Abstract
This study investigated the academic and career interest of 221 sport management students from two regional state institutions. The goal was to identify those students' needs and wants in order to properly guide and advise them obtaining a career in sports. Participants completed a 43-items survey questionnaire that was created based on the literature of Lewis and Quarterman (2006) and others. The contents covered: (a) demographic information, (b) career and sport interest, (c) sport spectatorial habits, (d) work setting, (e) cultivated skills/knowledge, and (f) self-perceived traits. Reliability analysis and test-retest were performed to test all 4-point Likert-scale rating items. The results show students are more interested in working for the professional franchises or intercollegiate athletics and desire to learn more communication and marketing skills. According to the stepwise regression analysis, both preferable cultivated skills/knowledge and love for sports are great predictors of one's rating in sport career. The findings generally supported that notion that sport jobs are commonly filled by sport lovers and enthusiasts. The results also intrigue the researchers to address issues such as: the lack of diverse perspective and global awareness on the career choices, and recruitment and development of future female students.
Highlights
In early 2000, sport industry became one of the top 10 industries in America
Sport management students are more identified with the career choices in sport areas rather than the recreational component
This finding supports a common trend identified in the literature review that sport jobs are commonly filled by sport lovers and enthusiasts [5, 29]
Summary
In early 2000, sport industry became one of the top 10 industries in America. It is estimated that the industry generates about $213 billion dollars annually [1, 2]. The popular of prime-time sport competitions and events certainly inspires more young people to dream about “being a part of a team” and “working for the dream jobs in professional leagues”[3]. As professional and recreational sports get more popular each day, many young prospects are attracted by this wealthy and rising industry and desire to seek a career in sport professions. Based on brochure information in 2005, Sportscareers.com indicated there were about 20-million sport jobs in 45 fragmental industries, with 11% being in ticket sales. Sportsearchonline.com showed 4.5 million sports related jobs were in sport administration. Those jobs covered segments such as amateur athletics (11%), corporate/sport marketing (35%), facility and venue management (27%), sporting goods (21%), and teams, leagues and governing bodies (6%)
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