Finding a job in sport and leisure

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

• 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.
• English Institute of Sport – Jobs board listing different opportunities within the sports sector.
• Society of Sports Therapists – Useful website if you are interested in pursuing a career in sports therapy.
• Get into teaching - Provides information on the various routes into teaching including primary and PE information.

Tips for finding a job

• Think broadly about the sports sector and all the different opportunities it offers and try to think what you would specifically like to pursue and focus on.
• Keep up to date with the sports and leisure management sector news and trends by following professional bodies on Twitter. This information might help you identify opportunities to network and tap into the hidden jobs market.
• Explore various areas within the sector you want to get into; knowing what you want to specialise in will help you focus your research and ensure you gain relevant skills.
• Get involved in relevant sports university societies or external groups. This is a good way of demonstrating your motivation and interest within this area of work. Many recruiters are looking for recent evidence of balancing university commitments with extra-curricular activities throughout your higher education studies.
• Be proactive and make direct contact with organisations that interest you and apply speculatively; send a targeted CV and a covering letter focused on why you are interested in them and why they should be interested in you.
• Create a LinkedIn profile to network with sector employers - see our Networking and Social Media section for further guidance.

Useful social media feeds

Follow companies on Twitter or Facebook to receive news, information about current projects for this specific industry sector and to tap into the hidden jobs market:

• Sport and Recreation Alliance

Further Information