According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s 2014 employment statistics, there are 135,790 jobs in the sports industry, and competition is stiff. So, how do you stand out from the crowd to launch your career
Get the right education
A degree with a concentration in sports administration is an excellent first step toward a career in the industry. Sport Administration programs focus on developing the necessary competencies and skills, ranging from accounting to public relations. Because a career in sports business requires a diverse knowledge base and skill set, and because the facets of the industry are always evolving, a Sports Administration M.A., rather than an MBA, better prepares you for your future career.
The University of Miami’s Kinesiology and Sport Sciences department, for example, offers a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.ED.) and a Master’s of Science in Education (M.S.ED.) within the discipline knowns as Sports Administration. Each program orients coursework around professional development and emphasizes leadership, organization, ethics, marketing, and legal issues launching a Career in Sports Business: Everything You Need to Know.
There has never been a better time to enter the field of sports business. According to Plunkett Research, the industry is presently estimated to be $1.5 trillion globally and is expected to increase by more than 7% per year over the next five years. No one really knows the economic magnitude of the global sports industry, but what we do know is that it is significant. For example, the University of Miami estimates the U.S. sports industry's job growth between 2010 and 2014 to be 13%, with a decade-ending growth of 23% in 2018. Not only that, but the U.S. sports industry itself is estimated to be $73.5 billion.
University of Miami’s world-class faculty not only prepare you in the classroom or online for the intellectual demands of a career in the sports business but also supervise your fieldwork, which provides you with hands-on, real-world experience.
Get your foot in the door
At the University of Miami, students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in one of the most vibrant sports communities in the country. Students are required to complete internships, which are often the first step toward a job with an organization. Past internships have included opportunities with industry powerhouses such as the Miami Heat, Miami Dolphins, and Miami Marlins. Completing your Master’s degree on-campus or online means you have taken a giant step forward toward achieving your dream of working in the sport industry.
Build a network
More than ever before, building a network is a professional must. Fortunately, the University of Miami’s outstanding faculty, administrators, and staff know how crucial a network is to a successful career.
The network you build at the University of Miami will help you showcase your talents and skills throughout your career. 50% of the current UM class works in the sports industry, which means you’ll study with people who will become part of your network. Not only that, but UM’s world-class faculty members bring their years of professional field experience into the classroom. Lastly, UM’s alumni network includes graduates of the Sports Administration program —people who want to help you succeed.
UM facilitates your growing network not only through the interactions you have with classmates, faculty, alumni, and field experience as well as through events like the UM Sports Conference. UM’sdigital conferences are also available for online students who cannot attend local events.
Brand yourself
The sports industry is a diverse field. Branding yourself is one significant way you can establish yourself. In addition, given the competitive field, developing your brand allows you to stand out from the crowd.
The sports administration programs at the University of Miami focus on strengthening both personal and organizational brands. You’ll learn how to use social media to speak to your strengths and professional goals. You can also learn from experts such as Professor Windy Des and Alicia Jessup, who were recently recognized as top influences in the sports business profession.
The possibilities of leveraging social media into career success are virtually endless. Social media is not a novelty, but a necessity in any successful marketing strategy.
A career in the sports industry is exciting, challenging, and rewarding. Making sure you’re as prepared as possible turns your dream into reality. That’s why the University of Miami’s graduate programs in the Sports Administration should be the first step. To find out more, call the advisors' toll free on 800-411-2290or visit the site for more information.
