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Are there career opportunities in the sports industry for my son?
Elaine Varelas offers valuable advice to parents and students considering the diverse career options in sports while emphasizing the importance of practical experience alongside education.
Q. My 17-year-old son is looking for colleges and has been a sports enthusiast his whole life. Are there career opportunities in the sports industry that would be worthwhile to pursue a degree in? I’m afraid to spend $40,000 a year or more on an education in sports management and contribute to a pipe dream.
A. While concerns about the cost of education are valid, a degree in sports management or a related field can lead to many lucrative and fulfilling careers. There are many promising career paths in the sports industry, and most are not in the highly visible areas people think of. While you don’t necessarily need a degree in Sports Management to go into this field, having some of that coursework can certainly help your son as he looks to advance in the field advances and demonstrate his commitment to the industry. Additionally, work experience through summer jobs and internships will enhance his ability to get that first professional job, and his continued successful employability.
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The sports industry offers diverse career opportunities. There are always opportunities in the front-office in administrative roles along with the back-office business. Professionals in the sports industry include technology, sports agents, licensing and legal affairs, players associations, event management, broadcasters, marketing, athletic directors, etc. And today, many universities are offering courses and degrees in sports analytics as they recognize that all of this has turned into a lucrative business. Sports analytics has rapidly transformed from a niche field to a critical strategic tool.
Also consider non-profit sports organizations. According to Adam Fisher, former Mets and Braves executive and current Executive Director at 78 Youth Sports in Brooklyn, “The youth non-profit sports space is currently in a state of need and growth, particularly in inner-city environments where there is less access and green space. Working in youth sports is a great way to make an impact in the lives of the families in your community.”
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To find the full range of jobs listed online review TeamWork Online. This site is one of leading hiring platforms and professional networks in sports and entertainment and has employers from the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, NWSL, college athletics, sports tech startups, agencies, etc. This site offers job opportunities ranging from internships to executives. Take time to explore sports job sites such as TeamWork Online as well as recruiting firms that focus on sports, such as Nolan Partners,TurnkeyZRG, etc. to see what types of roles are out there.
As in every career, passion helps someone succeed. Take this opportunity to sit with your son and review what interests him the most to help him focus on multiple career goals.
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