Finding a job
As sport is increasingly playing an important part in areas such as health, education and social inclusion, it’s not just sports-based organisations that will be your main potential employers.
You could go into many specific areas such as teaching, coaching, sport science support, sports development and management, marketing and the health and fitness sectors.
Who recruits sport and leisure graduates?
- Fitness and leisure centres
- Professional sports clubs
- Governing bodies for sports
- Health and sports development centres
- Hotels and accommodation facilities as well as spas.
- Schools
- NHS
You could also finding opportunities in:
- Event management companies, organising and running festivals, concerts, exhibitions and corporate or private parties.
- Leisure management consultancies, providing advice to the public and private sector on how best to manage their sports and leisure facilities.
Self-employment
Self-employment is also possible and after gaining experience some graduates establish sports consultancy businesses or set-up sports camps or training centres providing one-to-one personal training. However, there is an element of unpredictability if client numbers decrease unexpectedly.
Get advice on starting or growing a business from our Student StartUp Team. Please see below for further advice about freelancing.
Useful websites to start your job search
MyCareer
Access the Careers and Employability Service's online jobs board to search the latest vacancies, save jobs and set up vacancy alerts.
UK Sports
Contains a variety of paid internships, permanent and fixed term jobs in sports.
Sport England
Contains jobs board with a variety of roles across numerous sports.
Careers in Sport Guide
Provides analysis of the different career options available in the world of sport, providing helpful advice on the qualifications and experience required for a career in sport.
UK Sports Institute
Jobs board listing different opportunities within the sports sector.
Get into teaching
Provides information on the various routes into teaching including primary and PE information.
If you need more information why not check out some of the resources below to help you to research the sector in more depth.
- Global Sports Jobs - Works in partnership with a number of local and international organisations, advertising the latest opportunities from leading sports organisations.
- Sportcal - Delivers sports analysis and insight to a range of global clients. Sportcal is a useful resource for anyone interested in getting involved in this sector.
- Keith Prowse - One of the UK’s leading hospitality and tour providers, specialising in sporting and cultural events.
- Octagon - A global sports, entertainment, lifestyle marketing and talent representation agency of the Interpublic Group.
- BBC Kick Off Trainee Sports Reporter - Training scheme for sports reporters.
- Satellite Information Services - Operates a number of racing channels and provides information for bookmakers, it also offers job opportunities under the careers section.
Recruitment agencies
Recruitment consultants work with individuals to help them find suitable work to match their skills. Agency Central is the UK's leading recruitment agency directory. An advanced search and filter system finds the agencies which match your needs.
Are you looking for a role in Hampshire? Our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy can help!
If you're in the final year of your degree, you can register for support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy. They work with over 3,000 employers in the local area to place our students into fantastic graduate careers.
Speculative applications
Speculative applications involve sending a CV and cover letter to an employer to ask if they have any vacancies, even if the company is not currently advertising for a role. They're a great way to access "hidden jobs" that go unadvertised.
Submitting a speculative application shows your interest in a specific company and your willingness to go above and beyond to develop your skills and understanding of the industry.
