There are many different positions available in the sports events industry. When it comes to sports management programs, many people aspire to work for a professional sports team or university. Many overlook the opportunities available in the tourism and hospitality industry, which can also offer great networking, volunteer jobs and internships.
Joel Everts, CSEE, Sports Sales Manager, Greater Green Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau sees first hand the continued growth and job opportunities within the sports market. “When I started I was in Eau Claire in 2002, there were two dedicated sports sales managers in the entire state at CVB’s, now there are a half dozen dedicated full-time sales people. More cities are focusing on city-wide events.”
Joel Everts, CSEE, Sports Sales Manager, Greater Green Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau sees first hand the continued growth and job opportunities within the sports market. “When I started I was in Eau Claire in 2002, there were two dedicated sports sales managers in the entire state at CVB’s, now there are a half dozen dedicated full-time sales people. More cities are focusing on city-wide events.”
One of the best places to start when exploring this field and determining if it’s the right fit, as well as learning about possible jobs is to volunteer for events that interest you. Seek out opportunities within your community by contacting groups and organizations or the local Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau to learn about their needs. When initiating these conversations, prepare a list ahead of time of your current skills and talents and areas that you would like to learn more about or improve upon. Generally the best volunteers are those that match their skills appropriately, and seek out experts and mentors in areas that interest them.
Many colleges offer programs in sports management, these degrees typically include in-depth classes dealing with the various legal implications and considerations, related codes and requirements for a variety of sport specific needs, for example, regulations for bleachers.
The National Association of Sports Commissions (NASC) is a great resource and among its many benefits it offers is a certification program, Certified Sport Events Executive (CSEE). The Program, open only to NASC members, is a continuing education program where participants are provided with cutting-edge knowledge from topics relevant to the sports event industry. Modules cover a variety of topics that increase participants efficiency and effectiveness in the workplace and enable them to earn the designation as a "Certified Sports Event Executive". Modules are four hours in length and include both instruction and practical application. Currently, registration fees are $250 per module. (Courtesy of the National Association of Sports Commissions).
Everts obtained his certification partially due to his interest in the classes that NASC was offering. “There were great classes available such as; volunteer management, working with hotels and how to work with your Board of Directors. Now there are online classes available and even more career specific classes available.”
In addition to learning valuable skills, a CSEE will show your employer or potential employer your commitment to the sports industry, as well as highlight your in-depth knowledge of the in and out’s of the market.
Through networking, volunteering and traditional education platforms, the sports industry is a viable and exciting career path with a wide variety of jobs to accommodate job seekers in this growing market.
Many colleges offer programs in sports management, these degrees typically include in-depth classes dealing with the various legal implications and considerations, related codes and requirements for a variety of sport specific needs, for example, regulations for bleachers.
The National Association of Sports Commissions (NASC) is a great resource and among its many benefits it offers is a certification program, Certified Sport Events Executive (CSEE). The Program, open only to NASC members, is a continuing education program where participants are provided with cutting-edge knowledge from topics relevant to the sports event industry. Modules cover a variety of topics that increase participants efficiency and effectiveness in the workplace and enable them to earn the designation as a "Certified Sports Event Executive". Modules are four hours in length and include both instruction and practical application. Currently, registration fees are $250 per module. (Courtesy of the National Association of Sports Commissions).
Everts obtained his certification partially due to his interest in the classes that NASC was offering. “There were great classes available such as; volunteer management, working with hotels and how to work with your Board of Directors. Now there are online classes available and even more career specific classes available.”
In addition to learning valuable skills, a CSEE will show your employer or potential employer your commitment to the sports industry, as well as highlight your in-depth knowledge of the in and out’s of the market.
Through networking, volunteering and traditional education platforms, the sports industry is a viable and exciting career path with a wide variety of jobs to accommodate job seekers in this growing market.
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