I want to work in sports
Career opportunities in the sports industry aren’t limited to those with an athletic ability; there is a wide range of career paths for non-athletes too. You can work for a specific franchise in roles like marketing, analytics and accounting or support the team through scouting, coaching and management. There are also opportunities to produce content as a sideline reporter and beat writer, or provide mental and physical help as an athletic trainer. Many of these careers require travel as well as working nights, weekends and holidays.
Career Snapshot
- Salary Range – $34,750 - $236,730 annually (stats from Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary varies by industry, education level and experience)
- Work Environment – irregular office hours, sports facility, travel required
Things to think about
Top qualities and skills needed for sports careers
Communication & Analytical Mindset
You will need to express ideas, analysis and needs in a clear and effective way to get tasks completed in a timely matter. Breaking down data, discerning patterns and developing communication strategies is essential to the teams’ success.
Teamwork
Teams need every player to be all in and that includes those who support them behind the scenes. Every department within the organization works in close communication and often collaborates with external stakeholders.
Flexibility
You might be tasked to do things that are not in your job description. Demonstrating that you can perform many tasks or even travel at a moment’s notice is essential to moving up in the sports industry.
Perseverance
Not every team will have a winning season. The long hours required in sports can have an effect on office morale and passion. Focus on controlling what you can control such as effort and attitude.
Most Surprising Majors
Handshake Job Search Terms
- Athletics
- Trainer
- Sports
- Competition
- In-game
Things You Can Do
Seek opportunities on campus to start developing skills.
Get Involved
Play sports or learn about opportunities in the industry through Rec Center Intramural Sports or with a sports focus.
Get Connected
Start connecting with professionals at local sports organizations or shadow someone in the athletics department on campus. Find ways to make these connections at Career Services.
Get Experience
Find opportunities to develop on-the-job skills. Assisting sports organizations through an internship or on-campus job can help with this. Many sports organizations seek volunteers to help with game day operations. Find these opportunities through:
- - Login and search using keywords like “sports”
- Handshake - Login and search by industry, job function or keyword
- Volunteer Resource Center - Search the calendar or organization database
Get Engaged
Learn more about the opportunities available in the sports industry through the Business of Sports Certificate available at CU «Ƶ.
Get Informed
Researching the organization you’d like to work for is an essential step to discovering your career path while in school. Use Industry Insider to learn more about careers within or .