How to become a sports manager

Is becoming a sports manager right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do sports managers do?

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How to become a Sports Manager

Becoming a sports manager involves a combination of education, relevant experience, networking, and a deep understanding of the sports industry. Here are the general steps you can take to pursue a career as a sports manager:

  • Earn a Relevant Degree: Obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Sports Management, Business Administration with a sports management focus, or a related field.
  • Gain Practical Experience: Seek internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities in the sports industry to gain hands-on experience. This could include working with sports teams, athletic departments, or sports marketing agencies.
  • Build a Strong Network: Attend industry events, conferences, and networking functions to connect with professionals in the sports management field. Building relationships with individuals already working in the industry can provide valuable insights and opportunities.
  • Specialize in a Niche: Consider specializing in a specific area within sports management, such as athlete representation, event management, sports marketing, or facility management. Specialization can make you more attractive to employers and enhance your expertise in a particular field.
  • Obtain Relevant Certifications: Consider obtaining relevant certifications to boost your credentials. For example, certifications in sports marketing, event planning, or sports facility management can demonstrate specialized knowledge and skills (see below).
  • Pursue Advanced Education (Optional): While not always necessary, pursuing a Master's Degree in Sports Management or a related field can provide additional qualifications and open doors to higher-level positions.
  • Create a Professional Online Presence: Build a professional online presence through platforms like LinkedIn. Showcase your education, experience, and any notable achievements related to sports management. Network with professionals in the field.
  • Apply for Entry-Level Positions: Start applying for entry-level positions in sports management. Look for positions in sports teams, athletic departments, marketing agencies, or sports organizations. Consider roles like assistant sports manager, operations coordinator, or entry-level marketing positions.
  • Showcase Leadership Skills: Demonstrate leadership skills and a passion for the sports industry. Leadership qualities are crucial in sports management roles, whether you're managing a team, coordinating events, or representing athletes.

Certifications
Obtaining relevant certifications can enhance your skills and make you more competitive in the field. Here are some certifications that may be valuable for sports managers:

  • Certified Sports Manager (CSM): Offered by the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM), the CSM designation is designed for individuals working or aspiring to work in sports management. It covers various aspects of sports management, including marketing, event planning, and facility management.
  • Certified Manager of Athletic Programs (CMAP): Provided by the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS), the CMAP certification is suitable for professionals involved in managing youth sports programs. It focuses on organizational and managerial skills specific to youth sports.
  • Certified Sports Event Executive (CSEE): Offered by the National Association of Sports Commissions (NASC), the CSEE certification is for professionals involved in sports event management. It covers topics such as event marketing, sponsorship, and logistics.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP): While not specific to sports management, the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) is widely recognized. It can be beneficial for sports managers involved in organizing and managing sports events.
  • National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) Certifications: The NIAAA offers several certifications for athletic administrators, including the Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) and Registered Athletic Administrator (RAA) designations. These certifications are specifically tailored to those working in school and educational sports settings.
  • Certified Facility Manager (CFM): Offered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), the CFM certification may be relevant for sports managers involved in the management of sports facilities. It covers facility planning, maintenance, and operations.