11 answers
Alicia
Student
Pleasanton, California
1
Question
Asked
2074 views
What should I do as a freshman in high schooler who intends to major in marketing with the ultimate goal of doing sports marketing?
I already am involved in my school's DECA classes & club; as well as running socials for a local sports team, as well as my own & I am working on getting an internship.
10 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1317
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Alicia!
Okay, first of all — you're absolutely crushing it already! Wel, a freshman and you're running social media for a local sports team, involved in DECA, AND already thinking about internships, like seriously, That's next-level ambition right there Alicia. Noice!
Alright so, Sports marketing is such a fun and competitive field, and you're laying down the perfect foundation early on. Here's how you can keep that momentum going and become a future MVP in the game:
1. Own Your Personal Brand:
You're already running socials — so why not treat yourself like your own client? Start a blog, TikTok, or Instagram page where you post about sports marketing trends, your journey, or even behind-the-scenes stories from managing social media. Showing that you're passionate and consistent will set you apart from everyone else your age.
2. Get Obsessed with Sports Marketing Trends:
Follow brands like Nike, ESPN, and smaller sports teams to see how they market themselves online. Pay attention to what makes their campaigns pop — whether it's fan engagement, memes, or video content.
3. Certifications, Baby!
While you're still in high school, you can get certified in Google Analytics, Meta (Instagram & Facebook) Social Media Marketing, or HubSpot Content Marketing — all for free! These will make your resume look ridiculously impressive when you're applying for internships.
4. Network Like a Boss (Even If You're Young):
Reach out to local sports teams, small businesses, or even college athletic departments to see if they need help running socials or creating content. You're already working with one team — why not build up your own little freelance portfolio by helping out a few more?
5. Document Your Journey:
Everything you're doing right now is gold — from running socials to applying for internships. Write about your experiences on LinkedIn or even make short TikToks talking about what you're learning. People love following young, ambitious creators.
By the time you're applying for college, you'll have more real-world experience than most juniors or seniors. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if you're working with a pro sports team before you even graduate high school.
Keep hustling, Alicia — you're already playing in the big leagues! 🏀All the best and good luck!
Okay, first of all — you're absolutely crushing it already! Wel, a freshman and you're running social media for a local sports team, involved in DECA, AND already thinking about internships, like seriously, That's next-level ambition right there Alicia. Noice!
Alright so, Sports marketing is such a fun and competitive field, and you're laying down the perfect foundation early on. Here's how you can keep that momentum going and become a future MVP in the game:
1. Own Your Personal Brand:
You're already running socials — so why not treat yourself like your own client? Start a blog, TikTok, or Instagram page where you post about sports marketing trends, your journey, or even behind-the-scenes stories from managing social media. Showing that you're passionate and consistent will set you apart from everyone else your age.
2. Get Obsessed with Sports Marketing Trends:
Follow brands like Nike, ESPN, and smaller sports teams to see how they market themselves online. Pay attention to what makes their campaigns pop — whether it's fan engagement, memes, or video content.
3. Certifications, Baby!
While you're still in high school, you can get certified in Google Analytics, Meta (Instagram & Facebook) Social Media Marketing, or HubSpot Content Marketing — all for free! These will make your resume look ridiculously impressive when you're applying for internships.
4. Network Like a Boss (Even If You're Young):
Reach out to local sports teams, small businesses, or even college athletic departments to see if they need help running socials or creating content. You're already working with one team — why not build up your own little freelance portfolio by helping out a few more?
5. Document Your Journey:
Everything you're doing right now is gold — from running socials to applying for internships. Write about your experiences on LinkedIn or even make short TikToks talking about what you're learning. People love following young, ambitious creators.
By the time you're applying for college, you'll have more real-world experience than most juniors or seniors. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if you're working with a pro sports team before you even graduate high school.
Keep hustling, Alicia — you're already playing in the big leagues! 🏀All the best and good luck!
Yashasvi Raikwar
Project Manager Intern
14
Answers
Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
Updated
Yashasvi’s Answer
Hi Alicia! You're already off to a fantastic start with DECA, social media management, and securing an internship—most people don’t take those steps this early! Since sports marketing is competitive, the key is to build a standout portfolio and develop skills beyond what’s expected.
Try running mini-marketing experiments on the social media pages you manage. Test engagement strategies like athlete Q&As, fan polls, or interactive content, and track the results. Then, document your insights in a simple case study—this will make you stand out when applying for bigger opportunities.
Also, consider reaching out to minor league teams, college athletics departments, or even niche sports brands. Many smaller organizations need help but don’t have big marketing teams. Offering to contribute—even for a short-term project—can get you real-world experience that goes beyond typical internships.
Lastly, since sports marketing is all about fan engagement, study how top teams and brands build loyalty. Break down what works and experiment with those tactics on your own platforms. The more you do, the more you'll separate yourself from others just learning in class. Keep pushing forward—you’re already ahead of the game! 🚀
Try running mini-marketing experiments on the social media pages you manage. Test engagement strategies like athlete Q&As, fan polls, or interactive content, and track the results. Then, document your insights in a simple case study—this will make you stand out when applying for bigger opportunities.
Also, consider reaching out to minor league teams, college athletics departments, or even niche sports brands. Many smaller organizations need help but don’t have big marketing teams. Offering to contribute—even for a short-term project—can get you real-world experience that goes beyond typical internships.
Lastly, since sports marketing is all about fan engagement, study how top teams and brands build loyalty. Break down what works and experiment with those tactics on your own platforms. The more you do, the more you'll separate yourself from others just learning in class. Keep pushing forward—you’re already ahead of the game! 🚀
Bright Komor
Nurse
261
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
As a freshman in sports marketing, you can maximize your high school experience by excelling in DECA, maintaining strong academics, developing communication skills, and strengthening digital skills. Pursue internships with local sports teams, fitness centers, or sports apparel stores, and continue running social media for the local sports team. Build your marketing foundation by learning the basics, creating a professional online presence, and networking with professionals on LinkedIn. Understand sports business by following sports news and industry trends, and follow sports news and industry trends.
In college planning, consider research marketing programs and universities with strong marketing programs and sports management concentrations. Build your college application by focusing on academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and leadership experiences.
Experience sports marketing by understanding fan experience, studying successful sports teams and leagues, understanding sponsorship and endorsements, and mastering social media marketing, content creation, and data analytics. Key advice is to be proactive, persistent, passionate, and curious about the constantly changing marketing landscape. Keep up the momentum and you'll be well on your way to a rewarding career in sports marketing.
In college planning, consider research marketing programs and universities with strong marketing programs and sports management concentrations. Build your college application by focusing on academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and leadership experiences.
Experience sports marketing by understanding fan experience, studying successful sports teams and leagues, understanding sponsorship and endorsements, and mastering social media marketing, content creation, and data analytics. Key advice is to be proactive, persistent, passionate, and curious about the constantly changing marketing landscape. Keep up the momentum and you'll be well on your way to a rewarding career in sports marketing.
Doug Hughes
Copywriting/Marketing
8
Answers
Cottonwood, Arizona
Updated
Doug’s Answer
Fantastic work on everything you're doing, Alicia!
You're in a perfect stage of your life to start building connections in the sports industry. I suggest exploring LinkedIn to find people in roles you're interested in. Reach out to them, share your passion, and ask if you can have an informational interview. Many people love talking about their work and enjoy sharing their experiences.
LinkedIn usually requires users to be at least 16, so you might need some help from your parents. But even without an account, some people share their contact details publicly.
Here's a list of sports marketing agencies that might interest you. You can find key individuals on LinkedIn or contact them directly through the agency: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/top-20-sports-marketing-agencies-most-attractive-employers/
Additionally, seize every opportunity to engage in marketing activities to build essential skills. There are plenty of free online courses to help you learn more.
With over 20 years in marketing, I can say it's a rewarding career. You've got this!
You're in a perfect stage of your life to start building connections in the sports industry. I suggest exploring LinkedIn to find people in roles you're interested in. Reach out to them, share your passion, and ask if you can have an informational interview. Many people love talking about their work and enjoy sharing their experiences.
LinkedIn usually requires users to be at least 16, so you might need some help from your parents. But even without an account, some people share their contact details publicly.
Here's a list of sports marketing agencies that might interest you. You can find key individuals on LinkedIn or contact them directly through the agency: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/top-20-sports-marketing-agencies-most-attractive-employers/
Additionally, seize every opportunity to engage in marketing activities to build essential skills. There are plenty of free online courses to help you learn more.
With over 20 years in marketing, I can say it's a rewarding career. You've got this!
Ishani Dash
Account Strategist
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Ishani’s Answer
Hi Alicia, I think you are halfway there! It sounds to me that you have already taken active steps by joining DECA and leading social media for a local sports team, and by trying to secure an internship. Try to get an internship at a marketing department of a company or a marketing agency as that can help in your understanding of how marketing works in the real world.
Moving forward, you could try some online courses or subscribe to marketing journals, like Marketing Brew (https://www.marketingbrew.com/subscribe/marketing-newsletter). You might also want to hone your skills in English and creative arts, like painting, music, etc. because those foundational teachings can go a long way (and are ultimately very, very important no matter what you decide to do).
All the best!
Moving forward, you could try some online courses or subscribe to marketing journals, like Marketing Brew (https://www.marketingbrew.com/subscribe/marketing-newsletter). You might also want to hone your skills in English and creative arts, like painting, music, etc. because those foundational teachings can go a long way (and are ultimately very, very important no matter what you decide to do).
All the best!
Daniel Okon
Copywriter
1
Answer
Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Ok Alicia, you are already on the path of success. Keep doing what you are doing and I would really recommend that you goa ahead with the Internship. Keep engaging, keep participating and build up you visibility by consistency.
Rex Orokumue
Content Strategist
1
Answer
Warri, Delta, Nigeria
Updated
Rex’s Answer
You're doing an amazing job, Alicia! Here are some actionable steps to boost your progress:
1. Build Your Personal Brand: Focus on establishing yourself as an expert in sports marketing. This will set you apart in your field.
2. Stay Informed: Regularly update yourself on the latest sports industry trends. Use this information to create engaging content and refine your marketing strategies.
3. Network Actively: You're already handling social media for one sports team. Expand your reach by connecting with more teams and offering your expertise in social media management and content marketing. This will strengthen your resume.
4. Gain Real-World Experience: Consider an internship at a marketing agency to learn about real-world marketing processes, strategies, and workflows.
5. Enhance Your Skills: Enroll in courses and earn certifications from platforms like Google, Meta, HubSpot, and the Content Marketing Institute to deepen your knowledge.
Keep up the great work, and you'll achieve even more success!
Start a personal brand - a blog or Instagram profile or anything
Reach out and network
Expand your self-knowledge
Get internship
Stay updated
1. Build Your Personal Brand: Focus on establishing yourself as an expert in sports marketing. This will set you apart in your field.
2. Stay Informed: Regularly update yourself on the latest sports industry trends. Use this information to create engaging content and refine your marketing strategies.
3. Network Actively: You're already handling social media for one sports team. Expand your reach by connecting with more teams and offering your expertise in social media management and content marketing. This will strengthen your resume.
4. Gain Real-World Experience: Consider an internship at a marketing agency to learn about real-world marketing processes, strategies, and workflows.
5. Enhance Your Skills: Enroll in courses and earn certifications from platforms like Google, Meta, HubSpot, and the Content Marketing Institute to deepen your knowledge.
Keep up the great work, and you'll achieve even more success!
Rex recommends the following next steps:
Rosa Joy Makandi
Computer Technician
15
Answers
Meru, Meru County, Kenya
Updated
Rosa’s Answer
Keep up with the good activities Alicia. Further you can identify one person who is already successful in the field. Learn from observing and if they are approachable ask them a few pointed questions.
Rosa,
Sharp advice. Learning from those already in the game is how winners get ahead. Solid tip.
Sir Flyer
deborah kania, bfa, mba
Marketing
80
Answers
New Bern, North Carolina
Updated
deborah’s Answer
Hello Alicia! It appears that you are doing extracurriculars that can help in process to get into a sports marketing program at university. If you are already doing this - community volunteering - then great. Otherwise, you want to add this to your efforts. My suggestion is to volunteer for local youth sports league (city, YMCA, county, etc.) or local Special Olympics program in general, and if you are able to help with marketing efforts. It will help you build your experience, college app, resume, and it will be very rewarding to give back to the community. I hope my answer is helpful to you. Best wishes!
Charlie Jennings
Director of sales
7
Answers
Lexington, Kentucky
Updated
Charlie’s Answer
Wow! You are doing so many things well. And you’ve received a lot of good insight from others. You’ve already thought of the idea of interning,, so If you have a local pro team, that would be my target. I also would recommend you go to social media and do research. Learn all you can about that team and the management and try to connect that way. I would also suggest that you intern with an advertising agency and learn all you can about digital marketing. More and more organizations are relying on digital marketing to increase their fan base. Lastly, I would encourage you to develop a Plan B. What if you get into sports marketing and decide you don’t like it? Doing marketing for an advertising agency is not a bad option , good luck. I think you have a bright future ahead of you.
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