Choosing a Career in Sports – Beyond the Field

By Sharan Parikh

Choosing a field of study and eventually a career in India, is one of the bigger dilemmas students face once they are ready to get in to college. For many students, even now, convincing their parents to allow them to take up a profession in sport can be an extremely challenging discussion and decision.

However, the silver lining in this situation, is that Sports in India is beginning to organise itself, where many opportunities to achieve professional excellence on and off the field exist. Previously the IPL, with its big brand name sponsors and celebrity ownership, was a standalone sub-market within the industry itself. Now, football, boxing, badminton, poker, pool, and kabaddi are each trying to emulate what cricket had done successfully but importantly learning from its experiences during the nascent years to ensure long-term stability and growth within their individual sport and industry. 2017 too was an iconic year for football, with India hosting the Under 17 World Cup for the first time in its history and even breaking the attendance record of all other Under 17 World Cups. This has helped create a number of career opportunities for those interested in sport. Colleges too are introducing more sports related courses and seminars.

What are the potential career options in Sport

There is considerable investment flowing into the Franchise format of sports, such as the IPL, ISL etc. With the need for better facilities, Sports Infrastructure is one such niche which many sports enthusiasts are entering into. Other fields like Sports Data Analysis, Sports Psychology, Sports Medicine, and Player Management, are all gaining more popularity.

Sports Media, Sport Law, Sports Tourism, and Sports Retail are other sectors on the rise. Given its ability to supplement an individual’s journey into sport, Sports Education, still in its early years, shows great potential for growth in the upcoming years. This can be considered both on and off the field. While some could consider coaching in a particular sport as a career, others may opt for the role of an Educational Instructor. This too can be extended to all the different roles in sport.

Additionally, the Industry also relies on traditional profiles such as Marketing, HR, Operations, Finance, IT, and many more. While a sports degree is helpful in understanding the nuances of sport, candidates from all streams are likely to find a place within the various profiles.

What do you need to know before entering the field?

While deciding and focusing on job profiles, career paths, and planning is important, nothing can compare to making the most of your time and getting practical experience within the industry. Volunteering at Sports Events, as well as interning at various types of companies will help a candidate make an informed decision while simultaneously allowing one to network with the right individuals. 

Choosing a sport you are passionate about always helps make the decision easier and is also a motivating factor while at the job. However, passion alone is not enough to succeed. Hard work and perseverance are a requirement for progress in any field. One can continually explore new training opportunities to improve themselves and forge a more successful career. Certain positions in sport, especially in Player Management, may seem more glamorous than others, however, like any other industry it has its lists of pros and cons. It is important to be aware of all the different aspects of the industry while making a choice. Adequate research about the opportunities available as well as the types of companies which exist play a fundamental role in making a decision which in turn will help further one’s career.

Course options & challenges along the way

With the industry growing steadily, there are a number of courses being offered for students who want to pursue sports as a career. There are short courses of around 7 days to longer courses which range from 1 year to 2 years. Working individuals can even opt for a part time or online programme.

These programmes include an MBA/BBA in Sports Business Management, Post Graduate Programmes in Sports and Wellness Management, Certificate Courses in Sports Business Management, and Diplomas in Sports Management.

While the number of institutes offering Sports Management courses may be smaller in comparison to those abroad, many Indian Institutes are tying up with overseas universities to include foreign professors and give students an opportunity to possibly even go abroad once they are done with their studies.

Work Opportunities

In many cases, choosing an upcoming company rather than an established brand may be a more relevant choice in the initial stages of one’s work life. These companies give an individual the opportunity to be more hands on in bigger roles, giving one the information they need to learn and grow. Students entering the industry should focus more on the exposure than on the financial aspects of the industry, because like any other industry, exposure is a key element in attaining a sustainable career. 

Growth prospects in Sport

Regardless of the career path chosen in sports, there is opportunity for considerable growth as India begins to focus more and invest more in this industry. There are several unexplored avenues, and there is considerable room for creativity and growth in this domain.

As each sport begins to evolve and adapt franchise models, there are more questions about formats, legalities, and potential new rules and regulations around the sport which become important.

The possibilities in the future are so endless that it becomes hard for one to estimate the potential in this under-appreciated industry. But as sport takes the centerstage in India after several decades, it is the best time to be a part of this industry.

About the Author:

Sharan Parikh is the Director of South United Football Club and Pyramid Sports Pvt Ltd. South United FC is Bengaluru's first private football club and the only private club in India that takes in only Indian football players.