The outlook for a career in sports management is optimistic and promising. The sports industry today continues to grow internationally, creating a wide range of opportunities for students interested in sports management careers. Here are some key reasons that contribute to the encouraging outlook:
1. Continued Growth of the Sports Industry: The sports industry is expanding rapidly, encompassing various sectors such as college sports, esports, professional sports teams, sports media, and marketing, event and facility management, nonprofit sports, analytics, and more. This growth is driven by factors like increasing fan engagement, media rights deals, sponsorship investments, and the globalization of sports. As the industry expands, the demand for skilled sports management professionals also intensifies.
2. Diverse Career Paths: The Sport Management program at Misericordia University offers students a diverse range of career paths and opportunities. There are three program degree options to choose from, a) a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management, b) a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Sport Management specialization, and c) a 4+1 MBA Program- Bachelor of Science in Business & a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Sport Management Specialization.
Graduates can work in areas such as sports marketing, and communications, sport league operations, athlete management, event management, facility management, sports media relations, sports analytics, sports finance, and sports law. This diversity allows individuals to find a niche that aligns with their interests and skills.
At Misericordia University, the Sport Management program offers students increased opportunities for success. The University is home to the Sport Management Association (SMA), led by Dr. David Gargone, an advisor and associate professor in the sport management department.
With SMA, students are given multiple opportunities to attend trips to places like Arizona, New York City, Indiana, and more. With these trips, students are exposed to networking opportunities with professionals in their desired career paths. In the sport management department, the importance of networking is extremely emphasized so opportunities like this allow for immense student success.
3. Global Reach and International Opportunities: Sports have a global appeal, and the sports industry operates on an international scale. This provides opportunities for sport management professionals to work in various countries and collaborate with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds. International events like the Olympics, FIFA World Cup, and major sporting tournaments create additional job prospects and the chance to work on a global stage.
4. Technological Advancements: Technological advancements have significantly impacted on the sports industry, creating new opportunities and career paths. The rise of digital media, data analytics, virtual reality, esports, and sports technology has opened doors for individuals with expertise in these areas. Sport management professionals who stay updated with emerging technologies can leverage these advancements to enhance fan experiences, improve athlete performance, and drive business growth.
5. Increasing Emphasis on Sports Business and Analytics: The sports industry is becoming more data-driven, leading to a growing demand for individuals with strong analytical skills. Sports organizations are increasingly relying on data analysis to make informed decisions related to player performance, fan engagement, marketing strategies, and revenue generation. Professionals with a background in sport management and analytics are well positioned to capitalize on this trend.
While the outlook for a career in sports management is positive, it is important to note that the industry is highly competitive. Building a successful career in sport management often requires a combination of relevant education, practical and numerous volunteer and internship experiences, and a passion for sports. Additionally, gaining industry-specific knowledge and staying updated with industry trends and developments can enhance career prospects in this dynamic field.
More about Sport Management at MU
The sport management department at Misericordia University is unique, as it requires 12 credit hours of internship experience to graduate. This requirement forces students to gain experience and have an upper hand post-graduation.
Students have meetings with their advisors to decide what internships will set them up best for their future. The 12-hour requirement typically entails two to four internships, depending on what they are. Some may be local in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area and others can be done over the summer near the student’s hometown. This program is built for students to succeed in, and this is just one of the several ways.
About the authors:
Casey Funesti is a sophomore student at Misericordia University, studying sport management with a minor in mass communications. Casey is a member of the Sport Management Association, a writer/reporter for The Highlander, and member of the softball team at Misericordia.
Gary Bernstein is an Instructor in the College of Business teaching Business and Sport Management courses and serves as the Faculty Advisor to the Business Professional Association. He often writes on Leadership, Management and Fundraising topics and is an ongoing contributor to Community Rec Magazine. Before coming to MU, Mr. Bernstein served as a Chief Executive Officer in the nonprofit sector.