6 answers
Michael
Student
Greenwood, Indiana
1
Question
Asked
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What should I obtain and peruse if I'm wanting to get my bachelor's in sports management?
I don't know what certs, internships, or what path I need to take so I can achieve and pursue a career in sports management. I want to work with the players with their image or even planning for shows or events for the team. Any Advice or recommendations?
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6 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1091
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Michael,
It's great that you have a passion for the sports business. It's a competitive field and I think it will be super important to make contacts in the sports business.
If you want to do business, management and marketing, a bachelors in sports management and marketing would be a start. There are also certificates. Some options in your neck of the woods:
https://publichealth.indiana.edu/undergraduate/degrees-majors/sport-marketing.html
https://exploreprograms.indiana.edu/majors/sport-marketing-and-management
https://indianastate.edu/academics/academic-program-finder/sport-management-bs
https://academics.indianatech.edu/programs/sport-management-certificate/
If you want to organize sports events, there are bachelors programs and also certificates:
https://shhs.indianapolis.iu.edu/academics/tourism-event-sport/index.html
https://careerexploration.indiana.edu/majors/tourism-hospitality-and-event-management
https://careertraining.usi.edu/training-programs/event-management-certificate-program/
https://www.grace.edu/programs/facility-and-event-management/
Another option that you might be interested in would be Athletic Trainer, but the education is longer because you'll need to do a masters program:
https://publichealth.indiana.edu/masters/degrees-majors/ms-athletic-training/index.html
https://indianastate.edu/academics/colleges/health-human-services/amr/ms
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
It's great that you have a passion for the sports business. It's a competitive field and I think it will be super important to make contacts in the sports business.
If you want to do business, management and marketing, a bachelors in sports management and marketing would be a start. There are also certificates. Some options in your neck of the woods:
https://publichealth.indiana.edu/undergraduate/degrees-majors/sport-marketing.html
https://exploreprograms.indiana.edu/majors/sport-marketing-and-management
https://indianastate.edu/academics/academic-program-finder/sport-management-bs
https://academics.indianatech.edu/programs/sport-management-certificate/
If you want to organize sports events, there are bachelors programs and also certificates:
https://shhs.indianapolis.iu.edu/academics/tourism-event-sport/index.html
https://careerexploration.indiana.edu/majors/tourism-hospitality-and-event-management
https://careertraining.usi.edu/training-programs/event-management-certificate-program/
https://www.grace.edu/programs/facility-and-event-management/
Another option that you might be interested in would be Athletic Trainer, but the education is longer because you'll need to do a masters program:
https://publichealth.indiana.edu/masters/degrees-majors/ms-athletic-training/index.html
https://indianastate.edu/academics/colleges/health-human-services/amr/ms
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1060
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Coaching and sports certifications are usually helpful.
Many colleges, universities and professional sports associations (like USA Track and Field) have coaching certifications, which can be obtained through completion of a certain number of educational credits or certification courses.
I would look up coaching certification courses online and at local colleges and universities, to see what is available, or what activities or events, you would like to coach sports in. Because many sports managers, are also certified coaches.
Many colleges, universities and professional sports associations (like USA Track and Field) have coaching certifications, which can be obtained through completion of a certain number of educational credits or certification courses.
I would look up coaching certification courses online and at local colleges and universities, to see what is available, or what activities or events, you would like to coach sports in. Because many sports managers, are also certified coaches.
Thanks for the advice.
Michael
Mike S.
Technical Writer
23
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Hi Michael,
As you know, several colleges provide courses and bachelor's programs in Sports Management. Here are just a few:
Auburn:
https://www.asbury.edu/undergraduate/academics/program/sport-management/
University of Minnesota:
https://kin.umn.edu/undergraduate/sports-management-bs
Ohio University:
https://www.ohio.edu/business/academics/undergraduate-majors/sport-management
Each school will have different entrance requirements, so check with your school of choice for more information about the prerequisites.
Here are some areas of focus in the Sports Management field:
Sports Marketing: These courses and certificates provide students with the skills to promote sports teams, events, and athletes.
Sports Analytics: In today's data-driven sports world, it is increasingly important to analyze player performance and team strategies.
Facilities and Events Management: For those interested in the operational aspects of sports venues, managing events, and managing team logistics.
Certificates are awarded by some colleges in some of these areas.
I am not certain if there are any certificates that will be helpful to you before entering college.
Paid and unpaid sports management Internships can be found on the various job boards:
https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/internship-sports-management-jobs
https://www.indeed.com/q-sport-management-internship-jobs.html
https://www.indeed.com/q-unpaid-sport-internship-jobs.html
To land an internship, be sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for each specific internship.
Don't hesitate to contact sports organizations directly and express your interest. Also, look to make real-world and social media connections with people who are associated with sports and might be able to help you.
Good Luck in all that you do.
- Mike
This might be a helpful article for you: https://news.miami.edu/uonline/stories/2025/02/sports-agent-internships.html
This website can help you in creating your resume: https://www.myperfectresume.com/
Here is a resource you can use for checking your resume. (This website provides tools and insights to optimize your resume for a specific job posting.) https://www.jobscan.co/
Here are some networking Tips: https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/networking-tips-introverts
As you know, several colleges provide courses and bachelor's programs in Sports Management. Here are just a few:
Auburn:
https://www.asbury.edu/undergraduate/academics/program/sport-management/
University of Minnesota:
https://kin.umn.edu/undergraduate/sports-management-bs
Ohio University:
https://www.ohio.edu/business/academics/undergraduate-majors/sport-management
Each school will have different entrance requirements, so check with your school of choice for more information about the prerequisites.
Here are some areas of focus in the Sports Management field:
Sports Marketing: These courses and certificates provide students with the skills to promote sports teams, events, and athletes.
Sports Analytics: In today's data-driven sports world, it is increasingly important to analyze player performance and team strategies.
Facilities and Events Management: For those interested in the operational aspects of sports venues, managing events, and managing team logistics.
Certificates are awarded by some colleges in some of these areas.
I am not certain if there are any certificates that will be helpful to you before entering college.
Paid and unpaid sports management Internships can be found on the various job boards:
https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/internship-sports-management-jobs
https://www.indeed.com/q-sport-management-internship-jobs.html
https://www.indeed.com/q-unpaid-sport-internship-jobs.html
To land an internship, be sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for each specific internship.
Don't hesitate to contact sports organizations directly and express your interest. Also, look to make real-world and social media connections with people who are associated with sports and might be able to help you.
Good Luck in all that you do.
- Mike
Mike recommends the following next steps:
I appreciate your support, Mike
Michael
Marty Meyer
General Manager
62
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Marty’s Answer
I want to add that there are a number of job and volunteer listings for sports teams - baseball, basketball and football all promote positions on the job boards. I'd suggest exploring opportunities to intern or apply for a seasonal position in your sport of choice. The relationships you make on the job are priceless and will be a help when you're ready for a full time position. Good luck - it looks like a fun field.
Thank you so much, Marty!
Michael
Sam Kind
Manager, Tech for Good
2
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Sam’s Answer
Wanted to double down on Marty's answer.
Certifications are great, but like most competitive fields, sports and sports management are extremely relationship-based industries. The best way to begin to build those relationships is to get your foot in the door within the industry.
I'd suggest looking at entry-level positions at any and all professional or semi-professional leagues and/or teams in your area.
Also, because these fields are so competitive, you will likely be starting in a position that isn't the most glamorous. Don't be too prideful; the best brand you can build for yourself is that you work hard and you complete the tasks that are assigned to you, no matter how frivolous. If that becomes what you are known for, you will quickly rise up the ranks and be assigned more and more interesting and compelling tasks.
Best,
Sam
Certifications are great, but like most competitive fields, sports and sports management are extremely relationship-based industries. The best way to begin to build those relationships is to get your foot in the door within the industry.
I'd suggest looking at entry-level positions at any and all professional or semi-professional leagues and/or teams in your area.
Also, because these fields are so competitive, you will likely be starting in a position that isn't the most glamorous. Don't be too prideful; the best brand you can build for yourself is that you work hard and you complete the tasks that are assigned to you, no matter how frivolous. If that becomes what you are known for, you will quickly rise up the ranks and be assigned more and more interesting and compelling tasks.
Best,
Sam
Phil Streccius
Sales Engineer
6
Answers
Bozeman, Montana
Updated
Phil’s Answer
Hey Michael,
The professional and college sports world is a great place to work. That said, its difficult to get yourself in the door. My advice is to start now where ever you are. Ask to help out at your school, start looking for great athletic departments at the college level you'd like to work at/for and start reaching out with personal emails or phone calls. Certifications are less important unless you'd like to pursue athletic training or the sports performance world. Its really going to come down to hard work and setting yourself apart from the crowd. This will mean volunteer opportunities, lower level pay that some of your friends, and the potential to move around the country frequently. Almost all athletic departments will have a dedicated operations team, you should look for one who's director or head has previous professional sporting experience. Get under their wing, show you are a hard worker and can be trusted and you'll find yourself working your dream job.
The professional and college sports world is a great place to work. That said, its difficult to get yourself in the door. My advice is to start now where ever you are. Ask to help out at your school, start looking for great athletic departments at the college level you'd like to work at/for and start reaching out with personal emails or phone calls. Certifications are less important unless you'd like to pursue athletic training or the sports performance world. Its really going to come down to hard work and setting yourself apart from the crowd. This will mean volunteer opportunities, lower level pay that some of your friends, and the potential to move around the country frequently. Almost all athletic departments will have a dedicated operations team, you should look for one who's director or head has previous professional sporting experience. Get under their wing, show you are a hard worker and can be trusted and you'll find yourself working your dream job.