The public face of sports management professionals are typically high-flying sports agents and popular talent recruiters who play a very visible role in the industry, but it is a mistake to think that these are the only jobs available in a sports management career. While it may seem like this field is highly specialized, it is actually the intersection of the fields of professional sports, business management, public relations and marketing. It is a career that requires business savvy, creativity and charisma, financial acumen as well as familiarity with the legal aspects of business, finance and talent representation.
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Skills Required to Succeed in Sports Management
Sports management is a competitive field and a lucrative one for those who have the right skills. Regardless of the specific job in the field, this is a career that requires the ability to multitask and wear different hats at the same time. In general, the job will call for coordinating and carrying out functions involving scheduling, resource management, advertising and promotions, social media engagement along with other administrative concerns. It is a career that may involve high-level negotiating skills on one end and efficient management of facilities and schedules on another. Verbal and written communication skills are mandatory because these jobs require interaction with diverse groups of people with widely different agenda.
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Opportunities in the Sports Management Field
Internships and employment opportunities in sports management may be found in different sectors. The most obvious career starter would be a job with sports teams. Explore internship, volunteer and employment opportunities with local sports organizations to build up experience in this field. Amateur community-based or school-affiliated teams provide a solid introduction to interacting with athletes, team management, and community involvement.
Sports networks hire field reporters and commentators with sports backgrounds although the big networks, ESPN for example, favor former athletes and coaches for their on-air spots. Sports management agencies may have entry-level positions for rookie sports managers, and public relations firms may provide a jump-off point for those who are interested in a PR career focused on sports personalities and organizations. Consider exploring marketing and promotions jobs with companies involved in the manufacture and distribution of sports-related gear, including uniforms, street clothes, shoes and equipment. Forbes magazine estimates that by 2020, the sports industry will grow into a $75.7 billion industry by, indicating that the sports management is a good career for those who have the skills and the drive to thrive in high-pressure sports management jobs.
Career Path for Sports Managers
Various colleges offer degrees in sports management that will provide a solid foundation to develop the key skills needed to survive in the fast-pace sports industry. A degree in business, management or sports medicine may also open up opportunities in this field. In the competitive field of athlete or team representation, a master’s in sports management may provide the edge over other candidates with similar work experience. Cross training to accumulate experience in facility management, financial management and promotions may enhance your credibility as a sports management professional.
For anyone with a keen interest in sports, public relations and community engagement, sports management would be a good career choice. These jobs are challenging, resource-intensive and stressful, but they are profitable and stable given that the sports industry is expected to grow consistently in the coming years.
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