10 answers
10
Asked 2071 views

What should I major in if I want my career to be involved in business and athletics?

I was thinking about majoring in management or marketing, but I'm not sure. Some schools I am applying to don't have either as a major, so what should I do in those cases? #business #management #sports #sports-management #athletics #athlete #marketing-and-advertising #sports-marketing

business sports management athletics athlete sports-management marketing-and-advertising sports-marketing
Answer This

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you
10

10 answers

1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Michael’s Answer

It really depends on your passion. I’ll share a range of examples:

Sports Marketing and Business degrees are probably the most common career paths in professional sports. Having the experience and expertise to build marketing programs and create value for sponsors as well as entertaining fan experiences for those that buy tickets and attend events is part of the everyday fabric of sports today. This expertise can also be leveraged at many major corporations that invest in sports sponsorship as a marketing and activation tool for their respective brands. There are also many agencies that specialize in the representation of major brands to help guide them with their investments in sports where a sports marketing and business degree would be valuable.

Merchandising and Brand is a specialized degree path that is important for any organization to build fan affinity. Professional teams create many different uniform options and color combinations so that they can monetize business opportunity. They create celebratory programs like Salute to Service or Throwback so that they can merchandise their brand experience to fans. Specializing your college path could help you focus on the development of building revenue streams for the organization.

If film and TV are your passion, then pursuing your education in Broadcast Journalism could be of interest. Working for a network that broadcasts national games or working for a local network that broadcasts locally and regionally are all career opportunities. Working in a broadcast truck onsite at an event to produce a broadcast or working as a camera operator will always put you in a front row seat at any sporting event.

Architects and Engineers that specialize in the design and construction of sports facilities and stadiums is a niche business but one that can be very rewarding. The expertise to design and build a facility with the detail and understanding of what is required from lighting to concessions and fan amenities takes a lot of education and experience.
If you have a green-thumb and have a passion for being outdoors and playing in the dirt, then a degree in agronomy could be of interest. Every facility from youth to professional has a grounds crew and a professional head grounds keeper that went to school and earned a degree to manage the business of the facility. Golf, baseball, football, soccer are just a few of the sports that play on grass and need an expert to know about grass, watering, fertilizer, mowing and even painting.
1
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Christophe’s Answer

Hi There


My recommandation will be : clearly avoid schools that do not offer mnangement and marketing options . Try to find schools that offer the most generic certification including mamgement and marketing in their courses
management and marketing are really different options , so probably You could rank those options and try to find which one you prefer or demonstrate more skills since now. Speaking for France , a lot of high schools and universties are providing marketing majoring with management as an option or vice versa ...


To me Universities are the best soluion if you want to add on top of this sports activities on top of that ( they have dedicated agenda fot their member , they have association to support and organize competitions ...not the case in high schools ...again speaking for france


Regardings Sport management , only sport studdies in France are doing this kind of cursus . if not possible ...think about joining a club and offer you services for children education within the club


Good luck


Chris
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Steven’s Answer

There's a number of options for you, yet I would go with Sports Management if you're truly interested in business and athletics.

0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Justin’s Answer

I agree with the other responses that sports management is a great path. It goes into the business side of sports. Potential career paths with a sports management major would be an agent or a manger of a player or a team.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Jon’s Answer

The athletics business, first and foremost, is just that, a business. Like most businesses, a well-rounded educational background with a focus on business fundamentals is key. Business degrees, MBAs and law degrees are very common in the Sports Business. Accounting, Finance, Liberal Arts, anything that fosters creative thinking and problem solving with a solid business background. Try not to get too specialized early on and focus on general business education. The sports part will come if the business side is there.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Brennen’s Answer

Theres a lot of directions here, but here's how I would do it. I would pursue a generic degree in business. Research what CRMs are used in the scope of places I'd love to work at, and get certified in those CRMs in their analytic and administration portions.


Maybe even grab a fitness certification to icing.


Then job hunt for that job you want, but take what you can until that perfect job arrives!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Monty’s Answer

Hi Daniela -
Many colleges have degrees in programs called Sports Management and/or Sports Administration. That would be one obvious route although not written-in-stone necessary.


You may also consider a well-round degree is business and/or finance and/or marketing. I would also recommend taking a couple Journalism and/or English and/or Business communication courses to hone your writing skills. Never underestimate the need to communicate effectively via the written word.


I hope that assists you with your school course planning.

0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Paul’s Answer

Many colleges and universities have majors in sports management, which combines both business courses and athletic administration. This is the preferred path to take. But there can be other combinations.

Another combination might be a business major with a minor in sports management. Or even a business major with a minor in physical education. Or switch off with a major in physical education and a minor in business.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

James Constantine’s Answer

G'Day Daniela!


AI:-

Choosing a Major for a Career in Business and Athletics

When considering a career that combines business and athletics, it’s essential to evaluate your interests, strengths, and the specific roles you envision within the sports industry. Here’s a detailed breakdown of potential majors and alternative paths you can take if your desired programs are not available.

1. Relevant Majors

Sports Management:
This is the most direct major for someone interested in both business and athletics. Sports management programs typically cover topics such as sports marketing, event management, facility management, and sports law. Graduates often pursue careers in athletic administration, sports marketing firms, or professional sports organizations.

Business Administration:
A general business administration degree provides a broad understanding of various business functions including finance, marketing, human resources, and operations. This versatility allows you to specialize later on through electives or minors related to sports.

Marketing:
If you’re particularly interested in the promotional side of sports, a marketing major could be beneficial. This field focuses on consumer behavior, advertising strategies, and market research—all crucial for promoting athletic brands or events.

Management:
A management degree emphasizes leadership skills and organizational behavior. This can be advantageous if you aim for managerial roles within sports teams or organizations where overseeing operations is key.

2. Alternative Options If Your Desired Major Is Not Available

If the schools you’re applying to do not offer specific majors like management or marketing:

Consider Related Fields: Look into degrees such as Recreation Management, Kinesiology (with an emphasis on sport), or even Communication Studies with a focus on media relations in sports.

Minors and Electives: Many universities allow students to choose minors or electives that complement their major. For instance, if you major in Business Administration, consider minoring in Sports Studies or taking elective courses related to sports marketing.

Internships and Extracurricular Activities: Gaining practical experience through internships at local gyms, colleges’ athletic departments, or sports marketing firms can provide valuable insights and networking opportunities regardless of your major.

Networking Opportunities: Engage with clubs or organizations related to athletics at your school. This can include joining student government associations focused on athletics or participating in intramural sports which may lead to connections within the industry.

3. Graduate Education

If you find that your undergraduate degree does not fully align with your career goals post-graduation:

Pursue a Master’s Degree: Consider obtaining an MBA with a concentration in Sports Management or Marketing after completing your undergraduate studies. This advanced education can enhance your qualifications significantly.
Conclusion

In summary, while majors like Sports Management are ideal for combining business with athletics directly, other options such as Business Administration or Marketing also provide relevant skills applicable to the field. If those specific programs are unavailable at certain institutions, exploring related fields through minors or gaining practical experience will help bridge any gaps toward achieving your career aspirations in business and athletics.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:

1. National Association of Sport Administrators (NASA)
This organization provides resources about educational pathways in sports management and offers insights into industry standards and practices.

2. The North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM)
NASSM publishes research articles that explore various aspects of sport management education and career opportunities within the field.

3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS offers comprehensive data on job outlooks for various careers related to business and athletics including salary information and educational requirements necessary for those positions.

Probability the answer is correct: 95%

God Bless You, Richly!
James Constantine,
The Little Old Aussie Battler.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Chelsea’s Answer

Many colleges and universities offer sport management degrees, but it all depends on what type of career you are looking for. My recommendation is to major in your specific area of focus, whether that be marketing, business, communications, etc., and obtain sports volunteer or work experience while in school.
0