careersin-sportmanagement

“You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.”  

-Michael Jordan

Sport Management allows students to enter the industry through a variety of positions, which promote the business of sport and how it fits into society. The Sport Management program will prepare you to apply business principles to the sports industry.  The careers in this field cover a wide range of areas including public relations, representation, accounting, finance, and business management.  Some examples of those employing sport management professionals include academic institutions, major league and minor league professional sports franchises, independent sports confederations, sporting goods companies, and independent sports marketing and management consulting firms.

To view the department’s website:  http://www.wpunj.edu/cosh/departments/kinesiology/index.dot

Interests & Skills…

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills   
  • Ability to multi-task
  • Strong knowledge of sport industry
  • Work well in teams
  • Leadership
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Work Environment:  The job responsibilities and environment will vary depending on the type of organization, area of the sport industry, and the level of management.  The positions will involve business aspects of sport and can include 50-60 hour work weeks and night and weekend hours, as well as some travel.  A sports manager may be involved in event management, sports broadcasting and media relations, or the sales of sporting goods. The job duties can involve working with corporations in special event promotions and sponsorships as well as accounting, ticketing, and financial operations of a sporting event or program.  One of the expressed benefits of working in the field is working with people who share the love of sports which provides an enjoyable work setting.  Health and wellness benefits are usually excellent in this field.

Job Titles:

Team Marketing and Business Operations

Director of Sports Management

Sales Representative

Senior Executive Recruiter

Arena Management

Community Relations Coordinator

General Manager

Manager of Promotions

Operations Manager

Product Licensing Manager

Program Coordinator

Football Operations Assistant

Box Office Manager

Accountant

Marketing and Promotions Director

Community Sports Program Director

Academic Services for Student Athletics

Corporate Sales Director

Director of Ticketing and Finance

Sporting Goods Sales Representative

Intramural Director of Campus Recreation

Facilities Coordinator

Fitness Manager

Athletic Director

Sports Agent

Athletic Business Manager

 

Enhance Your Qualifications:  Students who major in Sport Management at William Paterson University have various opportunities to enhance their skills.  For example, students can become involved with athletics such as club or intramural sports and event management or employment with Recreational Services, which can provide you with experience in areas related to the field.  Students can join campus clubs and organizations such as the Kinesiology Majors Club or those offered in the Cotsakos College of Business, since the major will involve some business courses.  An internship experience is also an important part of developing your qualifications.

 

Related Web Sites:

Occupational Outlook Handbook  www.bls.gov/oco

JobsinSports.com  http://www.jobsinsports.com/sports-management-jobs.cfm

North American Society for Sport Management  http://www.nassm.com/

Sports Management Careers  http://sportsmanagementcareers.org

Other sources:

Please drop by the Career Development and Advisement Center to learn more about careers in sport management. Visiting the Kinesiology Department can also be beneficial in obtaining further information.