Are you passionate about sports and eager to turn that passion into a fulfilling career? This guide explores career paths for graduates, the skills needed to succeed, and practical steps to land your ideal job
What roles are available in the sports industry?
Sports coaching and development
If you have a passion for mentoring and improving athletes' performance, a career in coaching could be ideal. Coaching opportunities exist at all levels, from grassroots and amateur sports to professional leagues. Many sports graduates start as assistants, working up to head coaching positions.
Roles include:
Discover sports coaching courses.
Sports journalism and media
For those who enjoy storytelling and reporting, a sports journalism or media career can be fulfilling. Opportunities exist in:
- digital platforms
- print media
- radio
- television.
Social media management and content creation are also emerging fields within sports media.
Roles include:
Explore journalism courses.
Sports therapy and performance analysis
The dynamic field of sports science, encompassing sports therapy and performance analysis, is dedicated to enhancing athletic potential and minimising injuries. Professionals trained in physiotherapy or sports rehabilitation play a vital role in treating and preventing common sports injuries.
Roles include:
Read our guide on becoming a sport psychologist.
Fitness and personal training
If you enjoy working directly with individuals to improve their fitness and wellbeing, becoming a personal trainer or fitness coach is a viable option. Many sports graduates obtain additional certifications to enhance their credentials in this field.
Roles include:
What skills do I need for a sports graduate role?
To succeed in the competitive sports industry, graduates should develop a mix of technical and soft skills, including:
- analytical and research skills - for performance analysis and sports science.
- communication skills - for coaching, media, and management roles.
- leadership and teamwork - for management and player development.
- marketing and digital skills - valuable for sports marketing and media roles.
- problem solving abilities - required in all areas, from coaching to rehabilitation.
Can I do a graduate scheme in the sports industry?
If you're drawn to the business aspects of sports, consider graduate schemes offered by companies like Red Bull. Their global graduate scheme includes rotations across areas such as:
- analytics
- media
- sports marketing.
For aspiring coaches, the UK Sports Institute's Skills4Performance programme is an immersive workshop that gives postgraduates insight into elite sport and has led to hires at the Institute.
For an alternative entry path into the sector, see sports apprenticeships.
What experience do I need to get a sports graduate job?
The experience you need depends on the specialisation you want to go into, but generally, internships, voluntary roles, and part-time jobs in sports organisations can provide valuable industry experience.
You can search for internships on university career websites, job boards like LinkedIn, and specialised sports job sites such as:
Volunteering at major sports events or working in community sports programmes can also boost your profile. To find a position, check with local sports clubs, community centres, and charities that run sports programmes. Idealist can help you find relevant opportunities.
Coaching local teams, writing sports blogs, or assisting in fitness centres can also help build your CV. Contact schools, community leagues, and recreational sports organisations. Many are run by volunteers and are looking for coaches.
Consider shadowing professionals in your desired field, such as physiotherapists or sports analysts, to gain firsthand experience. For example, you could reach out to local physiotherapists to explain your interest and ask if they would let you shadow them for a few hours.
How do I apply for a role in the sports industry?
To maximise your chances in the competitive sports industry job market, it's crucial to tailor your applications. Begin by thoroughly researching potential employers and exploring graduate schemes offered by sports organisations, aligning your skills and experiences with the specific requirements of each role.
Tailor your CV and cover letter for every application, emphasising your practical experience and demonstrating a clear understanding of how your abilities match the job description.
Using action words and quantifying your achievements will make your application stand out. For example, instead of saying 'managed social media accounts for the university sports team,' you could say 'increased social media engagement for the university basketball team by 45% in one season, resulting in a 20% increase in game attendance.'
Demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for the position and articulate how your skills directly align with the employer's goals, showcasing your potential to contribute to their success.
How much can I earn working in the sports sector?
Entry-level positions such as groundskeepers or retail staff often start at around £18,000 to £22,000 per year. Roles requiring specialist skills and experience, including sports development officers and qualified coaches, typically offer salaries ranging from £23,000 to £35,000, with senior or specialist positions earning more.
It's important to note that average salaries across the sport sector can be influenced by the exceptionally high earnings of professional athletes. For more detailed salary information, explore our leisure, sport and tourism job profiles.
How can I develop my career in the sports industry?
Attending sports events, conferences, and career fairs can help you connect with industry experts. Platforms like LinkedIn can also be useful for networking and finding job opportunities.
Joining professional bodies like the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) for sport professionals or engaging with organisations like Sport England and UK Sports Institute can open up job listings and mentorship opportunities.
Enhancing employability often involves obtaining:
- a sports therapy programme recognised by the Society of Sports Therapists
- coaching qualifications through your sport's governing body or professional organisations such as the International Coach Federation
- fitness training certificates accredited by CIMSPA or awarded by providers like Active IQ.
Search postgraduate courses in sports.
Developing in-demand skills through online courses or workshops, such as data analytics in sports, sports psychology, or performance analysis, can distinguish candidates and demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development (CPD).
Find out more
- See what the sport sector has to offer.