How to Get a Job in Sport

One of the most common reactions I get when explaining my job is either a confused look or the inevitable question: “How did you get into that industry?” While the first would make for an amusing sociology paper on shifting career trends, the second is something I can actually help with, especially for those looking to break into the sports world.

Like many industries, there’s no set, linear path to getting a job in sport. That’s what makes it tricky when giving advice. However, there are guiding principles and actions that can improve your chances significantly.

What Exactly Do We Mean by ‘Sport’?

“Sport” is a broad term that encompasses a wide variety of jobs across multiple sectors. Millions of people work in this ever-evolving industry, which is set to be worth $260 billion by 2033. But, as large as it is, it remains fiercely competitive.

The key is to be clear about which area of sport you want to work in. Pinpointing specific sectors of interest will help you focus on the skills you need to develop. I encourage anyone just starting out to pick two or three areas that appeal to them and do some initial research into those career paths. Here’s a visual of some key sub-sectors:

The key is to be clear about which area of sport you want to work in. Pinpointing specific sectors of interest will help you focus on the skills you need to develop. I encourage anyone just starting out to pick two or three areas that appeal to them and do some initial research into those career paths. Here’s a visual of some key sub-sectors:

Do I Need a Degree in Sport to Work in Sport?

Nope! In fact, most of my colleagues don’t have sports-related degrees. What matters far more than the type of degree you have—or if you have one at all—are the skills you bring to the table. Whether you learn them through university, internships, or by teaching yourself, it’s those skills that will get you noticed. The sports industry often rewards generalists, people who can do a little bit of everything, over narrow specialists.

If you’re unsure where to start building your skillset, here are a few areas I recommend:

• Basic Power BI and Tableau
• SQL
• Advanced Excel
• Photoshop
• Video editing
• Sales skills

 

That said, having a degree in sport can certainly help. Institutions like the University Campus of Football Business (UCFB) have strong reputations and connections, which can open doors for their graduates. Two-thirds of UCFB’s graduates work in sport post-graduation, and 69% of its master’s students land jobs in the industry. But don’t worry if you’re not ready to specialise at 18, it’s okay to explore your options.

 

Hard Work Pays Off

Hard work is the cornerstone of success in any industry, and that’s especially true in sport. The competition is fierce, and you’ll need to stand out. Build your personal brand and go the extra mile, people notice that.

My first job was with Global Data (formerly Sportcal), where I spent an hour each morning scouring the news for interesting titbits. Over the course of a year, this small daily effort compounded into a deep understanding of the industry, which has served me well ever since. Even now, I set aside time each week to stay updated on trends and industry news.

In a future blog, I’ll dive deeper into some of the best resources out there, but for now, here are a few recommendations:

Podcasts:

• Unofficial Partner Podcast
• The Price of Football
• Business of Sport Podcast
• Are You Not Entertained?

 

Books:

• A Perfect Storm by Roger Mitchell
• What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School by Mark McCormack
• Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game by Michael Lewis

 

Websites & Newsletters:

• SportsPro Media
• Oakwell Sports
• Sportico
• Just Women’s Sports
• SVG Europe
• Inside World Football
• Insider Sport
• SportsPundit

 

Internships and Volunteering

When I first started out, I wanted to be a sports journalist. I reached out to various publications and eventually landed a gig with a small blog called Fresh Arsenal, dedicated (as you might guess) to all things Arsenal FC. This experience was invaluable and gave me something concrete to talk about during my sandwich year placement interview at Global Data.

Volunteering or interning shows potential employers that you’re passionate and capable. I’d encourage anyone starting out to get as much experience as possible, as early as possible. Whether it’s helping at a local football club, parkrun, or triathlon, hands-on involvement is key.

Some of the best internships in the sector include:

• Nike Sports Marketing Placement
• Two Circles Internship
• IMG Marketing Internship

 

Networking

After internships and volunteering, networking is the most critical thing you can do. The sports industry is small, and word-of-mouth plays a huge role in job opportunities. Attend events, conferences, and talks by industry leaders. Don’t be afraid to reach out but make it personal. Think outside the box, perhaps a letter instead of a LinkedIn message?

Tailor your communication to the person you’re contacting. Show them that you’ve done your homework and explain your passion for the industry. Yes, you’ll get plenty of “no”s and non-responses, but persistence pays off when that one reply finally comes through.

 

Help Is at Hand

At Starting Out Sports, we want to help you break into the industry. Whether it’s improving your CV, answering your questions, or giving you that nudge in the right direction, feel free to email us at info@startingoutsports.com.

This is just the beginning of a weekly blog series that will dive deeper into these topics (and more). Our website also features testimonials from people in the industry and a collection of resources for anyone looking to get their start.

We’re here to break down the barriers and make your dream job in sport a reality.