From everything you have read and researched about working in sports communication, you have still concluded that this is the profession you want to pursue. It is very valuable to learn more about the origins of the day-to-day operations of the business and the challenges that working in it have too. With today’s crowded competitive job landscape, you will need to know the competition. It’s very similar to the metaphor of being a small fish in a large pond. The way to survival is to become a bigger fish.
Professional sports were not always the thriving multi-billion-dollar companies they have come to be in today’s day in age. Ticketing and concessions comprised a major percentage of a team’s total revenue, with minimal staffing needed to fulfill the requirements of an organization. Over several decades, the rise of revenue and overall business operations have required additional staffing needs.
The growth in sports-centric roles resulted in major institutions creating education and degrees focused on roles dedicated to those interested in working in sports. A search of major universities and colleges across the United States and around the world shows several degrees, minors and certificates. There is a slew of degrees ranging from sports management, sports communication, sports journalism, sports law and several other varieties teaching students the inner working of the industry.
In 2009, The New York Times compiled some of the issues facing recent like-minded college graduates seeking to work within the sports industry. The article details some of the challenges students faced entering the workforce at that time.
“This is bad news for the 300 or so universities that offer sport management degrees. Every year, they churn out thousands of graduates who, even in good times, are willing to work for low pay in return for the chance to work around athletes and arenas. The teams, leagues and others in the sports industry have taken advantage of their willingness to make financial sacrifices, and may continue to do so.”
While you may be questioning the timing of this article and the impact on today’s sports communication roles, this system continues to permeate with many similarities to today’s job market. Entry-level jobs within the industry tend to pay below average compared to other similar business sectors.
Additionally, reports have surfaced of a possible recession hitting the US and global economy in the next year. This article was published less than a year after the 2008 financial recession and details the effects on teams and leagues in the aftermath.
“The NFL has cut nearly 200 jobs. The NBA has eliminated 10 percent of its staff, and the United States Olympic Committee laid off more than 50 workers.
The LPGA dropped several tournaments, and Honda ended its Formula One sponsorship. The Jets will furlough some employees for two weeks, and the Cleveland Browns, the Denver Broncos and the Washington Redskins have cut jobs.
Many other teams and tournaments, stung by declines in attendance and sponsorship dollars, have stopped hiring. ESPN will not fill 200 vacant jobs. The Arena Football League canceled its season.”
The sports job market has only become more competitive in the 14 years since this article was published. There continues to be a large job pool of applicants looking to stick their toes into working in professional sports. With a large available workforce every given spring, you will need to find ways to separate yourself from the “pond” you swim in.
The way is to be better than every applicant applying for that role. Whether it’s experience, education, training, or knowledge, the better versed, rehearsed and polished for the role you are applying for, the better chance you will be to earn that communication role in sports.
Source – https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/27/sports/27class.html