Sports management is a field chosen by individuals who are interested in sports and business. In the past, sports management involved either participating in a sport or possibly selling tickets to a sporting event. Today sports management is a vast field that not only offers various job opportunities but also one that generates billions of dollars every year. Here is an overview of what sports management is and what it entails.
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What is Sports Management?
Sports management is a highly competitive field aimed at sports-minded individuals who enjoy sports and have good heads for business. In the United States alone, sports and sporting events bring in about $200 billion each year, and this could not be done without good sports management professionals. Although many don’t realize it, managers, coaches, trainers, athletic directors, presidents of sporting organizations or chief operating officers are all part of the sports management industry. High-paid athletes have agents to work on their behalf negotiating contracts and salaries, which is a big part of sports management.
Jobs Available in Sports Management
Because sports management is such as vast field, there are many jobs available in this field. Sports management graduates with training and experience may work as coaches, marketing experts, athletic directors, sports agents, recruiters and public relations specialists, among many others. They also have the choice to work with high school, college or professional athletes in always any type of sport. Sports management professionals should typically have some experience playing the particular sport in which they’re working. In addition to the physical experience, the individual must have knowledge of the business end of sports.
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What it Takes to Become a Sports Management Professional
Sports management is an interdisciplinary field that entails accounting, marketing, psychology, communications and law, according to Princeton Review. Becoming a sports management professional generally involves earning a degree of some kind and in some area of sports. Degree levels can vary from associate degrees to graduate degree programs. The type of degree the individual chooses depends on the career aspirations. The most common degree for sports management careers is bachelor’s degrees. Here are some examples of sports management degree programs.
• Associate of Science in Sports Management Studies
• Associate of Applied Science in Sports Marketing and Management
• Bachelor of Science in Sports Management
• Bachelor of Science in Sports Marketing and Media
• Master of Science in Sports Analytics Management
• Master of Science in Sports Management
• Master of Arts in Sport Administration
Career Outlook for Sports Management Jobs
The increasing popularity of sports is continuing to contribute to a positive employment growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 10 percent job growth for sports occupations from 2016-2026. Salaries for individuals working in the sports management industry vary by position, experience, employer, and location. Here are some possible salary range examples as reported by the BLS.
• Coaches and Scouts – $18,670 – $75,400
• Recreation worker – $18,480 – $42,560
• Senior athletic director – $52,960 – $182,150
• Mid-level athletic trainer – $30,740 – $69,530
• Athletic manager – $31,020 – $200,130
As long as sports and sporting events continue to rise in popularity, the field of sports management will continue to grow and offer exciting, rewarding careers. With so many more careers available within the sports industry, individuals who choose sports management as careers could find an endless supply of job opportunities available to them.
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