2 answers
Matthew
Student
Winter Park, Florida
1
Question
Updated
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What is the best major for someone interested in a career in sports analytics ?
I love sports and want a to pursue a career in a sports related field.
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2 answers
Dan Berreth
Sales
13
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Dan’s Answer
You're in Winter Park so I'll advise you to go to UCF and seek out the professional selling program. Sales is an excellent way to open the door to whatever career you seek. I was in that with a guy who's now a big deal for a major metropolitan team. Not saying you'll do what he did, but if you're good at talking with random people then that's half the battle.
Justin Wernoski
Consulting
2
Answers
Arlington, Virginia
Updated
Justin’s Answer
Hi Matthew,
Historically many of the pioneers in the sports analytics field like Bill James came from Economics backgrounds, so that is an option. However, today with greater interest in analytics there are more colleges and universities that offer a greater focus on analytics. For example, I was a Data Analytics major in college and this major will certainly provide you with the skillset required for a job in analytics (I had a classmate go on to work with NHL teams after college). Additionally, what could be helpful is supplementing a major in Data Analytics with further coursework in very analytical departments by taking on a minor in CS, Economics, and/or Math.
As someone who has past experiences in sports, I would suggest looking for an internship in sports while in high school and/or college. Sports internships are very competitive, and are often unpaid. However, if you have the ability to intern at a local university to start (many D1 athletic departments need internship help over the summer when students are gone), I highly suggest doing so. These internships may not have the analytics focus you are looking for, but it will give you an experience within sports to speak about on your resume and in future interviews. Establishing a background in sports will be a foundational step before applying for larger more competitive internships and jobs within athletics/sports.
Historically many of the pioneers in the sports analytics field like Bill James came from Economics backgrounds, so that is an option. However, today with greater interest in analytics there are more colleges and universities that offer a greater focus on analytics. For example, I was a Data Analytics major in college and this major will certainly provide you with the skillset required for a job in analytics (I had a classmate go on to work with NHL teams after college). Additionally, what could be helpful is supplementing a major in Data Analytics with further coursework in very analytical departments by taking on a minor in CS, Economics, and/or Math.
As someone who has past experiences in sports, I would suggest looking for an internship in sports while in high school and/or college. Sports internships are very competitive, and are often unpaid. However, if you have the ability to intern at a local university to start (many D1 athletic departments need internship help over the summer when students are gone), I highly suggest doing so. These internships may not have the analytics focus you are looking for, but it will give you an experience within sports to speak about on your resume and in future interviews. Establishing a background in sports will be a foundational step before applying for larger more competitive internships and jobs within athletics/sports.