By Igor T. Markovic
Since a young age, we are told that studying is important and that having an education is a privilege. That is why, in most countries, there is a minimum number of years that people have to spend in school. No one questions the importance of having an education, but how important is having completed a Master in sports if you want to work in the industry? How can a course in Sports Management help you succeed in your professional career and what are additional benefits it brings?
In the past decade, the number of sports courses, both undergraduate and postgraduate, has increased significantly across the world. There are more general ones and others that focus on a specific field in the sports industry, such as medicine and coaching. Considering that the sports industry is still relatively small, but expanding, finding the right course can be difficult.
Sports education is at the core of iWorkinSport. From the very beginning, we have been dedicated to connecting people who have a passion and professional interest for sports, with institutions offering courses related to the industry. This is because we, who have directly benefited from a Master in Sports, want to show that studying sports is a great way to get your foot in the door.
The lessons taught in the classroom will rapidly broaden your knowledge and expertise, while the experience of living with 20+ classmates from as many different nationalities is something that you can’t get anywhere else, by simply reading books or studying remotely. In the field visits you can get in touch with people in the industry that otherwise you may not have the chance to meet and interact with. Furthermore, the alumni network that these courses create will keep you in direct contact with professionals who lived a similar experience than you for the rest of your life.
Having said that, a Master in sports management is not for everyone. iWorkinSport founder, Joao Frigerio, says: “I am often approached by people who ask me if taking a master is the best way to find a job in sports. I normally reply saying that if their objective is simply just to get a job in sport, then they probably shouldn’t do it. There are faster and cheaper ways to get an entry-level job in any industry. However, if they are looking for a life-changing experience – something that will help them change the way they see world – which also may create some employment opportunities, then they should certainly consider it”.
We cannot stress enough the benefits that a sports course can have if you are looking to enter this world. That is why, throughout the iWorkinSport Live Interview series, we have asked many of our guests about the importance of a sports education when entering the industry. Here is what they said:
“Formal education is very important. The more you know about something, the more you understand the problem, the better you will know how you as a professional can add value and contribute to the industry.”
- Ivan Martinho, CEO for Latin America at World Surf League
“I think education is extremely valuable – it is always worth pursuing your education. In the long run it always pays off. Master programs in sports are the bridge that can connect your past and general education to the sports industry. These programs teach you, aside from the theory, how to work with people from different cultures and backgrounds – they teach you how to put the theory into practice. I think that those elements learned during your studies are there for life, in your work, in your general culture and education.”
- Frank Leenders, Director General at FIBA Media and Marketing Services
“The value of a Master is what you do while you are in it. You invest yourself in building the network, demonstrating your interest, making sure that the value is completely absorbed.”
- Pierre Ducrey, Olympic Games Operations Director at the IOC
“Formal education is extremely important, but it does not count much if you do not have personal experiences. Before diving into a master, put yourself in contact with different cultures and backgrounds. All of this helps you build your own character and prepares you to deep dive into a very international environment such as sports. You will be in contact with people from all over the world – there is an exchange of experiences. Education enhances the knowledge you have and gets you closer to what you seek”.
- Mario Medeiros, Executive Commercial Director at FIVB
“We need to think before we speak and we need to be prepared before we do anything. Going to school is preparation, is getting ready to seize opportunities and make the most out of them – to be the most helpful you can be to society. When you have people with solid backgrounds thinking about sports and how it can evolve, then we are making progress.”
- Pedro Trengrouse, Sports Lawyer and Business Consultant
“If you want to enter and dive into the world of sports, one of the easiest ways is probably a master in sports. You get in-depth knowledge of the sports industry when you do a Master in sports. The things you are taught you actually use in your career. Everybody who wants to work in sports is passionate – studying allows you to turn your passion into your career.”
- Sam Momen, Founder of the Sports Executive Path
“Formal education is very important; it will be an asset for sure. A Master in sports makes you grow a lot and you learn things that are not in your radar, at least not directly – things that may assist you in starting a conversation or help you broaden your general knowledge of the sports industry. In your daily job, it gives you leverage when you start. Knowledge is not occupying any space in your head, so profit from it.”
- Jair Bertoni, Director Member Associations at FIFA
“A Master’s degree is important but I believe you have to have some experience first, because you have to be able to exchange ideas with others in the course. If you go straight into a Master after finishing your undergraduate degree, I don’t think you will get the full experience and potential. Don’t rush, because you can come more prepared.”
- Geraldine Dina Bernardo, Organiser of the SWEEP International Conference
If you would like to meet the representatives and alumni of some of the best sports management programmes in the world, you must attend the iWorkinSport Education Virtual Expo, which will happen online from 6 to 8 April. The event is FREE to attend.
For more information, and to register for free, CLICK HERE.
Igor T. Markovic is an Associate at iWorkinSport and a graduate of the FIFA Master in Management, Law and Humanities of Sport.
Connect with Igor via Linkedin or via email: igor@iworkinsport.com