Sports Careers: How to Break into Broadcasting
There are plenty of ways you can become the next great broadcaster, as well as other areas and careers into the wonderful world of sports. This piece will break down how one can potentially break into these lucrative sports careers and get more involved in a career in the sport spotlight.
Sports Broadcaster
There is a specific path that one should go if they plan to become the next Joe Buck, Mike Breen or Al Michaels. Sports broadcasters work as analysts or play by play announcers for major sports networks or specific teams. Individuals that pursue sports broadcasting careers will need to get a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting or communications. Anyone looking at this job should also make sure that they take courses that will help them to familiarize themselves with the production process that surrounds a broadcast. They should consider courses in audio production, broadcast journalism, and mass media. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, aspiring broadcasters usually hone their skills via entry level opportunities at small or local radio stations before advancing to do television coverage.
Sports Nutritionist
Sports Nutritionists are professionals in the health-care industry who provide diet-related advice and counsel to athletes and sports teams. This is done with the goal of improving the team’s performance. Aspiring sports nutritionists should have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the field of clinical nutrition or food and nutrition. An additional option is to pursue a degree in exercise physiology
with an emphasis on sports nutrition. You can get a legitimate degree online, but potential sports nutrionists should be careful to choose educational programs that are approved by the American Dietetic Association’s Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE). Sports nutritionists should have coursework regarding the composition of nutrients and other nutritional issues. Individuals should also be aware that there are licensing requirements for nutritionists and dieticians in certain states. Sports nutritionists can get their foot in the door by working for high school and college athletic departments.
Professional Coach
Before one can embark on the professional career path, the love and intricate understanding of the game must be within the individual. The required paths to become a coach vary greatly. However, an individual looking for a potential opportunity in the professional ranks will need a bachelor’s degree in either sport coaching education and physical education. One usually has an advantage in terms of breaking in if he has played football at the college or pro level before. Other than that, one can gain experience by volunteering as a team manager.
Getting into sports is an often very rewarding career, but it can be difficult to get your foot in the door. These tips can help you realize your dream while still getting you that first break.
