How to Break Into a Career in Sports

Breaking into the world of sports is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Episode 74 of the Women In… podcast is packed with wisdom for anyone who dreams of turning their passion for sports into a profession. The stories shared are a great reminder that while there’s no single “right” path, there are proven steps that can help you open doors in this competitive industry.

Start with an Internship

One of the best ways to get your foot in the door is through internships. Sports organizations—from college athletics to professional teams—rely on interns to keep the business running. An internship gives you hands-on experience, builds your network, and shows employers you’re serious about learning the business from the ground up.

Don’t be discouraged if the internship isn’t glamorous. Every opportunity—whether you’re helping with game-day operations or crunching numbers—helps you understand how the industry works.

Pro Tip: Use resources like TeamWork Online or WorkInSports to find internships and entry-level roles tailored to sports.

Don’t Shy Away from Sales

Many people say, “I’m not a sales person.” But in sports, sales is often the best way to get started—and to grow. Whether you’re selling tickets, partnerships, or even your own ideas in a meeting, sales is at the heart of the business.

You’re always selling—whether or not you call it that. Learning how to build relationships, present value, and close deals will give you skills that transfer into every corner of the sports industry. Plus, sales roles are often the fastest way to prove your value and move up.

It’s also important to remember that being different is an advantage. Don’t be afraid to stand out, bring fresh ideas, or approach things in a way that others haven’t. In a field as competitive as sports, your unique perspective could be exactly what sets you apart.

Always Be Building Your Network

Breaking into sports isn’t just about what you know—it’s about who knows you. Connect with people already working in the industry, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Many professionals are willing to share their journeys and open doors for others who show genuine interest.

A great way to do this is to reach out directly to leaders in sports organizations. Ask if they’d be willing to give you 30 minutes of their time to share what they’re looking for in young professionals and how they got their own start in sports. Be prepared—do your research on their team, their role, and their career path so you can ask thoughtful questions and make the most of the conversation. This type of initiative shows respect for their time and helps you stand out as serious about your career.

Another must: create a strong LinkedIn profile. Connect with classmates, professors, mentors, and colleagues—but don’t stop there. Reach out to people in the sports industry you don’t know yet. Don’t be afraid to write a short, personalized message when sending a connection request. Tell them why you’re reaching out, what you admire about their work, or that you’d like to learn about their path in sports. Thoughtful messages go a long way toward building authentic professional relationships.

Attend conferences, reach out on LinkedIn, and leverage resources like the NCAA’s Career in Sports Forum or Women in Sports and Events (WISE) to connect with others walking the same path.

Be Willing to Start Anywhere

The best advice for starting a career in sports is simple: don’t wait for the “perfect” role. Take the opportunity in front of you—even if it’s not your dream job—because it can lead to bigger opportunities down the road. The sports industry is small, and your reputation will follow you. Showing up with energy, work ethic, and curiosity goes further than you think.

Final Thoughts

Breaking into sports is about persistence, humility, and being open to learning. Start with internships, embrace sales, and never stop building your network. Most importantly, remember that your first role isn’t your last—it’s just the start of a career that can take you places you never imagined.

If you’re looking to get started, bookmark sites like TeamWork Online and WorkInSports today—and start applying. Your career in sports could be just one connection away.