Conditions for the career entry of Swiss sports science graduates

Abstract

The differentiation and commercialization of the sports domain means that graduates with sports science degrees have more and more occupational fields to choose from. On the other hand, formal admissions criteria are becoming less important in sports-related occupations. This means that graduates need to pursue specific strategies to successfully embark on a career. This article examines which factors determine the career entry of sports science graduates in Switzerland. Aside from the starting salary, non-monetary aspects such as appropriateness of the job for the level of education and job stability were also considered. The empirical study draws on data from a sample of n = 1054 graduates from all Swiss universities, analysing the career entry of sports science graduates. The results show that education-related aspects (e.g. university degree) lead to higher incomes and jobs that are appropriate to one's academic education; however, differences exist between the diverse occupational domains of sport. Furthermore, additional qualifications obtained by sports science graduates and voluntary activities in the field of sport are both associated with higher incomes, particularly in occupations outside sport. However, other factors (e.g. social networks, internships) produce no relevant effects.