Why did you choose a career in Sports Marketing?
My two main passions at school were business and sports. It didn’t matter what the game was, I would give it a go! Rugby, cricket, football, golf…even tennis, table tennis and badminton! Back then, I didn’t realise I could build a career by combing the two. Sports marketing was not widely available as a degree course so I chose to focus on Marketing and continue playing sports alongside my studies.
So, how did you break into the world of Sports Marketing?
I went on to study a Masters’ degree in Sports Management and a PGCE. That opened so many doors for me. My career highlights include working at Bolton Wanderers FC and also St. Helens R.F.C. I was invited to guest lecture on various topics such as sports and social media, fan engagement, sports marketing and branding in a sports organisation – which is when I decided to teach the next generation of sport business enthusiasts.
What are your top tips 3 for breaking into the world of sports management?
The sports industry is tremendously competitive – everyone wants to be a winner whether it’s on the field or supporting the teams. So, it’s important to always be conscious of your own personal brand – know who you are, what makes you stand out from the crowd and always present yourself in the best possible light. Secondly, I can’t stress how important it is to build a network – reach out to people in the industry, attend events, introduce yourself and say ‘yes’ if an opportunity comes your way. Lastly, there’s always something to learn so always look for ways to build your skillset.
What’s your final piece of advice for the next generation of sports managers?
Commit to your goals and work even harder to achieve them – hard work pays off! Also don’t say ‘no’ to anything – you never know where it might lead.
Interested in studying sports business at UA92? Take a look at the BA Sports Management course.
