How To Get Into Sports Management Without a Degree

There are many different careers in the sports industry, including those that would fall under sports management. You may have heard you need a degree in sports management to work in the field, but you're wondering if it's possible to enter the field without a degree.

If you're interested in sports but don't consider yourself an athlete, a sports management career might be a good option. Though it's common to pursue a degree in sports management before beginning this career, it's possible to break into the field with an unrelated degree or with no degree at all.

Keep reading to find out how to become a sports manager.

Can You Work in Sports Management Without a College Degree?

Sports management can be a tough industry to get started in. It's highly competitive, so you have to do whatever you can to stand out from the crowd.

This is why many aspiring sports managers pursue a bachelor's degree in sports management. Landing your first entry-level position and being promoted to other positions is somewhat easier if you have a college degree.

That said, you don't have to pursue a sports management degree to start in this field. It is possible to work your way up into the industry if you are patient and willing to put in the effort.

Can You Be a Sports Manager Without a Degree?

If you want to work as a manager for sports teams, you will probably have to work your way into the position, whether by completing a college degree or gaining experience. Most sports managers have years of experience and a resume of accomplishments; it is not an entry-level position.

That said, it is possible to become a sports manager without a degree, especially if you're willing to work for schools or non-professional sports organizations. If you develop the necessary skill set and gain experience pursuing other career options in sports management, you can pursue a sports manager career even if you don't have a traditional college education.

Steps To Getting a Sports Management Job Without a Degree

Now that you know it's possible to work in sports without a sports management degree, you might still wonder how to get there. Let's look at some steps you can take to forge your new career.

1. Consider Your Career Goals and Skills

As noted above, there are many different careers in sports management. Some of the job titles you could pursue include:

• sports agent
• athletic trainer
• athletic director

Think about the different areas of sports management and your unique skills and interests. What specific careers in sports management interest you the most? What careers do you think you would be good at?

Identifying your career goals and skills will help you determine which sports management careers might be a good fit for you.

2. Gain Relevant Experience

If you don't have a degree, gaining experience in sports management or a related field is essential. Let's look at a couple of ways you can gain relevant experience.

Apply for an Internship

Working in one or more internships is a great way to start in the sports business world. Doing so enables you to meet others in the industry and develop valuable connections that may help you land jobs later.

Additionally, working in an internship can help you develop skills in teamwork, stadium maintenance, marketing strategies, ticket sales, and working with professional athletes. All these skills look good on a resume and can help you become a more desirable job candidate.

Volunteer

Volunteering with a sports organization can provide many of the same benefits as a formal internship. You have opportunities to meet and network with others in the industry while gaining knowledge and improving your sports management skills.

Consider volunteering with local school or community sports teams, college organizations, or professional or semi-pro athletic clubs. Most organizations will be happy to have an extra pair of helping hands around.

3. Pursue Certifications

Getting certified isn't necessary to become a sports management professional, but it can be helpful when it comes time to find a job — especially if you don't have a degree. Let's look at some top industry certifications to consider.

Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM)

The Sports Field Management Association offers a credential as a Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM). This certification provides recognition for expertise in the sports management industry. To apply, you'll need education or experience which add up in a point system. Graduates with degrees in unrelated fields, starting with associate degrees, can include these as education points.

Sports Marketing Certifications

Various organizations offer sports marketing certifications. You can pursue them online through colleges and universities or third-party organizations, like Coursera or edX.

Though they typically don't lead to a specific certification, they can provide valuable training courses in key areas of sports management, better preparing you for your career and other industry certifications.

Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP)

The Certified Special Events Professional designation, available through the International Life Events Association, is a far-reaching certification that demonstrates expansive knowledge of the event planning industry. There is a fee for this credential, and you must have five years of experience in events.

Sports management falls under this broad category, so obtaining this certification can demonstrate to employers that you have a solid understanding of how to organize and plan sporting events.

4. Develop Communication and Event Planning Skills

Communication skills are important in the sports management industry, as many jobs involve maintaining positive public relations and collaborating with many other professionals. It's also important to have strong project management and event management skills.

You can gain these skills through a variety of professional experiences both within and outside of the sports industry. Whatever your current job may be, identify ways you can use it to improve skills that will help you in your sports management career.

5. Take Online Courses

Online courses are available from many sources and may cover various aspects of sports management. Some courses may be free, while others may charge a fee. Some are basic, while others are more advanced and detailed.

Taking some of these online courses will expand your knowledge, giving you a broader understanding of sports management topics and techniques. This can go a long way to help make up for not having a degree.

6. Build a Professional Network

Knowing others in sports management can be extremely beneficial, especially when you're first starting. A professional network can provide guidance and resources, giving you a support system and a better chance of success.

Additionally, those in your network may know about jobs that would be a good fit for you. They can often help you find and land these jobs, making it easier to get hired and build your professional resume.

Alternative Sports Management Career Paths for Non-Degree Holders

Those without a degree can find good sports management jobs based on their knowledge and experience. Keep reading as we discuss some options.

Sports Marketing Assistant

Sports marketing assistants help develop and implement marketing strategies. They commonly work in the marketing department for professional or college-level sports teams. Their job duties may include coordinating various activities and analyzing marketing data.

Sports Event Coordinator

The sports event coordinator may work in various settings to help plan and execute sporting events. They may work for sports organizations at different levels, including local and community clubs. Their jobs typically involve planning, developing, and implementing strategies that lead to successful sporting events.

Sports Coordinator

Sports coordinators are similar to sports event coordinators, but their job is broader. In addition to planning events, they may also develop budgets, ensure teams have proper equipment and facilities, recruit and train staff, and coordinate with coaches and outside sports organizations as needed.