Post by Susan T.

Today, I met with a parent who shared a common assumption: “My son majors in Sports Management, so we know what kind of jobs he’ll be looking for. He’ll be working for a sports organization.” I smiled and said, “Yes, that’s certainly one possibility. However, he also has far more options than just those types of positions.” That conversation reminded me of today’s Job of the Day: Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement. At first glance, this may not seem like a position a Sports Management student would consider. However, when we look beyond the title and focus on what the employer needs, a different picture begins to emerge. This employer is seeking someone who can: • Coordinate events and programs • Build and maintain relationships • Communicate effectively with a variety of audiences • Manage projects and details • Engage stakeholders • Represent the organization professionally Now think about the experiences many student-athletes and Sports Management students develop throughout college. They learn to balance demanding schedules, work as part of a team, communicate with a variety of individuals, manage competing priorities, adapt to changing situations, and represent their program and institution. Those experiences can be valuable in many industries, not just sports organizations. One of the advantages of broadening your search strategy is that you begin to discover opportunities that may not be obvious from your major title alone. Instead of searching only for “Sports Management” positions, consider exploring related cluster terms such as: • Alumni Relations • Community Engagement • Event Coordinator • Program Coordinator • Partnership Coordinator • Membership Services • Volunteer Coordinator • Development and Advancement The goal is not to find jobs that match your major. The goal is to identify opportunities where your experiences, strengths, and skills can help an employer achieve their goals.