3 answers
Scott
Student
Harrison, New York
1
Question
Asked
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How can I break into the sports management agency field without prior internship experience Most entry-level positions and networking opportunities seem to require it, and I'm struggling to secure one. What are some alternative strategies or less conventional paths I can take to demonstrate my skills and passion and get my foot in the door? Any advice on building connections and gaining relevant experience outside of traditional internships would be greatly appreciated.?
I'm a senior at Baruch College studying Operations Management and Consulting. I took an antitrust law class covering the NCAA and NIL really sparked my interest in the legal and business side of sports, particularly athlete representation. My ultimate career goal is to help both professional and amateur athletes achieve their goals on the field while also setting them up for long-term success off the field. I'm drawn to the idea of combining my business acumen with a passion for sports to make a real difference in athletes' lives.
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3 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1334
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Heyo Scott,
Alrightie so it seems Michelle gave some solid advice, a big shoutout to her!🙌 She’s spot on that sports management is all about networking, and being in NYC is already a huge win for you. The tricky part is breaking in when everyone wants experience you don’t have yet. That’s where you gotta work smarter, not harder and create your own way in.
Internships not happening? 😏 Cool. Let’s just build your own.👀 Start by working directly with athletes, even on a small scale. Find college, high school, or semi-pro players who need help managing their brand, understanding NIL deals, or securing small sponsorships. Help them for free or at a low cost, and boom—you now have real experience. Athletes talk—do a good job, and suddenly, more of them will want to work with you.
At the same time, put yourself out there online. LinkedIn, Twitter/X—these platforms are full of sports pros looking for fresh talent. Post insights on NIL deals, athlete contracts, or industry trends. The goal? Make people recognize your name before you even apply anywhere. Trust me, when you consistently show that you know your stuff, opportunities start finding you.
Networking is your best friend here. Baruch’s alumni network is gold—find grads working in sports agencies and reach out. Don’t ask for a job outright; just get on a quick advice call. People love talking about their experiences, and if they see your passion, they might connect you with the right people. Same goes for industry folks—DM/email them with a quick, genuine question. Make connections before you need them.
Now, let’s talk about where to be. NYC is packed with sports business events, networking mixers, and sports law panels. Columbia University’s Sports Management Program and SABR (Society for American Baseball Research) host solid events—show up, introduce yourself, make an impression. The sports world is tiny—one conversation can be more valuable than sending out 100 applications.
Since you’re into the business/legal side of sports, check out sports law firms or NIL consulting groups. You don’t need to be a lawyer—many of these firms need business-savvy people to help with contracts, client management, or financial planning. Wasserman, CAA, Excel Sports—all have NYC offices. Even an admin or entry-level gig puts you in the room with dealmakers.
You can also freelance your way in. Check out Upwork or Fiverr—athletes and small agencies sometimes post gigs for brand consultants, sponsorship help, or NIL deal advisors. You’d be getting paid while building your portfolio—not a bad deal.
And don’t sleep on sports tech startups in NYC. Companies working on athlete analytics, fan engagement, or digital sponsorships constantly connect with players and brands. Even if it’s not an agency, it’s a foot in the industry door.
Scott my man, You’re already in the right city with the right passion. Now, it’s about showing up, making connections, and proving you’re the person they need. 💪Keep at it, and before you know it, you’ll be exactly where you want to be. All the best buddy you got this!😎
Alrightie so it seems Michelle gave some solid advice, a big shoutout to her!🙌 She’s spot on that sports management is all about networking, and being in NYC is already a huge win for you. The tricky part is breaking in when everyone wants experience you don’t have yet. That’s where you gotta work smarter, not harder and create your own way in.
Internships not happening? 😏 Cool. Let’s just build your own.👀 Start by working directly with athletes, even on a small scale. Find college, high school, or semi-pro players who need help managing their brand, understanding NIL deals, or securing small sponsorships. Help them for free or at a low cost, and boom—you now have real experience. Athletes talk—do a good job, and suddenly, more of them will want to work with you.
At the same time, put yourself out there online. LinkedIn, Twitter/X—these platforms are full of sports pros looking for fresh talent. Post insights on NIL deals, athlete contracts, or industry trends. The goal? Make people recognize your name before you even apply anywhere. Trust me, when you consistently show that you know your stuff, opportunities start finding you.
Networking is your best friend here. Baruch’s alumni network is gold—find grads working in sports agencies and reach out. Don’t ask for a job outright; just get on a quick advice call. People love talking about their experiences, and if they see your passion, they might connect you with the right people. Same goes for industry folks—DM/email them with a quick, genuine question. Make connections before you need them.
Now, let’s talk about where to be. NYC is packed with sports business events, networking mixers, and sports law panels. Columbia University’s Sports Management Program and SABR (Society for American Baseball Research) host solid events—show up, introduce yourself, make an impression. The sports world is tiny—one conversation can be more valuable than sending out 100 applications.
Since you’re into the business/legal side of sports, check out sports law firms or NIL consulting groups. You don’t need to be a lawyer—many of these firms need business-savvy people to help with contracts, client management, or financial planning. Wasserman, CAA, Excel Sports—all have NYC offices. Even an admin or entry-level gig puts you in the room with dealmakers.
You can also freelance your way in. Check out Upwork or Fiverr—athletes and small agencies sometimes post gigs for brand consultants, sponsorship help, or NIL deal advisors. You’d be getting paid while building your portfolio—not a bad deal.
And don’t sleep on sports tech startups in NYC. Companies working on athlete analytics, fan engagement, or digital sponsorships constantly connect with players and brands. Even if it’s not an agency, it’s a foot in the industry door.
Scott my man, You’re already in the right city with the right passion. Now, it’s about showing up, making connections, and proving you’re the person they need. 💪Keep at it, and before you know it, you’ll be exactly where you want to be. All the best buddy you got this!😎
Michelle M.
Actress
2293
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Scott !
I think Baruch provides internships for business type majors so check with your professors in the Business Department to see if any internships are available for now till the end of the semester and for after graduation. You're going to need experience.
The field you are interested in could be a career as a Coach. It's not very clear exactly what aim you have but it also sounds like you'd want to go into Sports Management.
To be a Manager for Athletes, a degree is not required so that means it's heavy on the networking. Your degree in Operations Management is a step in the right direction. Another thing in your favor is that you are in New York City, NY where there are a lot of athletes, both college level and professional. You will either need to obtain an Internship or go for advanced education such as a Masters Degree in Sports Management. The different sports leagues have different certifications and some states require additional licenses for sports managers. You can find out about New York by visiting the athletic department at your college.
Start thinking about a specialization and explore it. Specializations for athletic management are athlete representation, event management, sports marketing, or facility management. You'd have to focus on one of these areas.
Explore, interact and join the professional organizations and agencies for management in NYC. Some of these are: LeadOff Sports, Radegen, MAXX Sports & Entertainment Group, 360 Sports Team, ip Agency, and Sportstars Inc. Persist in obtaining an Internship with them. It may take time just like any other career, but we all have to start somewhere.
If you feel ready to manage athletes now, create a Linked In profile. When the time is right, good opportunities will come your way but it will take a lot of networking and having people getting to know you.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
I think Baruch provides internships for business type majors so check with your professors in the Business Department to see if any internships are available for now till the end of the semester and for after graduation. You're going to need experience.
The field you are interested in could be a career as a Coach. It's not very clear exactly what aim you have but it also sounds like you'd want to go into Sports Management.
To be a Manager for Athletes, a degree is not required so that means it's heavy on the networking. Your degree in Operations Management is a step in the right direction. Another thing in your favor is that you are in New York City, NY where there are a lot of athletes, both college level and professional. You will either need to obtain an Internship or go for advanced education such as a Masters Degree in Sports Management. The different sports leagues have different certifications and some states require additional licenses for sports managers. You can find out about New York by visiting the athletic department at your college.
Start thinking about a specialization and explore it. Specializations for athletic management are athlete representation, event management, sports marketing, or facility management. You'd have to focus on one of these areas.
Explore, interact and join the professional organizations and agencies for management in NYC. Some of these are: LeadOff Sports, Radegen, MAXX Sports & Entertainment Group, 360 Sports Team, ip Agency, and Sportstars Inc. Persist in obtaining an Internship with them. It may take time just like any other career, but we all have to start somewhere.
If you feel ready to manage athletes now, create a Linked In profile. When the time is right, good opportunities will come your way but it will take a lot of networking and having people getting to know you.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
Christopher Leoncio
Restaurant Operations Management
6
Answers
Caloocan, Metro Manila, Philippines
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Scott,
Breaking into sports management without internship experience can feel challenging, but your passion for athlete representation and business gives you a strong foundation. Start by positioning yourself as a thought leader—write articles or blog posts on platforms like LinkedIn, sharing your insights on NIL, NCAA regulations, and athlete success strategies. This not only showcases your expertise but also attracts connections in the field. Join sports business associations, attend industry webinars, and engage with professionals on social media to build relationships organically. Look for entry-level roles in operations, marketing, or client services within sports organizations, as these positions can offer a pathway into athlete management. Remember, demonstrating your passion through action—whether by volunteering at sports events, collaborating on projects, or creating content—can often open doors just as effectively as traditional internships.
Breaking into sports management without internship experience can feel challenging, but your passion for athlete representation and business gives you a strong foundation. Start by positioning yourself as a thought leader—write articles or blog posts on platforms like LinkedIn, sharing your insights on NIL, NCAA regulations, and athlete success strategies. This not only showcases your expertise but also attracts connections in the field. Join sports business associations, attend industry webinars, and engage with professionals on social media to build relationships organically. Look for entry-level roles in operations, marketing, or client services within sports organizations, as these positions can offer a pathway into athlete management. Remember, demonstrating your passion through action—whether by volunteering at sports events, collaborating on projects, or creating content—can often open doors just as effectively as traditional internships.