Sports graduate jobs
Are you passionate about sports and eager to turn your love for sports into a fulfilling career? This guide explores career paths for graduates, the essential 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 global companies like Red Bull. These schemes provide paid experience in marketing, media, and data analytics through rotations at major sporting events worldwide.
For aspiring coaches, the UK Sports Institute offers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the elite sports environment. Their Skills4Performance programme, aimed at postgraduate students, specifically prepares individuals for roles within 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. VolunteerMatch 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.聽
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 get paid working in the sports sector?
Entry-level positions like groundskeepers or retail staff typically command lower wages, often starting around 拢18,000 to 拢20,000 annually. Roles requiring specialised skills and experience, such as sports development officers or coaches, can offer salaries between 拢18,000 and 拢30,000.
It's crucial to acknowledge that the sector's average salary is often skewed by the exceptionally high earnings of professional athletes. For more precise salary data, see 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 associations and sports organisations grants access to exclusive job listings and mentorship. Also, engaging with university alumni who have established careers in the sports industry can offer valuable insights and potential job referrals. Professional bodies in the industry include:
- the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA)
- Sport England
- UK Sports Institute.
Enhancing employability often involves acquiring certifications in areas like coaching, fitness training, sports therapy, or digital marketing, as many organisations prioritise candidates with specialised training beyond their degrees. To gain these qualifications, individuals can explore options such as:
- professional coaching organisations like the International Coach Federation
- fitness training courses accredited by the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) or Active IQ
- sports therapy programmes offered by universities or recognised by the Society of Sports Therapists.
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.