Working in sports is a dream for millions of people, but in a competitive industry, you’ll need to work hard to make it a reality. There are so many different careers within sports. You’re likely to find one that’s a good match for your skills and interests. Even if you have an idea of what you want to do, it can be a good idea to take internships and do as much research as possible to learn about the inner workings of different parts of the industry before deciding on a major. That way, you can identify which industry sector you want to work in as early as possible and focus on the most relevant coursework available to you. You may even find that you fall in love with a field you didn’t know about before. If you want to work in sports one day, keep reading to learn more about careers in the sports industry and how you can prepare yourself for one.
How can you prepare yourself for a career in sports?
If you’re still in high school, talk to a college counselor about your aspirations and what you can do to get yourself on the right path early. You don’t need to put too much pressure on yourself, but it’s not a bad idea to make a plan for the college admission process. Anyone who does have a particular job or career in mind should research what major will best prepare them for the work they would be doing. When deciding which colleges to apply to, focus on finding the school best suited to your needs, not the one with the most famous name.
Anyone who already has an undergraduate degree should consider sports administration online masters programs if they’re serious about a long-term career, especially if your undergraduate degree isn’t in a field closely aligned with your current goals. For example, a master’s in sports administration will give you the skills you need to pursue work in areas like facilities management, public relations, marketing, and athletic administration.
What careers are available within the sports industry?
There are various careers available within the sports industry, from being an agent to a contract lawyer to a sports physician. While it’s a good idea to think about what you want to specialize in early, it’s perfectly okay if you aren’t sure yet. Internships, classes, and your own experiences will help you find out what you’re interested in. However, if you’re intrigued by a specific field, consider reaching out to a professional to see if you can ask some questions to learn more about what their day-to-day is like.
Sports law is one of the most engaging and lucrative sectors of the sports world, though it does require more formal schooling than many other careers. Sports lawyers have the opportunity to handle some of the country’s most important cases for athletes and to negotiate big deals from some of the greatest stars of our generation. However, it’s worth noting that law school is notoriously challenging, and tuition has steadily risen over the past few decades. Therefore, it’s important that you feel confident in your decision, especially if you plan to take out student loans.
There are few things more central to American life than sports, and working in the industry can be exciting and rewarding. Depending on what type of career you intend to pursue, you may want to prioritize a graduate degree. A master’s in sports administration is one of the more versatile degree options for those aspiring to make it in the industry. Law school provides a more relevant education if you want to be a sports lawyer or an agent. Take the time to ask questions, and don’t be afraid to change your mind if you fall in love with something new. Whether your skills lie in law, math, science, or the arts, there is likely a career within the sports world that would be a good fit for you.
