I got amazed while taking a study on the job opportunities sports have presented. It’s really amazing. But I became worried on knowing that the annual budgets of government around the world, do only provide just a little fraction for sport development. The government is responsible to find out some countermeasures from the balance point between developing sports industry and satisfying popular needs, and make sport industry have a healthy and sustainable development.
Career opportunities in sports are not just limited to those with athletic prowess; there are a lot of positions out there for non-athletes.
You’ll agree with me that one can’t just wake up and be a super star in sport, but needs tutors, mental and physical health service providers, among others.
At this point, permit me to take you through the career opportunities available in sports.
- COACHES
As you already know, these set of persons play a very major role in the world of sports. Coaching positions are in every level of sports. Every level or category in sport brings different responsibilities and requires coaches.
You’ll agree with me that these persons are saddled with the responsibilities of assisting athletes to develop to their full potentials. They train athletes in sports by analyzing their performances, instructing them in relevant skills and by providing them the needed encouragement.
Many other opportunities presented here are: Assistant Coach, Associate Athletic Director, Athletic director, Physical Education Instructor, Marketing and Promotions Coordinator, Athletic Program Development Director, Sports Information Director, etc.
2. SPORTS JOURNALISM
This is yet another opportunity in sports for those who want to work behind the scenes in the sporting industry. Sports journalism includes different careers viz: Sportscaster, Sports News Reporter, Television , ports Producer, Radio Sports Producer, Internet Sports Producer, Sports Writer, Sports Photographer, Sports Talk Show Host, Sports Columnist, Sports Television Talent Director, Editor, Publisher, etc.
3. GENERAL MANAGERS
This is one of the highest positions in any sports organization, and as it is often said “to whom much is given, much is expected”, it is a position with a lot of responsibility.
To occupy this exalted position, one must be capable of managing his team’s business matters, not excluding budgets and revenues.
Also, the general manager is the media spokesperson at press conferences and other events of the team. The other opportunities available under general manager include: Business Manager, Director of Minor, league Operations, Marketing Director, Promotion Director, Director of Community Relations, Ticket, operations Manager, Traveling Secretary, Executive Director, Stadium Manager, Sports Events, Coordinator, Equipment Manager, Scoreboard Operator, Public Address Announcer, among others.
4. FITNESS DIRECTORS
Believe me these set of persons can’t be sidelined in sports, as some major responsibilities are on their shoulders. They are the professionals who plan and implement individual and group fitness activities in settings, including fitness facilities, hotels, and corporations. They are responsible for developing and teaching of health education programs. A lot of other opportunities here are: Athletic Trainer, Physical Therapist, Medical Assistant, Sports Medicine Aide, Assistant Athletic Trainer, Physical Therapy Assistant, Sports Massage Therapist, Sports and Fitness Nutritionist, Strength and Conditioning Coach, Exercise Physiologist, Sports Physician, Sports Psychologist, and many others.
5. SPORTS MARKETING
This encompasses a wide range of positions such as sports agencies, public relations departments, and professional sports organizations. They are responsible for promoting sporting events, products and services.
6. SPORTS MEDICINE CAREERS
The big one!
This is an orthopedic specialty that centers on healing injuries or traumas associated with athletic training. This opportunity is opened for medical doctors, and osteopathic physicians, also includes health care professionals who treat acute and chronic injuries and advise athletes on improving their overall health. This opportunity could be divided into: Instructor, Facility Manager, Aquatic Director, etc.
There are also those known as Sports Dietitians. Theirs is to provide nutritional counseling and education designed to enhance the performance of recreational and competitive athletes.
My advice to you who've been frustrated while trying to find a way to become an athlete is, it's not until you start as an athlete before you get there. You can start somewhere, just be grounded in any of the opportunities analysed above, you'll be noticed and recommended for employment, and you'll stand a chance of swapping thereafter to your chosen sport.
I remain your original @starryking!
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