If you would like to combine your passion for sports and athletics with your interest in business, then you might be wondering, what is sports management and what can you do with a sports management degree? This dynamic and versatile field allows professionals to be immersed in the world of sports while refining their business acumen. Knowing what this field encompasses and what career opportunities are available can help you decide if sports management is the right major for you.
Defining Sports Management
When pondering the question of “What is sports management?” it is often described as a dynamic and fast-paced field. Sports management refers to the process of overseeing and managing sports organizations. While it may seem synonymous with sports administration, Indeed notes that the sports management field focuses more heavily on the business aspect of running a sports organization, however, it deals with athlete development and recruitment, even though it may not always be the primary focus for all sports managers.
Definition and Scope of Sports Management
SHAPE America defines sport management as the process of organizing, controlling, and leading a sports organization, either within a professional or recreational context. While sports as a whole may seem like a niche industry, the scope of the sports management field is quite broad. For example, sports management professionals can utilize their skills in a variety of professional settings, including sports organizations, event management, facilities management, recreational sports, or sports marketing firms.
The Evolution of Sports Management as a Field
The sports management field evolved steadily from the intense public interest in sports, and the economic activity that the sports industry generates. Per SHAPE America, the sports industry is one of the largest industries in the United States economy, and the increased media interest in sports highlights the demand for qualified and skilled professionals.
Educational Pathways in Sports Management
Commonly, those who are interested in pursuing professional opportunities in the sports management industry consider a degree in sports management. Is sports management a good major? Take a closer look at the courses and degree programs in this field and decide if it is the right choice for you.
Key Courses and Subjects in a Sports Management Degree
A sports management degree program is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the sports industry, while also allowing them to develop the intuitive business skills needed to effectively manage a sports organization or facility.
Some of the key courses that are required as part of a sports management degree curriculum include:
- Business Concepts in Sports
- Global Sports
- Business Ethics
- Professional Communication
- Sports Marketing
- Sports Event Management
- Business Fundamentals
- Change Management
By balancing the industry-specific courses with fundamental business courses, the sports management degree program provides students with a comprehensive education that prepares them with the skills needed for this growing industry.
Undergraduate vs. Graduate Studies in Sports Management
There are both undergraduate and graduate sports management degree programs available. Students who are interested in pursuing entry-level positions in the field and developing a foundational understanding of the sports industry may be interested in an undergraduate degree program. On the other hand, experienced professionals may be looking into a graduate degree program to develop advanced skills and business acumen.
Core Competencies and Skills for Sports Management Professionals
Aspiring sports management professionals will want to focus on developing industry-specific skills as well as business acumen, as the process of managing and overseeing sports organizations requires professionals to have adept business understanding and skills.
These are some of the core competencies and skills required for sports management professionals:
Leadership and Team Management
Sports management professionals need to be inspirational leaders who can motivate those around them. The leadership skills of a sports management professional have a direct impact on the overall culture in a workplace, which translates into the productivity of the department and the success of the organization.
Marketing, Sponsorship, and Public Relations
A significant portion of sports management is focused on promotions and marketing. For a sports organization to be successful, it must have a fan base, which means that the organization must be promoted to a targeted audience. Aspiring sports professionals should have a solid working background in marketing, public relations, and sponsorship, and they should always be monitoring the latest trends to take advantage of new promotional opportunities.
Financial Management in Sports
At its core, the sports management profession is anchored by the world of business, which means that those in the industry must have advanced financial skills. Sports management professionals are often in charge of creating, implementing, and monitoring the budget for the organization, and they must be able to make actionable decisions that drive revenue and promote overall growth within the organization.
Career Opportunities in Sports Management
So, what can you do with a sports management degree? Those who are considering a sports management degree will find that they are able to develop the skills needed to pursue a variety of career opportunities in sport management.
These are some of the most common careers in the sports management field:
Sports Agent and Athlete Representation
Sports agents and athlete representatives are sports management professionals who work to represent individual athletes and promote their business interests. Sports agents must rely on their business and marketing skills to secure sponsorship deals and other opportunities for the athletes they represent, while simultaneously protecting their personal assets and brand image.
Event and Facility Management
Another common career opportunity for those in the sports management field is event and facility management. Sports facilities managers work to oversee the operations of the individual facility, often relying on their marketing skills and business acumen to secure top-tier events for the facility. They work to oversee ticket sales, facility operations, staffing, and more, ensuring that all events that take place at the sports facility run smoothly and meet consumer expectations.
Roles in Sports Marketing and Media
Sports marketing is a niche field within the broader marketing industry, and it refers to the process of promoting a sports organization or sports facility. Sports marketing can be incredibly powerful and can have a direct impact on the revenue generated by an individual sports organization.
Impact of Technology on Sports Management
Technology will continue to impact and change the field of sports management. Advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality, will continue to change what daily life looks like for sports managers. However, sports management professionals will still need to utilize the foundational skills that they developed early in their careers to succeed in this dynamic field.
Challenges and Trends in Sports Management
Taking into consideration shifting consumer behavior and the impact that technology will continue to have on the sports management field, there are challenges to be aware of within this industry.
Navigating the Global Sports Industry
Globalization in sports is one of the most significant challenges being faced by the sports management industry. On one hand, the growing global sports industry is opening up new opportunities and new market segments, but it is also increasing the competition for sports organizations.
Ethical Considerations in Sports Management
In light of recent social and cultural shifts, the sports industry as a whole is being challenged to prioritize social responsibility and other ethical considerations. Creating a culture that is inclusive, equitable, and accessible is necessary in the modern, global sports industry, and sports management professionals will need to develop a keen sense of cultural awareness to effectively navigate the corporate landscape.
Preparing for a Career in Sports Management
For more detailed information about careers in sports management, be sure to check out resources provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). These resources can offer valuable insights.
Internships and Professional Networking
While you are pursuing a sports management degree, you will want to begin building your professional network. One of the best ways to do that is to secure internships that will allow you to enjoy hands-on experience in the industry while making connections with established professionals at sports organizations in the local area. Internships in sports organizations or sports marketing firms can also help you tailor your career path and pursue a specialization that best aligns with your interests and skills.
Continuing Education and Certification
After earning your degree in sports management, you may find that there are continuing education and certification opportunities that can help you enhance your skill set while advancing your career.
Explore Sports Management at Post University
At Post University, we offer a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management that allows you to explore the foundations of the sports industry. Our rigorous curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including societal sport, sports administration, sports marketing, sports event management, and sport law, to name a few. Throughout this degree program, you will have the opportunity to develop the skills that are in demand within the sports industry.
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Please note jobs and/or career outcomes highlighted in this blog do not reflect jobs or career outcomes expected from any Post program. To learn more about Post’s programs and their outcomes, please fill out a form to speak with an admissions advisor.