After you graduate from a sports management degree the jobs you apply for can vary, across a variety of industries and sectors. This article will highlight some of the pathways you can pursue, including:
Contents:
- What Does a Sports Management Degree Involve?
- What Jobs Can I Get With a Sports Management Degree?
- #1 – Leisure and Gym Managers
- #2 – Sports Coach
- #3 – Self-Employed Personal Trainer
- #4 – Sports Content Marketer
- #5 – Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- #6 – Outdoor Fitness Coordinator
- #7 – Self-Employed Yoga Teacher
- #8 – Brand Manager
- #9 – Chief Financial Officer
- #10 – Sports Massage Therapist Business Owner
- #11 – Commercial Manager
- #12 – Sports Administrator
- #13 – Business Development Manager
- #14 – Sports Development Officers
- #15 – Sports & Fitness Influencer
- #16 – PE Teacher
- Where Can I Work With a Sports Management Degree?
- #1 Gyms & Fitness Centres
- #2 Freelance
- #3 Large Sports & Fitness Brands
- #4 Education
- FAQs
- Will I Need to Complete Work Experience if I Have a Degree in Sports Management?
- Do I Need Additional Higher Education Qualifications After My Sports Management Degree?
- Before You Go!
For example, if you want to positively impact people’s lives, you can enjoy a rewarding career as a PT. To do this, you’ll first need a Level 3 Personal Trainer Qualification which will certify you to train clients 1-to-1 through the creation of bespoke workout programmes.
What Does a Sports Management Degree Involve?
A Sports Management degree prepares you for careers in a vast number of sectors. This includes roles in marketing, accounting, management, and even fitness training.
Whilst earning a sports management degree, you’ll be studying a range of topics including:
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- Sports Marketing
- Financial Accounting
- Sporting Law
- Inclusivity Reports
- Human Resource Management
Take a look at this example from Bath Spa University, which offers a three-year Sports Management degree where you can study these topics:
This degree will equip you with transferable skills that are highly valued across different sectors both within the sporting industry, including:
- Communication– For effective teamwork and building relationships with partners
- Problem-solving– Finding solutions to workplace issues
- Research– Analysing trends to make informed decisions
- Leadership– Managing teams to achieve business objectives
- Management– Handling daily operations and setting goals
With a sports management degree, you’ll possess the knowledge and skills to succeed in a role that aligns with your career aspirations.
What Jobs Can I Get With a Sports Management Degree?
A sports management degree can open doors to different career paths in a growing and diverse industry.
According to Prospects over 76% of sports and leisure management graduates are employed, with the most popular roles being:
- Advertising and marketing professionals
- Human resources and industrial relations officers
- Sports coaches, instructors, and officials
- Business sales executives
- Leisure and sports managers and proprietors
In the following section, we’ll explore 16 positions you can apply for once you’ve qualified, outlining what each position entails and the potential earnings.
This will help you better understand your career options and how to plan for success in the sports industry.
#1 – Leisure and Gym Managers
Salary: £25,000-£35,000
Role Overview:
Leisure and Gym Managers oversee the operations of gyms, leisure centres, and other fitness facilities.
This role complements your sports management degree, as you’ll have the necessary skills to run a fitness facility smoothly and efficiently for members and staff.
Responsibilities:
- Staff Management– Motivating your team, creating rotas and communicating effectively to ens
- Staff Training– Equip your team with skills to deliver excellent customer service
- Daily Operations- Manage daily tasks to make sure the facility runs smooth
- Budget Management– Keeping expenses in check to maintain a profitable outcome
- Marketing and Promotion – Create marketing campaigns to attract and retain gym members
Training and Employment Opportunities
According to Prospects, it is possible to find a gym manager role with your Sports Management Degree:
However, you should also be prepared for different fitness companies to ask you to hold a Level 3 Personal Training Qualification and have experience working as a PT, like this Fitness Experience Manager position at Total Fitness:
A Level 3 PT qualification will be necessary if you need to cover for another employee who is absent from work. For example, you’ll be able to take on their clients, rather than losing potential income.
#2 – Sports Coach
Salary: £18,000-£26,000
Role Overview:
A sports coach leads teams or individuals in activities such as football or athletics, providing guidance, motivation, and feedback to help athletes develop their skills.
As a Sports Management graduate, you’ll be well-suited for this role thanks to your organisational skills and prior knowledge of athletic training.
By specialising in a particular area of sports, you’ll be able to create tailored training programmes and strategies to help the athletes you coach.
Responsibilities:
- Coaching and Development– Delivering training sessions to help boost an athlete’s skills and performance levels
- Team Management– Inspiring athletes in their personal development and working as a team
- Performance Analysis– Tracking athlete performance and providing constructive feedback on what they did well, as well as areas for improvement
- Event Coordination– Organising and overseeing competitions, events, and matches
- Relationship Building- Developing positive connections with team members to promote teamwork and communication
Training and Employment Opportunities:
A sports management degree lays a solid foundation for a career in coaching. You can then follow this up by gaining hands-on volunteer experience and additional qualifications to increase your chances of employment in this role.
Take this ad for a youth football as an example:
This volunteer experience, regardless of what level you’re doing it, allows you to develop vital coaching skills in areas such as planning and communication, as well as enhance your CV, to give you a competitive edge.
Employers will want to employ someone with the necessary additional qualifications, in areas such as Safeguarding Children or specific sports, such as football. These qualifications are usually quite affordable and can typically be completed in one day.
For reference, take a look at the following job application which clearly states that interested parties must have qualifications in football coaching and safeguarding children:
Sports coaching is a rewarding career path that combines athletic knowledge and management expertise.
With the right mixture of education and hands-on experience, you can excel in creating successful teams and fostering future talent.
#3 – Self-Employed Personal Trainer
Salary: unlimited earning potential
Role Overview:
Becoming a self-employed personal trainer is an ideal career for sports management graduates, as it allows them to combine their passion for fitness with business management skills.
As a self-employed personal trainer, you’ll have the freedom to design your own work schedule and tailor your services to suit clients’ needs and personal preferences.
The leadership, communication and customer service skills from your degree will provide a strong foundation for building a successful fitness business.
Responsibilities:
- Client Training– Designing and delivering personalised fitness programmes to meet individual goals
- Business Management– Handling client bookings, invoicing, and marketing your services
- Client Relationship– Creating a foundation of trust with clients
- Marketing and Promotion– Marketing your services online to reach new clients
Training and Employment Opportunities:
To become a qualified personal trainer, you’ll need to complete a Level 3 Personal Trainer Diploma. This will equip you with the essential skills you need to design and deliver a bespoke 1-to-1 training programme to clients.
These qualifications are also essential for getting the PT insurance you need from providers like Insure4Sport. Without this, you’ll be left without coverage which could result in legal consequences, such as financial loss and in severe cases jail time, should a client make a claim against you.
Self-employed trainers have the potential for uncapped earnings, as you are directly in control over our working hours and the amount you charge per session.
With your sports management background, you can apply your marketing and business skills to develop targeted marketing campaigns and build a strong personal brand to attract clients to your services.
A great example of this is Michael Jessop, who has built a successful career through online coaching and 1-2-1 personal training:
A career as a self-employed personal trainer offers you the flexibility and the opportunity to earn a high potential, especially when supported by a strong business foundation.
Combining fitness expertise with entrepreneurial skills will help you create a lasting and profitable career in the fitness industry.
#4 – Sports Content Marketer
Salary: £19,000-£40,000
Role Overview:
A sports content marketer is responsible for promoting sports companies, organisations, athletes, or fitness brands through content creation and marketing.
If you have a passion for sports and marketing, this role allows you to combine both by creating content that resonates with audiences.
Responsibilities:
- Content Creation– Writing blogs, creating social media posts, and producing promotional material for websites
- Social Media Management– Managing social media platforms to engage with fans and followers
- Email and SMS Campaigns– Running targeted campaigns to inform and engage customers, promoting new courses, sharing industry news, or offering discounts
- SEO and Content Strategy– Using SEO to enhance content visibility and drive organic traffic
- Brand Development– Building a company’s brand identity through engaging, consistent content to establish credibility and attract a loyal audience
Employment Opportunities:
Marketing roles in the sports industry offer a range of opportunities, enabling you to work in positions where content creation and strategic marketing drive engagement and enhance brand visibility.
With your sports management degree and a strong understanding of how to get people to engage with content, you could apply for this Commercial Content Creator role at Blackburn Rovers Football Club:
The role seeks someone with a strong understanding of fan engagement and the ability to create content that drives commercial success.
With your sports management background and content marketing skills, you can create engaging content that boosts revenue, fosters fan loyalty and enhances Blackburn Rovers’ online presence.
#5 – Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Salary: £67,000-£125,000
Role Overview:
This can be one of the highest paying jobs with a sports management degree you can pursue.
As a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in the sports industry, you will be responsible for the overall strategic direction and success of a company or sports organisation.
This includes:
- Overseeing operations
- Expanding partnerships
- Driving revenue growth
- Ensuring long-term sustainability
With a background in sports management, you’ll have the skills to lead a team, make strategic decisions, and execute plans that align with the company’s vision.
Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership– Setting the vision and direction for the organisation and making high-level decisions.
- Financial Oversight- Managing the company’s financial health, including budgeting, financial reporting, and maximising revenue.
- Operations Management– Ensuring efficient day-to-day operations across departments.
- Partnerships and Sponsorships– Building and maintaining relationships with sponsors, partners, and key stakeholders.
- Growth and Expansion– Identifying new opportunities for expansion, including new markets or digital ventures.
Employment Opportunities:
Becoming a CEO is a long-term goal. According to Renaix, the position typically requires 15-20 years of experience in leadership roles before you can apply.
This includes holding positions such as:
- Sports Director
- Operations Manager
- Marketing Director
You will also need cross-functional experience, expertise in strategic and financial development, and the ability to cultivate a strong professional network.
These are essential steps to reach this level. Your sports management background will be instrumental in guiding an organisation toward success, with sponsorships and digital media often serving as key drivers of growth.
The CEO role is an achievable milestone for those committed to making a lasting impact in the sports industry
#6 – Outdoor Fitness Coordinator
Salary: £23,000-£34,000
Role Overview:
As an Outdoor Fitness Coordinator, you will be responsible for organising and managing outdoor workout sessions, ensuring they run smoothly and effectively.
With your Sports Management Degree, you’ll have the expertise to create engaging fitness programmes, manage budgets, and promote events to attract participants.
Responsibilities:
- Event & Activity Planning-Creating timetables for fitness events and outdoor activities to ensure smooth execution
- Marketing & Promotion-Developing strategies to attract participants and grow fitness programs through digital and offline marketing
- Logistics & Budget Management-Overseeing the resources, equipment, and staff needed for successful fitness classes
- Fitness Program Development-Assisting gyms and fitness centres in structuring, promoting, and managing their outdoor fitness initiatives
- Team Coordination-Scheduling instructors and support staff to run fitness sessions effectively
Qualifications and Checks You’ll Need:
- Fitness Qualification-A Level 3 Personal Trainer Diploma is essential for delivering high-quality outdoor fitness training
- First Aid Certification-Required for safety during outdoor activities; accredited courses are available through St John Ambulance or Red Cross
- DBS Check-is necessary if you’re working with children, ensuring safety and clearance for youth fitness programs
Employment Opportunities
Your sports management degree, combined with a Level 3 Personal Trainer Diploma, First Aid certification, and DBS check, will equip you with the skills needed to excel in outdoor fitness coordination roles.
This can lead to opportunities with independent gyms, community centres, or schools/colleges like this one at Kingston Maurward:
Positions like this provide a great opportunity to utilise your skills in a well-organised and fulfilling setting. As you gain experience, you can progress into leadership roles, managing larger-scale events or developing your outdoor fitness programmes.
#7 – Self-Employed Yoga Teacher
Salary: unlimited earning potential
Role Overview:
Becoming a self-employed yoga teacher is a rewarding career path if you’re passionate about helping others improve their physical and mental well-being.
With a background in sports management, you’ll have the business expertise to build client relationships, set competitive prices and create a unique brand.
Responsibilities:
- Yoga Instruction– Planning and delivering engaging yoga sessions tailored to different skill levels and individual needs
- Business Management– Organising schedules, setting pricing strategies, and managing finances to run a successful yoga practice
- Client Relations– Building a loyal client base through excellent customer service and personalised experiences
- Safety & Adaptation– Ensuring participants practice safely, adapting poses to suit individual abilities and needs
- Marketing & Promotion– Attracting new clients through digital marketing, social media, and networking
Training and Employment Opportunities:
To become a self-employed yoga teacher, you will need to complete a Level 3 Diploma in Yoga. The course will teach you how to plan and deliver yoga sessions, adapt teaching for special populations, understand anatomy and physiology, and ensure health and safety in your classes.
After completing your yoga instructor qualification, you can then leverage the skills gained from your sports management degree to set up your own business.
By choosing your hours and pricing, you can create a successful practice, maximise your earnings, and make a positive impact on your clients’ physical and mental well-being.
You could follow in the footsteps of people like Amelia Wood Yoga, who offers Yin, Women’s-focused, and Chair Yoga classes:
With the growing focus on mental and physical well-being, now is the ideal time to establish your brand and tap into the increasing demand for yoga classes.
#8 – Brand Manager
Salary: £36,000-£51,000
Role Overview:
Becoming a Brand Manager in the sports industry is an excellent career choice if you’re looking to combine your passion for fitness with marketing and business strategy.
In this role, you’ll be responsible for developing and managing a brand’s image, creating marketing campaigns, and driving engagement with target audiences.
Responsibilities:
- Brand Strategy– Developing and executing marketing plans to enhance brand visibility and reputation
- Marketing & Advertising– Creating and managing campaigns across digital, social media, and traditional channels
- Consumer Engagement– Building relationships with target audiences to increase brand loyalty
- Sponsorship & Partnerships– Collaborating with athletes, influencers, and other brands to enhance marketing efforts
- Market Research- Analysing trends and consumer behaviour to refine branding strategies and ensure campaigns remain relevant and effective.
Training and Employment Opportunities:
You can earn additional qualifications from education providers like CIM, which specialise in marketing courses. Through this training you can develop new skills and expand your knowledge in areas related to brand management.
For example, CIM offers foundational and advanced courses that can help you develop your professional and digital marketing skills that can help manage brands and develop marketing strategies more effectively.
Graduates in sports management can also strengthen their career prospects by gaining PR and marketing experience with charities such as Children With Voices.
This hands-on experience can develop your key skills in brand management, communication, and community engagement, making you a stronger candidate for brand manager roles.
Your sports management background, volunteering experience, and qualifications can give you a competitive edge when applying for brand management roles. These include positions at:
- Sports apparel and equipment brands
- Fitness technology companies
- Gyms and fitness studios
- Sports nutrition and supplements companies
- Sports agencies and marketing firms
- A brand manager role is perfect if you have a sports management degree and are passionate about using your strategic and marketing skills to drive a brand’s success.
#9 – Chief Financial Officer
Salary: £104,000-£199,000
Role Overview:
As a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in the sports industry, you will be responsible for overseeing the financial health and strategy of a sporting brand or organisation.
This role involves managing budgets, optimising revenue, and ensuring financial compliance while supporting the organisation’s overall growth.
Responsibilities:
- Financial Management– Overseeing budgets, forecasting, and investment planning to maintain financial stability
- Payroll & Compliance– Ensuring salaries are paid on time, managing software subscriptions, and ensuring tax and regulatory compliance
- Strategic Planning– Developing financial strategies to optimise revenue and minimise costs
- Department Collaboration– Working closely with other departments to ensure financial structures support business objectives
- Risk Management– Identifying financial risks and implementing measures to safeguard the organisation’s assets
Training and Employment Opportunities
A CFO role in the sports industry demands strong leadership, analytical skills, and financial expertise. While experience in finance or business management is valuable, a sports management background offers a unique advantage.
According to Indeed, many CFO positions require eight or more years of prior experience in a finance role, so this may be something you wish to explore later in your career.
When applying, highlight transferable skills, leadership qualities, and your suitability for the company in your CV and cover letter. These positions are competitive, so reach out to your network for advice on improving your application.
Gaining an accredited qualification in accounting or finance from a course provider like ACCA, can enhance your professional skill set. ACCA’s Strategic Professional qualification develops financial management and planning skills ideal for CFOs:
The CFO role offers a unique opportunity to blend financial expertise with a passion for sports, leveraging the skills you gained from a sports management degree to help drive the success of a sports organisation.
#10 – Sports Massage Therapist Business Owner
Salary: Unlimited earning potential
Role Overview:
As a self-employed Sports Massage Therapist, you’ll be able to combine physical therapy expertise with business management skills to run a successful practice.
With your degree expertise, you’ll be equipped to handle marketing and client relations. You’ll also manage scheduling appointments while providing essential recovery and performance-enhancing treatments for athletes.
Responsibilities:
- Pre-Event Massage– Preparing athletes for activity by using techniques such as friction and light stretching to energise muscles
- Post-Event Massage- Reducing muscle tightness, promoting blood flow, and aiding recovery after physical exertion
- Injury Recovery– Assisting in reducing swelling, relieving pain, and improving flexibility and strength
- Business Management– Handling client records, setting competitive pricing, and maintaining a hygienic and professional treatment environment
- Marketing & Client Growth– Promoting services, building a loyal client base, and expanding your practice
Training and Employment Opportunities:
To work as a Sports Massage Therapist, you’ll need a Level 3 Sports Massage Diploma, which qualifies you to deliver professional treatments.
As a self-employed practitioner, you’ll have direct control over your own working hours and fees, unlocking an unlimited earning potential.
By leveraging your sports management background alongside technical massage skills, you can build a thriving business that enhances athletic performance and recovery, like Michael Howes Sports Therapy:
By combining your expertise in sports management and massage therapy, you can create a successful business that supports athletes’ recovery. This approach also fosters long-term growth and sustainability in the sports therapy field.
#11 – Commercial Manager
Salary: £41,000-£65,000
Role Overview:
A Commercial Manager in sports drives revenue growth by negotiating with sponsors and external brands. With a Sports Management degree, you’ll apply your expertise in sports marketing and partnerships to oversee key projects and maximise revenue.
If you thrive in high-stakes negotiations and building strong relationships, this role offers significant career growth and impact within the sports industry.
Responsibilities:
- Financial Planning and Budgeting– Developing financial strategies to maximise profitability and forecast budget requirements
- Contract Management– Negotiating agreements and ensuring contracts align with financial and regulatory expectations
- Sponsorship and Partnership Development– Identifying and negotiating sponsorships, partnerships, and brand deals to increase revenue streams and promote organisational growth
- Risk Management– Evaluating performance drivers and implementing strategies to mitigate financial risks
- Stakeholder Relations– Managing key relationships with clients, suppliers, partners, and sponsors to drive business success
- Operational Oversight– Ensuring projects run efficiently while maintaining cost control and compliance
Employment Opportunities:
This role demands a strong foundation in finance, marketing, and event coordination to drive success and ensure smooth operations.
Essential skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and strategic planning are key to managing relationships, securing sponsorships, and maintaining compliance within the industry.
Your ability to negotiate contracts with external brands and sponsors will directly contribute to increasing revenue and fostering long-term partnerships.
#12 – Sports Administrator
Salary: £16,000-£34,000
Role Overview:
As a Sports Administrator, you’ll play a crucial role in managing sports organisations, clubs, and events.
You’ll have the expertise to oversee budgets, organise training schedules, secure sponsorships, and promote sports initiatives while working independently to enhance programs and community engagement.
Responsibilities:
- Financial Management– Overseeing budgets, securing sponsorships, and ensuring financial sustainability
- Event and Program Coordination– Organising training schedules, competitions, and sports initiatives
- Marketing and Promotion– Driving engagement through effective marketing and sponsorship strategies
- Stakeholder Collaboration– Working with teams, governing bodies and corporate sponsors to expand sports programs.
- Regulatory Compliance– Ensuring adherence to industry standards and governance policies
Training and Employment Opportunities:
According to Prospects, a career in sports administration is open to graduates from various fields, but degrees in business, marketing, sports management, or health promotion can improve job prospects:
Success in sports administration requires qualifications in commercial awareness, IT skills, and a solid understanding of the sports sector.
Thanks to your expertise, this is one of the sports business management degree jobs that you will find easy to manage projects and tackle industry-specific challenges.
Working as a Sports Administrator allows you to shape sports development at local, national, and international levels, driving impactful change in the way sports are organised, funded, and promoted.
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#13 – Business Development Manager
Salary: £32,000-£53,000
Role Overview:
As a Business Development Manager, you will play a key role in driving company revenue by identifying and securing new business opportunities.
This role focuses on generating sales, building long-term client relationships, and strategically expanding into new markets.
You will work closely with sales and marketing teams to meet revenue targets and maximise profitability.
Responsibilities:
- Sales & Revenue Growth– Proactively identify, pursue, and close new business opportunities to drive company profitability
- Client Acquisition and Relationship Management– Build, maintain and expand strong client relationships, ensuring repeat business and long-term partnerships
- Strategic Business Development– Develop and implement sales-driven strategies to increase market share and maximise revenue
- Market and Competitor Analysis– Monitor industry trends and competitor activity to refine sales strategies and stay ahead of the market
- Collaboration– Work with sales and marketing teams to develop targeted campaigns, generate leads, and convert prospects into customers
Training and Employment Opportunities:
According to Prospects, a degree isn’t essential for a Business Development Manager role, as many professionals progress from sales or marketing positions through on-the-job training.
You’ll find your background in sports management beneficial, as you’ll have key skills such as negotiation, communication, and networking that are needed to thrive as a business development manager.
If you enjoy working in a fast-paced and demanding environment, you’ll enjoy working as a business development manager for a sports company or organisation.
#14 – Sports Development Officers
Salary: £24,000-£33,000
Role Overview:
As a Sports Development Officer, you’ll design and run projects that encourage more people to get active, breaking down barriers to participation and making sport accessible for all.
Your sports management degree equips you with the skills needed to plan and deliver these initiatives, from organising coaching programs to securing funding and working with key stakeholders.
Responsibilities:
- Creating and Running Sports Initiatives-Designing activities and training programs to engage local communities and specific groups.
- Funding and Budgeting-Applying for grants and managing budgets to keep projects sustainable.
- Managing Coaches and Volunteers-Recruiting, training, and overseeing teams to deliver high-quality sessions.
- Building Partnerships -Working with schools, councils, charities, and sports bodies to expand opportunities.
- Marketing and Events-Promoting sports initiatives and organising events to boost participation.
- Measuring Success-Tracking the impact of projects and making improvements to increase engagement.
Training and Employment Opportunities:
According to Prospects, Sports Development Officers work in different sectors to increase participation in sports and promote social benefits:
They can be employed by charities, schools, the NHS, local authorities, and sports governing bodies, and even collaborate on government initiatives.
With your knowledge, this is one of the jobs from a sports management degree where you can use your strategic, organisational, and leadership skills to excel in this role.
Whether supporting women, people with disabilities, or community programs, your sports management expertise and passion for fitness can make a meaningful change as a Sports Development Officer.
#15 – Sports & Fitness Influencer
Salary: unlimited earning potential
Role Overview:
As a Sports & Fitness Influencer, you will leverage your passion for fitness and substantial social media presence to inspire and engage audiences.
Your role would involve creating compelling content, collaborating with brands, and promoting products or services that resonate with your followers.
This position offers unlimited earning potential, influenced by your reach, engagement, and monetisation strategies.
Responsibilities:
- Content Creation– Develop engaging posts, videos, and stories that showcase workouts, fitness tips, and healthy lifestyles.
- Brand Collaborations– Partner with fitness-related brands for sponsored content, product placements, and endorsements
- Audience Engagement– Interact with followers through comments, messages, and live sessions to build a loyal community
- Marketing Strategies– Utilse affiliate marketing, merchandise sales, and subscription models to diversify income streams
- Trend Analysis– Stay updated on fitness trends and adapt content to maintain relevance and audience interest.
Employment Opportunities:
Success as a Sports and Fitness Influencer requires authenticity, creativity, and business acumen, skills that jobs that require a sports management degree can benefit from.
With expertise in marketing, branding, and audience engagement, you can build a strong online presence and turn your passion for fitness into a profitable career.
Influencers like @ESGFitness, a fat loss and behaviour change specialist, have demonstrated how a well-defined brand as a fitness expert can drive success:
With a sports management background, you’ll have the tools to create effective content, secure sponsorships, and develop sustainable business strategies.
This career offers the flexibility to work independently, the potential for significant earnings, and the opportunity to inspire others—while applying both fitness expertise and business skills.
#16 – PE Teacher
Salary: £25,000-£37,000
Role Overview:
As a Physical Education (PE) Teacher, you’ll inspire and educate students in physical fitness and sports.
This role is ideal for individuals who are highly organised, passionate about fitness, and motivated to make a lasting impact on young people’s lives.
A sports management degree equips you with skills in leadership, planning, and organising sporting activities, which will be invaluable in promoting teamwork, discipline, and personal growth among students.
Responsibilities:
- Curriculum Delivery– Plan and teach engaging PE lessons that align with the national curriculum, catering to different age groups and abilities
- Student Development– Encourage physical fitness, teamwork, and resilience through a variety of sports and activities
- Extracurricular Activities– Organise and lead sports clubs, school teams, and events to enhance student participation and school spirit.
- Assessment & Reporting-Monitor student progress, provide constructive feedback, and maintain accurate records of achievements
- Professional Development– Stay up to date with educational practices and sports developments to continually improve teaching methods
Employment Opportunities:
To become a PE teacher with a sports management degree, you can pursue a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at universities such as Edge Hill:
This qualification is essential for securing employment in:
- Secondary schools
- Academies
- Special educational needs (SEN) schools
Beyond the classroom, leading extracurricular activities and school sports programs provides further opportunities to engage students and make a meaningful difference in their education and development.
If you thrive in a dynamic environment and enjoy inspiring others, a career in PE teaching can be both impactful and rewarding.
Where Can I Work With a Sports Management Degree?
A Sports Management degree offers diverse career opportunities in sports. Graduates can work as team managers, operations directors, or in sports marketing, media, and sponsorships.
Roles in event management, fitness, wellness, nonprofit organisations, and government agencies are also available.
The degree allows specialisations in sports analytics, athlete representation, player development, and community sports.
Emerging fields like esports performance coaching combine psychology and gaming to improve performance. This degree helps graduates pursue roles that align with their passions in the sports industry.
#1 Gyms & Fitness Centres
Your degree in sports management lays a strong foundation for you to excel in roles within gyms and fitness centres.
These credentials equip candidates with essential skills in leadership, marketing, business development, and operational management, aligning perfectly with the dynamic needs of the fitness industry. You’ll be able to apply for roles such as:
- Gym Manager-Where you’ll be responsible for overseeing daily operations, managing staff, and ensuring a positive experience for members. Your background in sports business management will equip you with the necessary skills for managing fitness facilities, staff training, and budgeting. Your marketing experience will also help you to attract and retain members.
- Business Development Manager– Focuses on identifying growth opportunities and forming key partnerships. Your expertise in strategic planning and marketing will help expand the gym’s services and customer base, driving revenue growth. Collaborating with sales and marketing teams to implement business strategies will be essential for success in this role.
- Sports Content Creator– Develops engaging content to promote fitness programs and brands through blogs, social media, and other platforms. A sports management degree provides a solid foundation for understanding the sports industry, while your marketing skills help craft campaigns that drive brand awareness and engagement across various digital channels.
- CEO of a Fitness Organisation– Oversees the long-term strategic direction of a fitness company or sports organisation. A strong background in sports management prepares you to lead teams, make high-level decisions, and maintain key partnerships. This position requires the ability to drive revenue, manage finances, and steer the company toward growth and innovation.
Embarking on a career in gym and fitness centre management is both rewarding and impactful. The right qualifications not only prepare individuals for these roles but also position them as ideal candidates capable of driving success and innovation within the fitness industry.
#2 Freelance
Your degree will equip you with leadership and customer service skills, vital for managing client relationships and promoting your services – all of which is needed for a successful self-employed career, running your own business.
When self-employed some of the freedoms you’ll enjoy include working independently, creating your own unique brand, setting rates and fees, as well as deciding your a specialism that can be heavily marketed.
Some self-employed roles you might wish to explore include personal trainer, yoga instructor, and fitness influencer.
#3 Large Sports & Fitness Brands
Sports management graduates are in demand by major brands like Under Armour, Nike, Adidas, and Reebok, who value expertise in both sports and business.
For example, the Sports Marketing role at Under Armour listed below, seeks a graduate to create targeted campaigns and manage athlete and influencer partnerships.
There are other positions you could apply for including:
- CEO
- Content Marketer
- Brand Manager
- Business Development Manager
With the skills you gain from a sports management degree, you’ll be well-positioned to pursue a variety of roles within large sports and fitness brands, contributing to their growth and shaping the future of the industry.
#4 Education
Graduates with a Sports Management degree can pursue rewarding careers in the education sector, where they can combine their passion for sports with teaching and mentoring. Roles such as PE Teacher allow you to use your knowledge of health, leadership, and sports management to inspire students and teach physical fitness and teamwork.
You can also work as a Sports Coach, applying expertise in performance enhancement and sports psychology to train athletes and develop teams. This role offers the chance to mentor students and positively influence their athletic and personal growth.
Sports Development Officers play a vital role in promoting sports programs and organising events, ensuring students have access to resources for success. These roles provide opportunities to foster healthy lifestyles and create a positive impact in the educational environment.
FAQs
Will I Need to Complete Work Experience if I Have a Degree in Sports Management?
While work experience isn’t mandatory, it can significantly enhance your chances of success by providing hands-on experience in your chosen area.
For instance, if you’re interested in working in gym management, gaining experience as a fitness instructor can give you a deeper understanding of day-to-day operations, client interactions, and target demographics.
This experience helps you gain insights into client retention and the challenges faced by managers, better preparing you for a managerial role in the fitness industry.
Do I Need Additional Higher Education Qualifications After My Sports Management Degree?
Further qualifications aren’t strictly necessary but can give you an edge if you wish to specialise in a particular area.
For example, a master’s in marketing can provide valuable skills for sports-related marketing careers, including consumer behaviour, digital strategies, and brand management.
An MBA with a focus on sports management can help develop your leadership and strategic business skills.
However, many professionals find success through practical experience, networking, and certifications. Your decision to pursue further education should depend on your specific career aspirations.
Before You Go!
Now that you’ve explored the wide range of career options with a sports management degree, it’s time to choose the career path that suits you best. From personal training to becoming a CEO, the world is full of possibilities.
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