Working In Sports: Not Just For Athletes

By Megan Lehman on January 22, 2014

One of the biggest forms of entertainment in this world is athletics.  From being at the game to cheering from the couch, there are a lot of ways to be a part of the game without actually being in the game.  There are many ways to make a career in athletics.  For those looking to get their foot in the door, it is time to explore some options!

Athlete

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Yes, this one is the most obvious of options, but for those interested in joining the big leagues it is a completely possible goal.   Just keep in mind, I am not saying it would be easy.  To become a professional athlete, your life has to revolve around the sport.

Wiki How has a great article on how to become a professional soccer player that can be translated into the sport of your choice.  If you have the dedication, heart, and passion, your dream can definitely become a reality.

Requirements? Natural talent and the drive to work hard.

 

Sports Journalist

Image courtesy of Sports TV Jobs

Love sports, but participation really isn’t your thing? Then sports journalism is the thing for you.  All you need is a passion for the game and a way around a pen and paper. Get paid to watch sports and interview athletes? Yeah, seems a pretty sweet gig to me too.

Most sports journalists do not start off covering the pros, however. Tony Rogers, a reporter, editor, author, and professor of journalism with at least 25 years of experience, advises all aspiring journalists to start small.  Think of opportunities you have right now, like writing for your college paper or starting a small personal blog.  Options are there, you just need to be looking for them.

Requirements? The passion for writing.  If you want to cover the big leagues, a journalism degree would definitely be in order.

 

Marketing, Public Relations, and Human Resources

Image courtesy of Sommers Marketing and Public Relations

Do you have a knack for communication and working with people? If the answer is yes, then try taking a look into these communications fields in the sports and athletics world.

Marketing is all about promoting and selling a product you are passionate about.  If your passion is your favorite sports team, marketing is where you belong. Interested in keeping your sports hero looking like a hero? Public relations is all about helping the athletes and the people who train them keep that squeaky clean image we all so much enjoy.

Want to work behind the scenes with all the people who are making the magic happen? Human resources is the place for you. Being a part of the human resources department means you get to hire and train all new personnel. Ever wonder who it was that hired that coach or that athletic director who was, well, just awful?  Yeah, that was human resources.

Requirements? A business degree or a degree in the perspective field of business that you have taken a liking to.  For those truly interested in these three fields, internships are constantly taking applications from sports fans and aspiring businessmen and women.

 

Athletic Director

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This is the ultimate behind-the-scenes job.  According to education-portal.com, “high school athletic directors are administrators that oversee the school’s sports program.”

Serving as supervisors for coaches, they also manage the budget and assist in publicizing and advertising the school’s intramural and interscholastic events.

Requirements? Enjoy working with people and, obviously, sports.  A bachelor’s degree in sports management or physical education is necessary and a teaching certificate may be expected as well.

 

Athletic Trainer

Image courtesy of Nicholls State University

The athletic trainer works directly with the athletes themselves.  The National Athletic Trainers Association website states that athletic trainers are certified health care associates “who specialize in the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses that occur to athletes and the physically active.”  So, if you like live action as well as the rush and pace of a good game, life as an athletic trainer is  just what the doctor ordered.

Requirements? A bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited program.

 

Nutritionist

Image courtesy of A Nutritionist Eats

Eating a balanced and healthy diet is not just a life choice for athletes, but a mandatory routine.  If your interest piques when discussing health and well-being, especially when it comes to food, you were quite clearly meant to be a nutritionist.

Foothill College states that nutritionists, like dietitians, create food plans and programs, as well as oversee preparation of meals including ingredients and serving sizes.  While health and nutrition is and remains a growing field, choosing a path in nutrition proves to be a rewarding and gratifying career move.

Requirements?  A bachelor’s and master’s degree in nutritional sciences.  Knowing your way around the kitchen couldn’t hurt either.

As you can see, there is much more to the world of sports and athletics than just that of the coach and athlete.  For those interested in experiencing these career prospects, take a peek around internships.com and dip your hand in this ever popular and fast-growing field.

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