Sports Management

Over the years, a career in Sports Management has evolved from the opportunity of becoming a sports agent representing big names alone to include a wide variety of other roles. In fact, a range of career paths in sports management have emerged that can appeal to individuals with different interests and skill sets. This is fuelled by an increase in sporting events giving rise to several sporting companies. The only common trait that may be needed of individuals that pursue sports management careers is a life-long passion for sports. There are several opportunities that exist in this area from coaching and managing teams to event management to sports venue management to recreation management and more. The industry has a bright employment outlook for those who are willing to work and take advantage of this growth stage industry. In fact, this is one industry where the demand for qualified professionals far exceeds the supply. If enthusiasm and passion for sports define a candidate, this is the place to make a career out of this passion.

Qualifications needed for a Career in Sports Management
An MBA in Sports Management, designed to provide students with skills to work in the business aspect of sports be it professional sport, national and state sporting organizations and community sport, is ideal. The professional degree covers the financial, promotional, managerial, legal and other aspects of sport as a business, providing the skills required to work in areas such as managing organizations that conduct sporting competitions and major events.

Skills Needed for a Career in Sports Management

1. Passion for sports is the most important trait that is required for this particular segment.
2. As Sports Managers are born leaders, they need to know how to interact with people from a diverse background.
3. Innate ability to deal with media professionals, athletes, agents, scouts, coaches, the media persons.
4. To know how to work in a team as most of the sports are about combined team effort and direction.
5. Ability to deal with the pros and cons of the situation and deal with the decision-making skills in the needed manner.
6. Flawless organization skills such as ability to multi-task keep records, manage a calendar and plan things out in advance.
7. They should have strong ethical commitment to their field, so that they can steer away from scandals and defamation.
8. Ability to work in a high pressure environment and to put in long hours of work

Career Hierarchy in Sports Management
Graduates with MBA in Sports Management are prepared for well paying jobs at every level of the profession. Several job opportunities can be found in organizations as diverse as Collegiate Teams, Recreational Centers, Professional Sports organizations, Sports Equipment Merchandizing Companies, independent sports marketing and management consulting firms and more. Depending on where an individual’s interest level lies, one could look at becoming a Player Agent, Sports Marketer, Event Coordinator, Athletic Director or look for a host of other profiles . The multibillion-dollar industry offers a number of employment opportunities in areas such as marketing and general management.

Pros of Career in Sports Management
There are many benefits of a career in sports management. Primary among them is the huge exposure that a professional gets in the field. With passion in the field, professionals can make their way up fairly quickly. While the industry is competitive it is growing and thriving. Besides a range of career options in the industry, a candidate can look forward to a lot of perks not to mention an adrenaline pumping job profile.

Cons of Career in Sports Management
The one disadvantage of the industry is its highly competitive streak that can render jobs extremely high pressure. What is needed to succeed is the ability to work long hours and an overwhelming desire to succeed. Another con is that the longevity of the jobs is somewhat debatable if you are aspiring for a career as a sports manager, for example, as it is often attached with the success of the team or the athlete.

Who is a Career in Sports Management Good For
A Career in Sports Management is good for someone who has the real passion for sports, more than a just a hobby. The professional should be truly a people’s person and should know how to deal with various problems of the professionals, especially in conditions of high pressure. Along with communication, they should have the grip and tenacity over themselves so that they can handle friction, stress and pressure. In short, the career is not for the faint-hearted.

World’s top 10 Companies for a Career in Sports Management

1. Stats
2. Roc Nation Sports
3. IBM
4. Replay Technologies
5. Weinstein Carnegie Philanthropic Group
6. Northwestern University
7. ESPN
8. Unchartered Play
9. MLB Advanced Media
10. San Francisco 49Ers