1st Edition

Working in Sport A Practical Approach to Understanding Your Sport Journey

By Rocco Porreca Copyright 2025
    152 Pages 8 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    152 Pages 8 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    This book is a practical guide to getting your dream job in the sport industry. Offering a concise introduction to the contemporary sport industry and the wide range of careers within it, the book explains how to acquire the skills, qualifications and experience you need to stand out from your competitors and start building your career in sport. 

    Covering all sectors of sport, from public to professional, from elite level to grassroots, and from major sports organizations to self-employment and entrepreneurship, the book surveys the landscape of the global sport industry. It looks at some of the myths that persist about working in sport, and explains the types of education, qualifications, professional training, experiences and skills that employers are looking for. The book identifies careers in different sectors of sport, such as sport management and sport media, and introduces the key building blocks of career development, including how to write a strong CV; good interview technique; making the most of internships, placements and volunteering; networking, and promoting your personal brand on social media. Every chapter includes interviews with successful industry professionals from around the world, and a ‘career playbook’ section brings it all together with strategies and plans for taking those first steps forward. 

    This is essential reading for any student taking a sport-related course who wants to work in the sport industry, as well as early career professionals looking to enhance their career prospects.

    1. The Business of Sport: A Brief Introduction

    2. Working in the Sport Industry: The Skills Needed

    3. Why Do You Want to Work in the Sport Industry?

    4. Understanding Your Path

    5. Growth Mindset and Moving Forward: Accepting “No”

    6. Gaining Experience: Importance and Where to Start

    7. Your “Career Playbook”: Putting it All Together

    Biography

    Rocco P. Porreca is a Senior Lecturer at Oxford Brookes Business School, Oxford Brookes University, UK and a former sport industry professional.

    'Working in Sport: A Practical Approach to Understanding Your Sport Journey provides excellent insight into the sector of sport. Including over 20 interviews with sport industry professionals, the book provides a diverse range of commentary and career journey perspectives.' 

    Dr. Stacie Gray, Senior Lecturer in Sport Business and Leadership, Northampton University, UK

     

    'This book provides essential insights into establishing a career in sports, incorporating perspectives from various industry stakeholders. It offers valuable advice for navigating the complexities of the sports sector and is essential reading for those seeking a career in the field.' 

    Dr. Tom Bason, Assistant Professor in Sport Management, Coventry University, UK

     

    'Working in Sport creates the foundation for anyone’s journey into the sport industry. The author does a great job of incorporating his own viewpoints with those within the industry. A must read!' 

    Alexander Khilnani, Senior Director of Yield Strategy, Revenue Innovation and Analytics, NBC Sports and Olympics