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Build a career in sport and leisure
This career guide is designed to help University of Portsmouth students and recent graduates explore job options, key employers, and entry routes into the sport and leisure sectors.
In this guide:
The sport and leisure industry covers a wide range of areas with jobs in sectors such as sport and recreation and health and fitness but also tourism, events and management.
Although sport and leisure management courses are highly vocational courses, the fact that you gain an understanding of issues relating to psychology, sociology and social policy means you could move into roles within the public sector. These could include policy planning, community development and social work. Your voluntary work and vacation and term time jobs can be very important in breaking into this sector.
Potential Job Roles
Prospects has a useful list of job profiles, each containing relevant information about key responsibilities, skill requirements, starting salaries, entry requirements, career prospects with links to major employers and current graduate vacancies. Some roles include:
Professional Qualifications
Careers within the sport and leisure sector vary widely, and some may require additional qualifications beyond an undergraduate degree. While many roles can be accessed with a degree alone, professional certifications, governing body awards, or postgraduate study may be needed for certain career paths. This is particularly common in areas such as sports coaching, physical education, exercise and fitness, sports therapy, and community sport development. Researching any accreditation or registration requirements early can help you plan the most appropriate route into your chosen career.
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Gaining Experience
It can be very helpful to gain related work experience to complement your degree.
The more experience across different areas you can gain, the stronger your applications will be. As well as providing you with more knowledge, gaining experience will also help you to decide which specific direction you wish to take.
Think broadly what kind of sector you want to get into and where you enjoy working; what group of people you want to work with and then research the sector you want to try to get into.
The key to success is to prepare thoroughly, do your research and organise your experience in good time.
Types of Opportunities
Below are some examples of the different types of opportunities to gain experience while you study.
Placements will give you a long-term look at an organisation, and help you to build contacts and experience.
On some degrees, work placements are part of the programme, whilst on others you can choose to complete a placement as one of your modules. Should you choose to undertake either your first point of contact is your placement team.
Internships and volunteering are valuable ways of gaining experience.
Try youth sport work experience if you are interested in coaching, or find an opportunity to staff a sports event if you want to pursue a management role. It may also be possible to gain marketing or events management experience, perhaps through University societies or through voluntary work. It is also worth considering the voluntary sector for work experience.
The Careers and Employability service offers current students and graduates access to a Virtual Volunteering Bank which provides local opportunities to undertake alongside your studies. Similarly you can access these opportunities through the paper-based bank located in the Careers and Employability Centre.
Places to gain experience could include summer vacation coaching positions. The University of Portsmouth Sports and Recreation offers a range of opportunities for students to get involved in coaching and officiating, developing their skills and work in the local community.
This is an opportunity for you to spend time with an experienced professional and learn about what they do and their role.
Whatever experience you gain will help your understanding of the skills required in the sport and leisure field.
Where to find work experience opportunities
There are plenty of ways to find work experience in accounting, finance and economics. Some key online platforms include:
Tips to build experience
- Join one of the many university societies to gain new skills, boost your CV and improve your job opportunities when you graduate.
- Seize opportunities to work with a different variety of clients and customers as this will help you to understand the target group you would like to work with in the future.
- Volunteer in local sports community projects during your summer vacation.
- Sign-up with coaching and refereeing opportunities with the University of Portsmouth Sports and Recreation Department.
Getting the most out of work experience
Whether you already have a career path in mind or are still exploring your options, our work experience pages guide you to finding opportunities that match your interests and goals. You'll find advice on choosing an industry, broadening your search, and standing out while building valuable skills and experience.
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.
Finding a Job
We recommend starting your search using our online jobs board, MyCareer. You can also find general online job boards and advice through our Graduate Jobs page.
Job Boards for sport and leisure
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.
Working for yourself
Got an idea you'd like to turn into something bigger?
Whether you're planning a business, side hustle or freelance career, our Student StartUp team can help you build your confidence and develop your plans. Access expert guidance, funding opportunities, workshops and workspace designed to help you move your idea forward.
Keep up-to-date with the industry
As part of your job hunting strategy you will need to keep up to date on developments in this sector and keep track of any vacancies that are coming up. The knowledge gained through your research may help you to target your applications and will help when preparing for interviews.
Below are some key resources to help you research opportunities available:
- British Association of Sports and Exercise - Offers comprehensive information and advice on careers in sports and exercise science as well a list of job vacancies.
- Chartered Institute for the Management of Sports and Physical Activities - Helps you to find out more about some of the varied career paths available in the sector as well as advice on job interviews and a jobs board.
- 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.
- Leisure Opportunities - Useful website with job vacancies and the latest industry news.
- National Careers Service - Provides a range of job profiles available in the sports industry for you to research including information on entry routes and how to gain specific experience.
- Sport Science Insider - A wealth of resources related to different aspects of Sports Science, to help you keep up to date with industry trends and where to look for opportunities
Explore more from the Careers Service
CVs, portfolios and cover letters
Find out how to increase your chances of getting an interview by writing a strong CV and completing a successful application.
Building work experience
Get hands-on industry experience and showcase your knowledge before you graduate!
Graduate job search guide
Learn about the types of roles you will encounter, and how to search for roles.
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