Considering a Career in Athletics or Sports Management?

Student-athletes are represented in all NIU majors and career fields. Some choose to pursue employment after getting their bachelor’s degree, while others elect to pursue graduate or professional school. But because so many student-athletes have extensive athletic experience and a love for sports, some pursue careers in athletics-related professions. In addition to teaching Physical Education (which requires a teaching certificate), examples include:

• Sports Management at the college, professional, or amateur level. This can include publicity, promotions, marketing, ticket sales, events coordination, sports statistics, and sports information.
• Facilities Management in natatoriums, tennis clubs, golf courses, country clubs, indoor sports facilities, skate rinks, arenas and stadiums, etc.
• Sports Sales as manufacturer’s representative, and in retail sales
• Fitness Careers in personal training, corporate fitness; weight training; aerobics and martial arts instruction; working at health clubs, YMCAs & YWCAs.
• Recreation Careers, including park districts, resorts & hotels, year-round summer camp administration.
• Exercise Physiology and Athletic Training at high schools, universities, professional teams, clinics, and hospitals.
• Coaching at the high school, college, or professional level; or in amateur clubs or leagues.
• Additional Careers including sports journalist, scout, agent, referee, and more.

Information on Sports-Related Careers