5 ways BIPOC Students Can Launch a Career in the Sports Industry

Are you wondering how you might be able to break into the sports profession? Well, it’s just your luck that I have five ways that any early-career starter can launch a career in sports and entertainment or any industry.

The wonderful world of sports is a segment of the Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation industry (NAICS Code: 71 via Mergent Intellect). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this industry has been growing faster than other industries over a projected ten-year span (O*Net). On average, by 2030, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the industry will create over 10,500 jobs in the United States alone. Although the growth is impressive, the industry reflects a less than remarkable representation of BIPOC employees at just below 30% in total.

This blog will highlight five ways BIPOC folx can navigate entry into the field.

1. Make a Plan: Launching a career can be complex when considering all the elements that come into play when making major life decisions (i.e., locations, expenses, life balance). Creating a plan that strategically outlines how you will complete your goals is one of the best methods for achieving successful outcomes. Think about your goals in one, three, and five-year increments. Ask yourself, what are you planning to accomplish in a year? What do you hope to achieve three or five years from now? Broadly define your goals and then break them down into SMART goals.

2. Study Up: Review data and information about specific jobs. One way you can do this is by using the Job Market Insights tool on our website. You can search for jobs by typing in the keyword box or selecting the industry. Once you’ve identified an occupation that interests you, you can review various types of information such as Core Tasks, Trends, top hiring companies, typical education level, skills needed, and job titles.

You can also check out information on the Undergraduate Student Outcomes page to see what jobs UCONN alumni have secured from specific majors (i.e., sports management) upon graduation. You can also freshen up your knowledge of the industry by taking job titles, doing web research, and reviewing job descriptions. When you have a general idea of what qualified candidates expect, you can use that information to build a more robust application.

3. Make or List or Two: Make a list of 15 or more companies you are interested in joining, then shorten your list between 5 – 10 companies, and finally rank your list from favorite to least favorite. This exercise will shift how you will search for opportunities from a broad-based search to a company-based job search.

4. Build a Foundation:

Refine your application: Get your resume and cover letter reviewed; you can schedule an appointment with a career coach through Handshake. Click here for the Resume and Cover Letter Guide.

Building a compelling LinkedIn profile is one of your professional brand’s most impactful digital elements. Click here for a guide to building a better LinkedIn profile.

Connect with or find a mentor. Click here to learn more.

5. Source and Apply for Opportunities:

Sign up for job alerts and vacancy blasts to activate passive job/internship lead generation.  Most job boards, like Handshake, have alert functionalities that notify you of new positions that fit your alert criteria. Click here to learn how to set this up in Handshake. Lead generation: career fairs, networking, etc. Highlight professional organizations for black/BIPOC people in sports

Leverage relationships or associations for networking and exposure

In closing, each of these steps will help steer you in the direction that you want to launch your career from. You are always welcome to schedule a career coaching appointment to discuss with some from the career center.

Photo by LinkedIn Sales Solutions on Unsplash

By Wiley Dawson
Wiley Dawson Assistant Director, Hartford Campus (He, Him, His)