Sports Jobs: Six Common Myths Debunked

Of course your work schedule will depend on the particular job you choose, but unless you decide to become a world-class athlete, it’s likely that your work patterns will fall under the 40 hours a week bracket, and consist of predictable shifts and manageable stress levels.

While many do get into the industry out of a passion for a particular sport or even a specific team, the opportunities are so varied that you can often end up working in a role that spans multiple sports. For instance, you could manage public relations for a variety of athletes and teams, lead groups of clients in a selection of different outdoor activities, or help to manage a sports brand that provides products for a range of sports.

While the competition is certainly high for many sports careers, there are plenty of entry-level jobs for graduates looking to get a foot in the door. Indeed, the sports sector is one of very few industries not experiencing the full blows of economic recession. If you’re passionate and well-qualified, the roles are out there.

While sports careers are often vocational, many sports jobs do require at least an undergraduate-level qualification, and a specialized master’s could also be useful. Completing professional training at a reputable institution will carry a lot of weight with prospective employers, and will help you prepare for the various challenges of working in the sports industry, providing you with the specific expertise required for careers in sports science or sports management.

The UK’s University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in sports, nutrition and exercise sciences. All courses have a strong focus on developing practical skills and knowledge, with opportunities to complete National Governing Body Awards and gain professional work experience. UCLan’s staff and students also collaborate with partners around the world on sports and exercise research, spanning areas such as sports coaching and management; the social and cultural study of sport; and specialist areas of physiotherapy and nutrition. The university’s £12 million Sports Arena provides facilities for athletics, rugby league, rugby union, football, hockey, tennis and cycling.