Working in sports is an experience like no other! Being able to work in a field that you are passionate about definitely has its benefits. That said, working in sports is no easy task as it requires long hours in a fast-paced environment. What most people do not realize is the multitude of jobs that are available in sports ranging from sales, customer service, fundraising, marketing, operations, social media, tourism, hospitality, communications, finance, legal/HR, entertainment, and much more! Plus, the sports industry offers opportunities across professional and minor leagues, colleges, agencies, corporate marketing brands and much more.
Why it’s so unique
When you work in sport you get to work with a lot of different people that have similar goals and have a passion for creating successes in whatever way they can. Having a strong culture is crucial for an organization to be successful on and off the playing surface and being able to play a part in the success is what drives many of us. We like to receive recognition for our successes and are open to sharing our best practices with other teams and leagues to help everyone be more successful.
One of the best things about working in this industry is the people. You never have to look far for a mentor who is willing to help get you to the next level in your career, so make sure you have some mentors in your network as this is a key to your long-term success. theClubhouse® is a great example of mentorship in action. It is a platform where leaders across the sports industry have volunteered to be mentors in an effort to help others grow and develop. It is strongly encouraged for you to secure a mentor via theClubhouse® or become a mentor to help others in our industry as I have.
What to know:
If you want to be successful in the sports industry there are a few important items to know:
· You will often be asked to do much more than what your job title states, which is a good thing! Understanding all the facets of the industry will help you have success.
· Being able to work with all the departments within your organization as it helps when everyone understands each other’s roles, goals, and objectives.
· Being a people person helps! No matter what type of job you have in sport it is very important to understand the customer service aspect of our industry. We create experiences and build passion and knowing how to relate to all types of people and scenarios helps you do this and work well with others.
As you can see, working in sports can be very rewarding; you meet amazing people, have amazing experiences, and learn so many new things about something you are passionate about. If you want to work in an industry with tremendous passion and amazing people who work hard to meet a common objective, the sport industry is for you!