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Manchester City winning the Treble has been the prime sports news in recent days. City achieved this magnificent feat with the efforts of their players and the guidance of many others working behind the scenes. Analysing some of the successful teams in every sport brings forth the significance of efficient management in sports.

Sports management is a diverse field that combines a love for sports with strategic thinking and business acumen. The Sports Industry Outlook 2023 released by PwC predicts an exciting future for sports due to the integration of AI and technology into the industry. This indicates that sports management also has a bright future moving ahead with teams requiring efficient managers to keep their affairs in order.

Let’s look at how to build a career in sports management and what career roles you may take up after graduation.

What is sports management?

Sports management involves overseeing the business and operational aspects of sports organisations, teams, and related events. It encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, from managing athletes and coaching staff to negotiating contracts, organising events, and marketing sports brands.

Sports managers play a crucial role in ensuring the success and growth of sports teams, while also nurturing the careers of athletes and enhancing the overall fan experience.

How to build a career in sports management

Like every other job, you must fulfil certain criteria such as an educational qualification and experience to start a career in sports management. Here are some ways to build a career as a sports manager:

Get relevant education

Pursue a degree in sports management, event management, or a related field as the first step to starting your career. These programmes will help you acquire knowledge in areas such as sports marketing, event management, finance, and leadership to build a solid foundation for your career.

Gain experience

One of the most important steps in building a career in sports is to gain practical experience by interning or volunteering with sports organisations, clubs, or event management companies. This will provide valuable insights into the industry, help you develop essential skills, and build a network of contacts.

Practical experience also demonstrates your ability to manage teams, handle projects, and adapt to the fast-paced nature of the sports industry.

 Build connections

Having contacts in the sports industry will help you land jobs easily as you first begin to establish a career. Attend sports industry conferences, seminars, and networking events to meet professionals and build connections. Engage with industry experts, join relevant professional associations, and explore mentorship opportunities to expand your network and gain valuable guidance.

Apply for entry-level jobs

Start your career by applying for entry-level positions within sports teams, event management companies, or marketing agencies specialising in sports. Embrace opportunities to learn and grow and be willing to work your way up through dedication and continuous learning.

What are the career opportunities in sports management?

The sports industry is vast and offers you a wide range of career opportunities spanning from managing athletes to organising events. Take a look at some of the popular career opportunities in sports management:

Sports agents play a crucial role in representing athletes and negotiating contracts on their behalf. You must work closely with athletes, teams, and sponsors to secure favourable deals, manage endorsements, and handle legal matters.

As a sports marketing professional, you should work on developing strategies to promote teams, athletes, and events. You must also collaborate with sponsors, broadcasters, and advertisers to maximise exposure and drive fan engagement.

From organising local tournaments to managing large-scale international events, sports event management professionals ensure that sporting events run smoothly. As an event organiser, you must handle logistics, budgeting, venue selection, marketing, ticket sales, and overall event operations.

Sports facility managers oversee the venue and training centres’ day-to-day operations, maintenance, scheduling, and safety. You would be expected to collaborate with event organisers, coordinate staffing, and ensure the optimal functioning of facilities.

If you have a passion for sports and a desire to combine your love for the game with an exciting career, sports management might be the perfect fit for you. Enrol in a bachelor’s or master’s degree programme in sports management to kickstart your dream career.

Check out the Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in Sport and Event Management offered at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE), Germany to gain in-depth knowledge of the sports industry and unlock exciting career opportunities.

At UE, you can learn from industry experts who will help you develop essential skills in relevant subject areas. You will also get opportunities to attend various industry events and build your network which will help you launch your career in sports management.

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