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A career in sports is what dreams are made of for a lot of people. The thought of playing, or coaching, or just being in the environment always warms the blood. But, the red stuff cools down again when you realize how hard it is to break down the barrier. Unfortunately, the sports industry is one that is exclusive and insular, which means it isn’t open to the public.
The good news is that the tricks of the trade always get out in the end. With that in mind, the following tips are from old pros who have worked throughout the industry. If these don’t open doors, nothing will.
1: Start Young
Let’s face it – everyone wants to be a player before they are a
2: Sacrifice
It isn’t a nice thought, but even children at a young age have to sacrifice a lot if they want to succeed. The truth is that sports franchises don’t have the time to babysit individuals. They want people to act a certain way from the beginning to give everyone the best chance of progression. That means training hard, cutting off friends, and avoiding girls and alcohol. While the rest of the group does everything that a kid dreams of, you will have to put it off until later. Whether you look at Lionel Messi or Kobe Bryant, they all went through the same thing.
3: Work Weekends
Maybe your playing days are behind you? If they are, you need to find a new avenue. Coaching is an excellent way to get your foot in the door as long as you are ready to commit. The reality is that coaches don’t get a lot of money, and they work long hours. But, it’s the long hours that pay off in the end. Working weekends not only shows your dedication but also helps you keep up with the trends. Sports don’t run off gut feel anymore. Thanks to techniques like Moneyball, organizations understand the importance of qualifications. In 2017, they want people with the right skill set because sports always change. That means there is no time for a day off.
4: Go Back To School
Experience is one of the best ways to gain the knowledge you need to succeed. But, it isn’t the only option. Going back to school isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Adelphi offers a sports management degree online which is worth considering. A university doesn’t seem like the best place to learn more about an industry that is scared of the outside world. But, the world is changing, and so is the industry. A degree is as good a way as any to learn about how the sector works, and how to break down the door. Plus, it stands out a mile on a resume. Certain roles in sports won’t accept you without one anyway. Sports journalists or management positions, for example, only hire university graduates.
A career in sports is what dreams are made of for a lot of people. The thought of playing, or coaching, or just being in the environment always warms the blood. But, the red stuff cools down again when you realise how hard it is to break down the barrier.Click To Tweet5: Make Contacts
Sports are boys’ clubs. Anyone that doesn’t understand this won’t get very far. But, if you can wrap your head around the concept, it’s possible to use it to your advantage. Think about it rationally for a minute, and you’ll see the big picture. Sports rely on recommendations from trustworthy sources, so you need a referral. How do you get one? You can start by networking. Making contacts is the best way to keep your ear close to the ground and snap up an opportunity that comes along. You might have to do them a favor in the process, but that is part and parcel of being a part of the industry.
Who knows? Once you break into the industry, maybe you can change the way it works. After all, you have to play the game before you can change the game.
Looks at the different careers in the sports management and administration field, discussing training, education, and work conditions.
