Jared Klein

Dr. Martens

SPM-150

28 January 2020

Opportunities on Opportunities

When talking about the sports business industry field, many would appear to believe that

the employment opportunities among this line of business would be minimal. However, after

further research, I have discovered that this accusation is false. With the trends of sport business

occupations rapidly spiraling upwards, it is hard to find an area within the industry where job

growth is low. Because the sports industry is so big, employment in the business area such as

sports agents, marketing managers, and even scouts are seeing a large increase in career

opportunities.

In terms of the size and scope of the sports business industry, I was completely unaware

of how large the field really is. In fact, I was completely taken away by how many career

opportunities and occupations actually exist within the industry. For example, after spending a

few hours doing research on some of the positions available for sports business majors, I learned

that the industry is currently thriving as there are millions of positions available for anybody with

the necessary degree or training. According to Gwynedd Mercy University in Pennsylvania, the

sports business field over the years has transformed into a billion-dollar industry, offering plenty

of jobs to anyone who is looking to be a part of a field that is still largely growing (Sports). As

far as the future goes, it seems as if career opportunities will only continue to grow as the

demand for jobs in sports management, marketing, manufacturing, operations, and even
coaching and scouting is growing at a seemingly fast rate. So, for people like me, obtaining my

dream job in the sports business field is a real possibility.

After conducting further research in the sports business industry, I noticed a few

noticeable trends regarding the three careers of marketing management, being a sports agent, and

lastly scouting. The first trend that seemed interesting to me was that the three occupations all

required relatively the same level of degree and schooling. For example, to be a sports agent,

someone would be required to obtain a bachelor’s degree. If we were to look at a sports market

manager or a scout, the education requirement is generally the same. However, to be a sports

marketing manager, someone may be required to have a different kind of a bachelor’s degree,

such as one in management and administration or even sports science marketing. While

organizations may prefer their scouts to have a bachelor’s degree, someone working that job may

have that position strictly because of their high knowledge in sports or because of their past as a

coach or athlete. The next trend I noticed after studying these three occupations was their future

outlook. Knowing that the sports business industry is on the rise, it really is not a surprise

knowing that all three professions have a bright future. According to the United States Bureau of

Labor Statistics, marketing managers are expected to see positions increase by as much as eight

percent within the next decade (Marketing). Although this seems like it is strictly because more

and more people want to be sports marketing managers, the main reason the industry is

expanding is because of the low turnover. Employees at this position are satisfied with their job

in promoting the organization and its players, as well their $115, 000 average salary that comes

with it (Management). Another career worth mentioning that is expected to see an increase in job

positions are scouts. Because scouts are placed in the same category as coaches, their

employment outlook is expected to be as high as eleven percent. Many people who like scouting
appreciate their involvement in recruiting players, while also having the opportunity to

physically meet them.

After completing all my research for this assignment, there is one career that really stood

out to me and that career being a sports agent. Growing up I had always dreamed of being a

professional athlete, however; when I grew older I realized that the chances of me playing

professional basketball were pretty slim. Instead, I decided to turn away from physically playing

basketball and look into a career where I can still be involved. In doing so, I came up across the

job occupation of a sports agent and it immediately interested me. Here at WLC I finally get the

opportunity to explore the sports agent occupation and see if it is a career that truly fits me well,

and so far I have to admit that I am very impressed. In being a sports agent, I would have the

opportunity to interact head-to-head with athletes, high profile coaches, and the team even team

owners in finding the best available deal for my client. With being an agent, I would have a lot of

key responsibilities involving my everyday work such as finding the best contract deals, salary,

and terms in order to ensure that my client would be financially sound when they are retired

(Agent). Along with all the responsibilities an agent must endure, somebody in this field also

must have a few important key skills. These skills include being able to negotiate contracts

quickly and also have the ability to promote my client well (Agent). All in all, being a sports

agent is definitely a career that has always stood out to me, and after learning more about the

occupation I feel as if this is indeed the job for me.

When it comes to the sports business industry many people, including myself, would

make the assumption that there is no real opportunity for employment within this field. With that

being said, because of the sports business fields rapid uprising, many areas within the industry

are actually experiencing an increase in career possibilities. As a result, occupations like sports
agents, marketing managers, and even scouts are expecting a demand in future employment. For

me personally, I was completely shocked after researching the profession of a sports agent and

seeing what key responsibilities and duties were entailed with the job. I have to say, the sports

agent occupation has completely blown me away as I now feel that this occupation is worth

pursuing.
 Work Cited

“Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers : Occupational Outlook Handbook.” U.S.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 4 Sept. 2019,
www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-
managers.htm#tab-6.

“Job Profile: Sports Agent.” Sports Management Degree Guide,

www.sports-management-degrees.com/job-profiles/sports-agent/.

“Job Profile: Sports Marketing.” Sports Management Degree Guide,

www.sports-management-degrees.com/job-profiles/sports-marketing/.

“Sports Management Career Guide.” Sports Management Degree Guide - Career Options &
Salaries, www.gmercyu.edu/academics/learn/sports-management-careers.