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How can I break into the sports analytics field?
I am currently a college undergrad majoring in math and minoring in applied analytics. If anyone can speak on the classes they took, or how they built connections, that would be greatly appreciated. #Spring25
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Frank’s Answer
Hey Hunter - There are a few tools that are increasingly common amongst NFL teams when it comes to analytics. These include Python, R, and SQL. Data & Statistical Analytics needs exist within all NFL teams nowadays; some teams place higher emphasis here on others. If this is a true passion and career aspiration, learn as much as you can about these platforms while in school. Equally - probably more - important, volunteer in your school's football department and apply these skills. Reach out to Directors of Football Operations, Directors of Football Analytics/Strategy and NFL General Managers about your skills and - more important - the impact you've made. Ask the football coaches to serve as a reference for you in your outreach. Keep an eye out for internships on LinkedIn, Teamworks Online and NFL team websites. Best of luck!
Thank you!
Hunter
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Aaron’s Answer
Hey Hunter!
I am unsure if you are still a student within USC or if you recently graduated but the advice remains the same. Look up the sports in business class which is an upperdivision elective course within the Marshall school of business. If you have the chance I would take this course specifically to learn about sports, but to also build connections. Within this course, they bring in a lot of different sports professionals to talk about their job and ways to break into them. Not only that, but building connections with the professor that teaches the class is huge. This professor will most likely have the inside scoop on internships and opportunities in the real world. There's also a great club on campus that is specifically centered around sports and business which includes sports analytics. Additionally, the college counselor's are great at USC and can help find you experience within your desired field choice. Good luck!
I am unsure if you are still a student within USC or if you recently graduated but the advice remains the same. Look up the sports in business class which is an upperdivision elective course within the Marshall school of business. If you have the chance I would take this course specifically to learn about sports, but to also build connections. Within this course, they bring in a lot of different sports professionals to talk about their job and ways to break into them. Not only that, but building connections with the professor that teaches the class is huge. This professor will most likely have the inside scoop on internships and opportunities in the real world. There's also a great club on campus that is specifically centered around sports and business which includes sports analytics. Additionally, the college counselor's are great at USC and can help find you experience within your desired field choice. Good luck!
Eddy Kroeze
Quality Management in an IT Business environment
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Eddy’s Answer
Hi Hunter,
Although I am not a specialist or into the field of sports analytics, not an athlete :-) , there are some advices I can give you in general on how building connections and maybe you tried them already.
If you are actively doing some sports today - maybe you can check with your coach and see what they have or do in this area.
Building relationships and connections is crucial, so maybe you have friends that do sports and you could maybe join them and ask for a chat with their trainer or coach and ask if they use analytic tools. Nowadays AI is getting more and more importance so check the internet to learn about AI basics as analytics - if it is business analytics, sports analytics it is all about data and how you can use the data and AI can (and maybe already is) a great asset that can help us humans. Not sure if this is helpful, and wish you success in your career!
Although I am not a specialist or into the field of sports analytics, not an athlete :-) , there are some advices I can give you in general on how building connections and maybe you tried them already.
If you are actively doing some sports today - maybe you can check with your coach and see what they have or do in this area.
Building relationships and connections is crucial, so maybe you have friends that do sports and you could maybe join them and ask for a chat with their trainer or coach and ask if they use analytic tools. Nowadays AI is getting more and more importance so check the internet to learn about AI basics as analytics - if it is business analytics, sports analytics it is all about data and how you can use the data and AI can (and maybe already is) a great asset that can help us humans. Not sure if this is helpful, and wish you success in your career!
Eddy, thank you!
Hunter