Sports administrator : Entry requirements

Although this area is open to all graduates and Diplomates, the following subjects may increase your chances:

• sports science, sports management or sports development;
• business, management or marketing;
• education or physical education;
• leisure studies or recreation management;
• health management or health promotion.

Sport England  provides a list of undergraduate and postgraduate courses that are particularly relevant to this career area.

lomates and foudation degree graduates would need to demonstrate high-level skills and motivation in order to compete with honours degree graduates. Entry without a degree or HND/foundation degree is sometimes possible, dependent on relevant experience and vocational or sports-specific qualifications.

A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not needed, although students who have not studied business or management modules could increase their chances with a postgraduate or professional qualification in this field.

Pre-entry administrative experience is essential and may compensate for lack of formal qualifications. Sporting ability is not a pre-requisite, but evidence of an interest in sport, such as a sports leader award or coaching badges, may be advantageous. Specific areas of expertise such as media, events organisation, IT, marketing or human resources, can significantly improve chances of career progression and a higher salary.

The skills required depend on the nature of the employer. For example, in a national sports club there will be an emphasis on commerical awareness, marketing and promotion, while in the public sector there will be added responsibilities related to funding and policy. In general, however, candidates need to show evidence of the following:

• a strong interest in sport, and an awareness of the issues affecting the sports sector;
• good IT and administrative skills, and a high level of attention to detail;
• commercial awareness and a professional approach;
• a high degree of self-motivation and a drive for change and improvement;
• an enthusiastic personality and resilience to deal with uncertainty;
• the ability to build and maintain effective relationships, and to communicate well with a wide variety of people;
• good planning, organising and time management skills;
• the ability to work well in a team, in a dynamic and customer-focused environment;
• the ability to project a positive image of sport to people at all levels.

Knowledge of the locality where the job is based can also be useful.

Competition is very intense, so making contacts and networking from an early stage is essential. Be prepared to gain experience through voluntary work and relevant university activities, and consider writing speculatively to employers. The SportBusiness Marketplace Directory  is a good source of contact information.

Useful information on career pathways in sport, including case studies, is available from U-Explore .

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.