What can I do with a sport management degree?
Students graduating with a major in sports management develop many transferable skills and can use their education in a variety of fields!
Below is a list of potential employers and career opportunities for sports management. This is not an exhaustive listing. The world of work is always evolving and over time job titles and work settings can change.
Potential employers
- arenas/stadiums
- colleges/universities
- golf courses
- health clubs
- high schools
- intercollegiate athletics
- newspapers/magazines
- professional athletes
- professional teams
- recreation departments
- semi-professional sport teams
- sporting goods manufacturers
- sporting goods dealers
- sporting goods stores
- sports associations
- sports facilities
- sports marketing-related firms
- TV/radio stations
- youth camps
- youth sport programs
Career opportunities in sport management
Sport management
- athletic academic adviser
- athletic administrator
- community relations
- compliance director
- equipment manager
- event coordinator
- external relations
- facilities manager
- fundraiser
- general manager
- golf course manager
- ice arena manager
- marketing and promotions
- operations
- product development
- product distribution
- public relations
- publicity/promotions
- recruiter
- sales
- sport agent
- sport equipment retailing
- sport store management
- sports administration
- sports broadcasting
- sports information director
- sports journalism
- sports psychologist
- talent scout
- ticket operations managers
coaching
- assistant coaching
- college coaching
- head coaching
- high school coaching
- professional coaching
Youth services/development
- after school activities director
- boys club director
- girls club director
- summer camp director
- youth program director
- youth services provider
Job titles and employers of alumni
- Account executive, Los Angeles Clippers
- Assistant golf pro, Chisago Lakes Country Club
- Assistant superintendent, Golden Valley Country Club
- Associate commissioner, Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
- Athletic communications, Ohio State University
- Athletic Department, Breck High School
- Baseline Tennis Center, University of Minnesota
- Board of directors, MN Basketball Association
- Coach, TAGS Gymnastics Club
- Communications, University of Minnesota Athletics
- Corporate loan officer, Northern Lights Mortgage
- Event coordinator, Class Act Event Coordinators
- Fundraising and development, Gillette Children’s
- General manager, Podium Sports Marketing
- Instructor, Anoka Ramsey Junior College
- Marketing/PR director, Today’s Groom
- Men’s hockey, Michigan State
- Operations coordinator, PGA Championship
- Owner, The Spirit Shop Cheerleading Gym
- Pro shop manager, Minnesota Twins
- Project manager, Lifetime Fitness
- Special events account executive, Fresno Grizzlies
- Strength and conditioning coordination, MSU, Mankato
- Video coordinator, MN Timberwolves
- Women’s tennis coach, Virginia Tech
Sport management career Web sites
- Overview of Sports Careers
- Sports Careers
- Jobs in Sports, Women's Sports Foundation
Student organizations
For assistance clarifying your career direction, or for assistance regarding internships, job searches, and résumé writing, visit the ETC Services center in Appleby Hall 127 or call 612-625-3339 to schedule an individual appointment with a career counselor.
September 2007