 tips can help you become a competitive candidate for any top-notch sport’s management program.
Related resource:
20 Great Small Colleges for a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management
