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Determining the best major to pursue my career goal.
I am a senior at Mandarin High School in Jacksonville FL. I have been a student athlete throughout my tenure at the school. In addition to this, for the past three years I have been able to maintain and part-time employment. I excelled in math classes and was placed in honors math courses.
I have and desire to pursue a career path involving sports.
What is difference between sports management and sports business management majors? Is there a variation on the principle of study and do they prepare students to be qualified to be considered for any position involving operation of sports and managing athletes?
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Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
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Paul’s Answer
There are several things that you can do in order to determine what you want to major in when you attend college.
Remember, you will have two years (until you declare a major at the beginning of your junior year in college), to make a final determination, of what you want to do. So, definitely take advantage of this time and complete your General University Requirements (during your first two years), so you can eventually progress into a major.
You might start out by exploring your personal interests and strengths through activities like career assessments and the courses that you will be taking in your first two years. There will be a variety of things, that you will be taking. This includes Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Math, and other courses. So definitely use these classes to determine where your strongest interests are.
Next, research different majors, their course content, and potential career paths by conducting informational interviews with professors and people at the college career center, and investigating job market trends.
Finally, consider your long-term goals and values, and remember that it is okay to start as an undecided student and change your major as you learn more about yourself and different fields.
I have a basic formula, when it comes to determining a major or a future occupation related to that major. Choose something that you love to do, not just a passion, but really love. It must be something that you love so much, that even if they did not pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway. American historian, David McCullough, said it even more clearly. He stated that he loved writing about history so much, that he would have paid someone, so that he could do it every day. His love of his major and occupation was this great.
Remember, you will have two years (until you declare a major at the beginning of your junior year in college), to make a final determination, of what you want to do. So, definitely take advantage of this time and complete your General University Requirements (during your first two years), so you can eventually progress into a major.
You might start out by exploring your personal interests and strengths through activities like career assessments and the courses that you will be taking in your first two years. There will be a variety of things, that you will be taking. This includes Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Math, and other courses. So definitely use these classes to determine where your strongest interests are.
Next, research different majors, their course content, and potential career paths by conducting informational interviews with professors and people at the college career center, and investigating job market trends.
Finally, consider your long-term goals and values, and remember that it is okay to start as an undecided student and change your major as you learn more about yourself and different fields.
I have a basic formula, when it comes to determining a major or a future occupation related to that major. Choose something that you love to do, not just a passion, but really love. It must be something that you love so much, that even if they did not pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway. American historian, David McCullough, said it even more clearly. He stated that he loved writing about history so much, that he would have paid someone, so that he could do it every day. His love of his major and occupation was this great.
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Megan’s Answer
Hi Kendyel,
Did you know that as a Florida student, you have access to Xello a career and college readiness tool that lets you explore careers? There are career profiles, major profiles and more. I think it could help you explore the two options you are considering! If you did not already know about Xello be sure to ask your counselor about it.
Major offerings often vary by school I would look into the specific courses offered for each major. The other thing to keep in mind is that you do not HAVE to jump into your major right away. You can spend your first two years working on your general education courses and spend time talking to your Academic Advisor, Professors, and others on campus before choosing which major you want to pursue.
Do you plan on being an athlete in college? I would encourage you to pursue being an athlete, giving you a way to continue working with athletes, talking to coaches, and building connections. Another thing you can do is look for on-campus jobs in the athletic department. Another good place to build experience and connections.
You will also want to work you the Career Services office on campus to try and find an internship during or after college to gain experience.
I hope this helps!
Did you know that as a Florida student, you have access to Xello a career and college readiness tool that lets you explore careers? There are career profiles, major profiles and more. I think it could help you explore the two options you are considering! If you did not already know about Xello be sure to ask your counselor about it.
Major offerings often vary by school I would look into the specific courses offered for each major. The other thing to keep in mind is that you do not HAVE to jump into your major right away. You can spend your first two years working on your general education courses and spend time talking to your Academic Advisor, Professors, and others on campus before choosing which major you want to pursue.
Do you plan on being an athlete in college? I would encourage you to pursue being an athlete, giving you a way to continue working with athletes, talking to coaches, and building connections. Another thing you can do is look for on-campus jobs in the athletic department. Another good place to build experience and connections.
You will also want to work you the Career Services office on campus to try and find an internship during or after college to gain experience.
I hope this helps!
Updated
Phil’s Answer
Hey Kendyel, great to you are interested in a career revolving the athletics world! Both of those major are likely the same in context. Different schools will call their programs by various names but they will mostly cover the same topics. I would suggest looking at universities with a major like you call out as well as them having a strong athletics program. When you are in school, get a job in the athletics department, even if it means volunteering at first. When you graduate you'll have a ton of experience and will have formed the relationships needed to continue down this career path in your professional life. Often times working for a large Division 1 school is a better job than professional sports but experience in the college world is the best way to make the jump to professional teams. As an athlete today you will be more familiar than most with how athletic teams operate and what they need to be successful, use that to your advantage once you get into college.