If you’re interested in working in sports in the next decade, you’re in luck. Projections showed that the job market for sports management will grow by at least 26% by 2030. The number of people employed will nearly double in some of those careers. With so many opportunities available, competition is intense. Let’s take a look at the most in-demand professions in the industry and how you can break into the field.
Athletic Director
Athletic Directors are administrators who supervise all aspects of athletic programs sponsored by a school or university. They direct staff and hire personnel, order equipment for teams, organize travel and transportation, oversee facility upkeep, and manage the program’s budget. Athletic Directors work in a managerial role so, they don’t usually work with athletes directly.
You Can Start By:
Athletic Directors often get their starts in coaching at the high school level. A bachelor’s degree in sports management is typically required to work as an Athletic Director.
Sports Agent
A Sports Agent is a legal advisor and representative for professional athletes. They negotiate team contracts on their client’s behalf, as well as endorsement deals with sponsors. Sports Agents also act as crisis managers and often liaison between the team and player to address issues.
You Can Start By:
In the past, a bachelor’s degree and a law degree were a requirement to work as Sports Agents hoping the professional level. However, it is possible to work as an agent with any formal education. Taking an online course and being certified to work as a Sports Agent can separate you since the field is competitive.
Sports Marketer
Sports Marketers promote teams and organizations to bring in revenue through ticket sales and attendance numbers. They design marketing campaigns to build the team’s image, as well as overall branding. They utilize brand partnerships, social media, and advertising to increase awareness for their organization. Leagues also employ Sports Marketers to handle major events and day-to-day marketing strategies.
You Can Start By:
A Sports Marketer should hold a bachelor’s degree in marketing or sports management and have completed an internship in a marketing department.
Sports Photographer
Sports Photographers take photos of athletes during games and other sporting events. They may work in a specific sport or across different ones. Sports Photographers find media work with magazines, websites, and visual media companies that provide stock images. Teams and leagues may also hire them.
You Can Start By:
Some Sports Photographers have a background in art and sports, but it’s not a requirement to get into the profession. Build your portfolio by photographing amateur and intramural leagues.
Sports Publicist
A Sports Publicist handles media relations for teams and players. This job oversees all communication with the press to ensure information is accurate. They pitch story angles to media outlets in order to generate positive buzz for the respective clients and develop key messaging through press kits, press releases, and fact sheets. Sports Publicists also handle logistics by scheduling and monitoring interviews and other media interactions.
You Can Start By:
Working in sports as a publicist requires a background in written and verbal communication. A degree in sports management, communications, journalism, and public relations is beneficial.
Statistician
Statisticians collect, analyze, and summarize data on sports events, usually in a live setting. This job collects data is subsequently used to provide insights about the performance of the team or an individual athlete for management. They also provide analysis that informs strategy development and adjustments. Statisticians work with sports organizations, talent agencies, sports media, and even athletes.
You Can Start By:
Educational background or a degree in math or computer science is typically needed since statisticians are to be mathematically skilled and analytically minded. A sports management certification may help set you apart.
Interested in your next steps towards a job in sports management? Then, check out Yellowbrick’s Fundamentals of Global Sports Management online course.
