Here at The Sports Intern, our goal is to empower students who are putting in the work to break into the sports industry by providing them with real, practical advice. Choosing the right sport management program can be one of the most important decisions you make. It’s about way more than just the class subjects or length of the program, or even location. It’s about the access, support, and opportunities it can give you that will help you shine in the sports industry.
Here’s what to look for and the questions you should ask to make sure you’re getting the most out of your education.
✅ What to Look For in a Strong Sport Management Program
Industry Connections & Real-World Access
- Partnerships with professional teams, college athletics, agencies, or brands
- Access to guest speakers, site visits, and conferences
- Internship pipelines with strong placement support
Applied Learning Opportunities
- Capstone projects with actual clients or organizations
- Opportunities to volunteer/work at sporting events
- Student-run sports business clubs or media platforms
Alumni Success & Mentorship
- A visible and engaged alumni network
- Graduates working in a variety of roles, not just local internships
- Alumni mentorship or career panels
Supportive Faculty & Career Services
- Professors with real industry experience
- Career advisors dedicated to sport management students
- Help with internship placement and resume review
Curriculum That Goes Beyond the Basics
- Includes courses in analytics, digital media, sponsorships, diversity in sport, etc.
- Focuses on transferable skills: communication, negotiation, strategy, etc.
Student Outcomes
- Internship placement rate
- Employment rate within six months to a year of graduation
- Variety of job sectors (not just working for a local team)
❓ Questions to Ask Program Directors or Professors
Academics & Experience:
- How do you incorporate real-world projects into your courses?
- What sets your curriculum apart from other sport management programs?
Opportunities Outside the Classroom:
- What types of internships do your students typically land, and where?
- Do students get opportunities to attend or work at industry events or conferences?
Career Support:
- Do you have a dedicated advisor or office that helps sport management students with internships and jobs?
- Can you share a few recent success stories of students or alumni?
Alumni & Network:
- How involved are alumni with current students?
- Are there opportunities to connect with alumni for mentorship or career guidance?
Clubs & Organizations:
- Are there student clubs or organizations focused on sports business, analytics, or media?
- Can first-year students get involved right away?
Realistic Outcomes:
- What kinds of jobs do your graduates go into, and how long does it usually take them to land one?
🔎 How to Find Answers
Most schools list program highlights and opportunities on their websites, but if you’re not finding everything you want to know, don’t hesitate to dig deeper.
Start by exploring the program’s official page on the school’s website. You can usually contact a program director directly from the website to attend an info session or set up a meeting to ask your questions.
You can also check if there is a program page LinkedIn and other platforms (such as Instagram) to learn more about what the program offers, what caliber of guest speakers are invited to lectures, where the students are interning, and where graduates are getting jobs.
In conclusion…
The right program should not only teach you about the sports industry but also open doors to experience it firsthand. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, do your research, and advocate for the support you deserve. Your future in sports starts with the choices you make now. At the same time, remember: you can’t make it in sports without putting in the work and being proactive. Even the best program with the strongest benefits won’t help if you don’t take advantage of what’s in front of you.
