Instructions:
Step 1: Decide what is your ideal/dream job within the sport management industry. This cannot be an entry level position — meaning it should be at the manager, director, president, etc., level (e.g., Park Superintendent, Aquatics Director, Athletic Director, Director of Marketing, Head Coach, Sport Agent, CEO, etc.)
Step 2: Detail exactly what that job entails and the steps you will take to secure that position. This is a fictitious exercise, so list specifically where you will work and in what capacity before you reach your goal. I want you to use your imagination to map your future path but still support this path with realistic opportunities supported by your research.
Looking for such information as: A) Where you would like to complete an internship. Internships are a vital step in breaking into the sport industry, especially in professional and intercollegiate sports. Should search job boards for examples of internships for inspiration. B) If you need an advanced degree for your ideal/dream job, like a Master’s or law degree, which school (e.g., Eastern Michigan University) and what program (e.g., Masters in Sport Management or Master’s in Business Administration) would you like to attend/complete to receive an advanced degree? Advanced positions in sport/recreation and sport agents typically require an advanced degree, and a law degree is highly recommended for sport agents. C) If you plan to complete a graduate assistantship during your advanced degree education (assistantship examples include positions as a coach or various positions in campus recreation), specify what type of assistantship you would pursue. Suggest researching graduate assistantships on job sites (e.g., NCCA jobs or blue fish jobs), and assistantships are also commonly listed on a college/university’s specific job boards, such as University of Michigan employment. Typically, graduate assistantships pay your master’s tuition and provide a monthly stipend. These positions are competitive and extremely valuable to one’s career success! I completed a graduate assistantship during my master’s education at ETSU. D) Where will you work after receiving your advanced degree to help perpell you towards your ideal/dream job? Again, be specific when describing your personal path.
Step 3. Research someone in the industry who has a similar position to your dream job and list how he/she got there. How does this person’s path compare with the one you have envisioned for yourself? For instance, perhaps this person did not begin their career in sport/recreation management. You could find such information on LinkedIn, corporate websites, etc. – “I PLAN TO PURSUE A POSITION IN SPORTS MANAGEMENT OR BECOME A SPORTS TRAINER”.