Are you passionate about sports and dreaming of turning that passion into a career?
If you love everything about athletics, from working with teams to promoting events, there are tons of opportunities out there!
Whether you’re hoping to become a coach, a sports agent, or even a physical therapist for athletes, there’s a job in athletics for everyone.
In this article, we’ll show you how to get a job in athletics with easy steps and helpful tips!
What Are Athletics Jobs?
Athletics jobs cover everything related to sports and fitness. These jobs can include working directly with athletes, managing sports teams, handling the business side of sports, or even helping people get fit.
Some of the most popular jobs in athletics are coaches, athletic trainers, sports managers, sports psychologists, and fitness instructors.
Steps to Get a Job in Athletics
If you’re excited about working in the athletics field, here’s what you need to do to get started!
1. Choose the Type of Job You Want
Before you dive into your job search, it’s important to figure out what type of athletics job excites you the most. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Coach – Teach and train athletes to perform their best.
- Athletic Trainer – Help athletes recover from injuries and prevent future problems.
- Sports Manager – Organize sports events, manage teams, and take care of logistics.
- Sports Psychologist – Help athletes improve their mental health and performance.
- Fitness Instructor – Teach people how to get fit and stay active.
Once you know which role interests you, you’ll be able to narrow your focus and take the right steps to get there.
2. Get the Right Education and Training
Many jobs in athletics require a certain level of education or training. Here’s what you might need for some of the most popular jobs:
- Coach: You may need a degree in physical education or sports management. Coaching certifications from sports organizations like the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) or the American Sport Education Program (ASEP) can also help.
- Athletic Trainer: A degree in athletic training or physical therapy is required. You will also need certification from a recognized organization, like the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC).
- Sports Manager: A degree in sports management or business is usually required. Some jobs may also require experience in event planning or administration.
- Sports Psychologist: To become a sports psychologist, you’ll need a degree in psychology, and then you’ll specialize in sports psychology through a master’s or doctorate program.
- Fitness Instructor: A certification from a recognized fitness organization (like the American Council on Exercise) is often required to teach fitness classes or train clients.
3. Gain Experience
To land a great job in athletics, it’s important to gain as much experience as possible. Here’s how you can do it:
- Internships: Internships are a great way to get hands-on experience and build connections in the athletics industry. Many sports teams, gyms, and fitness centers offer internship programs. Internships let you learn the ropes and sometimes lead to full-time positions.
- Volunteer Work: Volunteering with local sports teams, schools, or organizations can give you a chance to practice your skills while building your resume.
- Part-time Jobs: If you’re interested in coaching or training, look for part-time jobs at local sports clubs, gyms, or schools to gain experience.
4. Get Certified
Many jobs in athletics require certifications, which can show potential employers that you’re qualified.
Here are some common certifications for athletics jobs:
- Coaching Certifications: These are offered by different sports organizations, like the American Sport Education Program (ASEP), USA Football, or the National Coaches Association.
- Personal Trainer Certification: Personal trainers often need certifications from organizations like the American Council on Exercise (ACE) or the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
- First Aid and CPR: It’s helpful (and sometimes required) to be certified in first aid and CPR. This is especially important for coaches and athletic trainers.
- Sports Psychology Certifications: If you want to work as a sports psychologist, look into certifications from organizations like the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP).
5. Network and Connect with Industry Professionals
Networking is super important when it comes to getting a job in athletics. Here’s how you can build connections:
- Attend Sports Events: Go to games, matches, and tournaments where you can meet coaches, players, and others in the athletics field.
- Join Sports Organizations: There are many organizations, such as the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) or the American Coaches Association, where you can meet other professionals and learn about job opportunities.
- Online Networks: Use LinkedIn to connect with people working in sports and athletics. You can join sports-related groups and follow companies you’re interested in.
6. Keep Learning and Stay Updated
The world of athletics is always evolving, so it’s important to keep learning!
Stay updated on new trends in sports training, fitness, coaching, and sports technology.
Read books, attend workshops, and take online courses to keep your skills sharp.
7. Apply for Jobs
Once you’re ready, start applying for jobs! Look for positions on job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn.
You can also check out the career pages of professional sports teams, athletic organizations, schools, or gyms.
Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience, education, and certifications.
Where to Look for Jobs in Athletics
Here are some places to look for athletics job opportunities:
- Sports Teams and Organizations: Professional, college, and amateur sports teams are always hiring coaches, trainers, and managers.
- Fitness Centers and Gyms: Many gyms hire personal trainers, fitness instructors, and wellness coaches.
- Schools and Colleges: High schools, colleges, and universities often have openings for coaches, athletic directors, and trainers.
- Recreation Departments: Local and state recreation departments hire sports coordinators and coaches for community programs.
- Sports Media: If you’re interested in sports journalism, broadcasting, or commentary, check media companies, news outlets, and sports networks.
Final Thoughts
Getting a job in athletics is an exciting journey that requires the right education, experience, and connections.
Whether you want to become a coach, trainer, manager, or even a sports psychologist, there are many paths to follow.
By choosing the right career, gaining hands-on experience, and networking with industry professionals, you’ll be well on your way to a successful career in athletics.
So, lace up your shoes, get ready to work hard, and start pursuing your dream job in athletics today!