So I've been thinking about going to graduate school...but couldn't really figure out what for. I stumbled across Sports Management last night and became very interested in this field

My dream job (like most guys who graduate from State probably) would be to work for NCSU Athletics or the Panthers. And NC State has a Graduate program in this field, Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management. I was just wondering if any of you guys knew anyone in this type of work, and if so, what you think about it.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

7/22/2007 9:22:55 AM

I work in the same building as the sport management grad students (and I've had to take a couple of classes in their program), and by my experience - they're not the brightest bunch. Most of them either end up working for the city recreation department or minor league teams (neither of which you really need a masters degree to do) - not to mention the internships they have to complete with minimal or no pay. Granted, there are some that get jobs with the athletic department or a professional team, but those jobs are hard to get, and there's a lot of competition for them.

7/22/2007 9:45:42 AM

I investigated this for a bit, but didn't want the travel involved to go to schools that can actually land you that dream job.

By my estimations, UTenn, UMass-Amherst (Sports Mmgt. MBA), and now UNC-C (Sports Mgmt. MBA) looked to be the best. UNC-C actually gets you a 6-12 month internship with NASCAR or the Panthers. UMass has all sorts of alums working in the ACC (though most are at BC, obviously).

UNC-C's program is very new (I think Fall 07 will start their first class), but it looked solid. I couldn't take 2-years off to go FT, so I'm just getting a normal MBA and will keep dreaming. Good luck!

7/22/2007 10:04:22 AM

^Yeah I saw UNCC's grad program, it definitely looked like it's going to be a top-notch program. I'lll definitely consider it, but hopefully my undergrad degree (History and not business) and GPA (3.2) doesn't hold me back from getting into a program like that

7/22/2007 10:21:10 AM

^ I'm in grad school at UT Knoxville and the sport management program here is very competitive

7/22/2007 10:23:56 AM

i'd recommend it if you really want to work in college athletics and you're willing to work and pay your dues. i finished the grad program in 2003 and i'm currently an asst. ad at UNCW. it isn't my dream job but i love what i do and i feel like it is the perfect place for me right now. it is certainly closer to where i want to be than i thought i would be at this point and i certainly feel like i'm on track to eventually be an assoc. ad and then an ad. i did internships at campbell u. and the durham bulls and it is true you don't need a masters to work in pro sports, i think it does help more though if college athletics is where you want to be. you also have to deal with the fact that you may have to work at a div. ii or mid-major for a while to build up your resume. don't expect to become an asst. ad at ohio st. or the like one or two years after you finish. if you have any questions about the program let me know. good luck.

7/22/2007 5:40:03 PM