7 answers
José
Student
Puerto Rico
1
Question
Asked
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How do I get started in the sports business industry as a college freshman?
I'm a graduating high school senior starting a BBA in Sports Administration this fall. I've always been passionate about sports, specifically baseball, soccer, and Formula 1, and I want to turn that into a real career in the business side of the industry. I'm not sure where to focus my energy first, whether that's internships, networking, certifications, or something else entirely. #Spring26
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7 answers
Stella Giraldella
Private Chef & Culinary Entrepreneur
18
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Stella’s Answer
If your goal is to work in sports events, sponsorship activations, fan experiences, VIP hospitality, and brand partnerships, I would recommend looking beyond just a Sports Management degree. Many successful professionals in these areas have backgrounds in Hospitality Management, Marketing, Business Administration, Communications, and Sports Management.
Personally, because I love sports, my dream was always to work with athletes and be involved in the sports industry. While attending Florida International University (FIU), I volunteered whenever possible with the sports department to gain hands-on experience and learn how athletic programs and events operate behind the scenes. Those experiences taught me valuable skills that could never be learned in a classroom alone.
My advice is to choose a major that provides both strong career opportunities and transferable skills. Hospitality Management is an excellent option if you enjoy event planning, guest experiences, VIP programs, and large-scale event operations. Marketing is ideal for sponsorships, partnerships, fan engagement, and brand activations. Business Administration provides a broad foundation that can lead to leadership and management roles across many industries, including sports.
Most importantly, focus on gaining real-world experience through internships and volunteer opportunities. In my experience, volunteer work and internships are the best ways to learn because you are practicing in a real environment, building professional relationships, and discovering what you truly enjoy. The sports industry values experience, networking, and a strong work ethic just as much as your degree.
Don't worry too much about having the "perfect" major. Focus on finding a program you enjoy, then actively seek internships, volunteer positions, and networking opportunities in sports organizations. Those experiences will help you stand out and often matter more than the title of your degree.
Good luck! The fact that you already know you are interested in sports events, sponsorships, and fan experiences puts you ahead of many students who are still trying to discover their passion.
Personally, because I love sports, my dream was always to work with athletes and be involved in the sports industry. While attending Florida International University (FIU), I volunteered whenever possible with the sports department to gain hands-on experience and learn how athletic programs and events operate behind the scenes. Those experiences taught me valuable skills that could never be learned in a classroom alone.
My advice is to choose a major that provides both strong career opportunities and transferable skills. Hospitality Management is an excellent option if you enjoy event planning, guest experiences, VIP programs, and large-scale event operations. Marketing is ideal for sponsorships, partnerships, fan engagement, and brand activations. Business Administration provides a broad foundation that can lead to leadership and management roles across many industries, including sports.
Most importantly, focus on gaining real-world experience through internships and volunteer opportunities. In my experience, volunteer work and internships are the best ways to learn because you are practicing in a real environment, building professional relationships, and discovering what you truly enjoy. The sports industry values experience, networking, and a strong work ethic just as much as your degree.
Don't worry too much about having the "perfect" major. Focus on finding a program you enjoy, then actively seek internships, volunteer positions, and networking opportunities in sports organizations. Those experiences will help you stand out and often matter more than the title of your degree.
Good luck! The fact that you already know you are interested in sports events, sponsorships, and fan experiences puts you ahead of many students who are still trying to discover their passion.
Madison Gibson
International Tax Consulting
5
Answers
Gilbert, Arizona
Updated
Madison’s Answer
That's a fantastic question! It's amazing that you already know what you're interested in. To break into this industry, networking and internships are key. Many students love the sports business field, but what will make you stand out is your experience. Sometimes, you might need to start in a role that's not your dream job, but it can lead you to the career you want. An internship can help you connect with companies and people, and it's a great addition to your resume. Plus, it gives you something interesting to discuss in future interviews or networking events.
celina sey
GAM
1
Answer
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Updated
celina’s Answer
This is a great chance to do what you love. You can play sports and make it a business.
You can play sports and work (like internships) at the same time without any problems.
The key is to keep going and stay interested along the way.
If you want to get better, think about getting certified. You'll know when the time is right. Keep it up.
You can play sports and work (like internships) at the same time without any problems.
The key is to keep going and stay interested along the way.
If you want to get better, think about getting certified. You'll know when the time is right. Keep it up.
Brian Sterricker
Creative Writer
5
Answers
Brookfield, Wisconsin
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Hi there! To get started in the world of sports business, start with your school. If your school offers competitive sports that people are excited about, watch, follow, attend games, etc, then there is probably an athletic department that needs students to do specific jobs. It might be creating and publishing social media content, selling tickets or other related tasks.
If you can find a job of that nature, then it becomes an interesting point of conversation when you make contacts/apply for internships. I hope that helps! Best of luck to you.
If you can find a job of that nature, then it becomes an interesting point of conversation when you make contacts/apply for internships. I hope that helps! Best of luck to you.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2583
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know you have interest of both business sports.
Below are my suggestions :
1. There are many related to both, eg Sports Team Management, Sports Marketing, Sports Brand Marketing, Sports Events Marketing, Media Comtent Creator, etc. You can find out more online
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Seek guidance from professionors, alumni, careers counselor, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers yiu would like to pursue
5. Select subjects relevant to the careers
6. Explore any intern opportunities relevant to the industry
Hope this helps ! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. There are many related to both, eg Sports Team Management, Sports Marketing, Sports Brand Marketing, Sports Events Marketing, Media Comtent Creator, etc. You can find out more online
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Seek guidance from professionors, alumni, careers counselor, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers yiu would like to pursue
5. Select subjects relevant to the careers
6. Explore any intern opportunities relevant to the industry
Hope this helps ! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Wendy Glavin
Marketing, AI, Writing, Networking, Agencies, Entrepreneurship, Public Relations, AI, Jobs, Careers
14
Answers
East Hampton, New York
Updated
Wendy’s Answer
First, please play baseball and soccer to demonstrate your experience. You'll have a lot of competition because most boys want to play sports. Coincidentally, my son majored in Sports Management in college. Here's the path he took:
1. Played baseball and basketball in high school and through college in leagues
2. Made the Dean's List every semester
3. Had internships in the summer. You could apply to your team of choice and do analytics or
data roles
4. He was hired at a SportsBook
It's important to learn AI as part of your career path. There's a free Coursera course called "AI for Everyone" you should take. Look for jobs at the NBA, FC, analytics, business (marketing, data, statistics, the media, like Sports Illustrated, and more). Create a portfolio, such as a website or an Instagram page, to show initiative. Use specific portfolio projects, such as analytics, media, or business.
Use social media, like X and LinkedIn, to build relationships. Ensure you post consistently, follow people working in sports, comment on others' posts, and be consistent. Networking is critical because many sports jobs are not posted. As you said, having an internship, networking, and obtaining certifications is exactly what you should do.
If you have further questions, please reach out. Good luck!
1. Played baseball and basketball in high school and through college in leagues
2. Made the Dean's List every semester
3. Had internships in the summer. You could apply to your team of choice and do analytics or
data roles
4. He was hired at a SportsBook
It's important to learn AI as part of your career path. There's a free Coursera course called "AI for Everyone" you should take. Look for jobs at the NBA, FC, analytics, business (marketing, data, statistics, the media, like Sports Illustrated, and more). Create a portfolio, such as a website or an Instagram page, to show initiative. Use specific portfolio projects, such as analytics, media, or business.
Use social media, like X and LinkedIn, to build relationships. Ensure you post consistently, follow people working in sports, comment on others' posts, and be consistent. Networking is critical because many sports jobs are not posted. As you said, having an internship, networking, and obtaining certifications is exactly what you should do.
Wendy recommends the following next steps:
Jake Martin
Product Manager
3
Answers
Boise, Idaho
Updated
Jake’s Answer
I grew up playing competitive sports, but injuries ended that in college. I focused on a business degree and realized late that I could combine my love for sports with a career. I suggest using your college network to connect with people in the sports industry. This is a great time to be curious and learn from industry professionals who often want to help the next generation. This will help you find what interests you in the industry and start building a network early. For example, I found my passion and pursued an MBA in Sports Marketing at the University of Oregon. My classmates went in many directions, like working with teams, leagues, marketing agencies, or organizations focused on sports for social good.
My main advice is to ask questions and say yes to opportunities as you study sports business. You'll learn a lot and set yourself up for a rewarding career.
My main advice is to ask questions and say yes to opportunities as you study sports business. You'll learn a lot and set yourself up for a rewarding career.