With events such as Carifta and even appearances of Caribbean representatives in global sporting events it is clear to say that Sports is a big deal in the Caribbean. Sports Management is broad field, and because of this many potential opportunities can be obtained here, including careers that are business/marketing related. You can focus on careers within general business, the sports business, or coordination of sports events. In this month’s post, the respective routes will provide you with careers you can pursue in Sports Management as well as some technical pathways that can be beneficial.
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Academic Routes Technical RouteAcademic Routes
Before you start an academic course, there are a few things that you should consider:
- Entry requirements
- Subjects you need for the career(s) you have in mind
Be sure to speak to us at Brain Food TCI, or any other career advisor you may have access to, if you need assistance where entry requirements are concerned.
Secondary and Post-secondary towards Higher Education
Most, if not all, high schools require you to do CXCs, GCSEs, or any other equivalent to be able to excel to Higher Education (college/university). In institutions in the Caribbean, such the University of the West Indies, you are required to have 5 CXC (CSEC & CAPE) OR iGCSE & GCE subjects, including Mathematics and English.
If an institution does not have any of these examination bodies listed when searching what is required, search for equivalencies through their admissions page or contact them directly for more information. Also, some courses may require you to have certain subjects other than Mathematics and English that are compulsory to went entering the course. Be sure to check the entry requirements to know exactly what is required.
Higher Education
As mentioned earlier, CXCs and/or other equivalents are required to proceed to this level. In higher education, you can to obtain:
Undergraduate
- Associate Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
Postgraduate
- Master’s Degree
- Ph. D.
Depending on your journey and your career, you can decide how far you need to go in terms of further education. You do not need to pursue a Master’s degree or Ph. D. unless it is required based on your career choice.
Sports Management Related Courses
Turks and Caicos Islands Community College
Associates and Bachelors in Business Administration
The Turks and Caicos Community College (Providenciales and Grand Turk) is home to Business Administration courses at both Associate and Bachelors level if you want to stay at home. For further information:
Northern Caribbean University (Jamaica)
Short Courses
These short courses are created for broadening your skill sets and improvement on you marketability. As mentioned in the introduction there are many careers and skills that can be executed within sports management. That could be event planners/coordinators, public relations, marketing and so much more bellow is a list of few of NCU’s short courses that can contribute to your career in sports management.
- Sales Marketing
- Events Planning
- Customer Relations
- Social Media Strategist
To find out more about NCU and how to apply for these courses click here.
BSc Management Studies
This degree encourages entrepreneur skills, strategic development and communicating values through the execution of theoretical and practical educational experience. It will also provide balance among management studies and other courses that are management related. As for the careers that you can pursue from studying this course, they include Sales Manager, Marketing Manager and Human Resource Manager and of course you can advance to a career in sports management.
Entry requirements may vary. However for NCU’s Management Studies program, they also require five subjects, including three compulsory options: English A, Mathematics, Principles of Accountants at Grade 2 or Grade 3 (from June 1998 and onwards). See requirements here for what else needs to be obtained and to apply.
MSc Business Administration
Following a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration, a Masters can be obtained in this subject for further advancement. The programme provides you with a general business background that can be useful within a sports business/franchise. The course has specialised focus in 4 disciplines, Emphasis/Emphases in Entrepreneurship and Marketing, Finance, General Management, Human Resources Management. The course also equips you to be qualified for jobs such as Human Resource Manager, Finance Executive and Investment Analyst.
Entry requirements may vary. However for this program, they require a accredited/approved Business Administration or Management Studies Bachelors degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. See requirements here for what else needs to be obtained as well as apply for the course.
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University of the West Indies Faculty of Sports Programmes
The Mona (Jamaica), St Augustine (Trinidad and Tobago) and Open Campus is home to two of the undergraduate courses within the faculty of sport.
Sports Coaching merges your love and knowledge for sports and teaching the sport into one. Its purpose is to provide individuals studying this course with required knowledge, skills, attitudes and techniques so that they can provide quality coaching to athletes individually and teams to improve sporting performance in the Caribbean.
The Sports Kinetics course is designed to equip students with knowledge, attitudes, techniques and skills to increase your chances in various sport sectors.
The entry requirements for for both courses require 5 CSEC passes including English A and Mathematics as well as 2 A level subjects. Click here to see the further requirements and how to apply for Sports Coaching and here for Sports Kinetics.
University of the West Indies (Cave Hill, Barbados)
The UWI Faculty of Sport has 4 programmes suitable for a career in Sports Management.
BSc. Sports Sciences
At Cave Hill the Faculty of Sport has a degree in Sports Sciences. The way that the course is structured, is for the individual to develop transferable skills in relation to statistical analysis, sports leadership and many more qualities to qualify you and enhance your chances for employment.
For both three and four year courses in the Faculty of Sports the compulsory CSEC subjects required are English A and Mathematics and a Science subject. Alternatively, you can qualify if you have an associates degree with a 2.5 GPA or a Certificate in Management and Administration of Sport. Click here for further information on entry requirements and how to apply.
University of the West Indies (Open Campus)
BSc. Sport Leadership and Management
This course was created to provide students with the opportunity to combine practical and sport leadership experiences with sport management theory, allowing the individual to prepare for a successful careers in sport organisational environments. This course can also be combined with with minors in disciplines such as:
- Parks and Recreation
- Facilities Management
For more information on the course and entry requirements click here, visit the programmes page or send an email to ocas@open.uwi.edu
Technical Routes
Internships & Volunteering
Participate in local volunteering and international Business related programs
It is encouraged that you take local opportunities in sports. Even if it joining a national sports team or volunteering and sporting events, take the small opportunities right in front of you.
Here is a list of potential places to seek volunteering opportunities or opportunities in general:
The technical routes in this field are quite similar but 100% practical. With the option below, you can obtain skills and experience that can lead you to a successful progression in the field and make it easier to get your foot in the door.
Caribbean Coaching
Caribbean Coaching is an organisation created for individuals that want to work towards sports development in the Caribbean, especially in St.Lucia and St.Vincent and The Grenadines. You can opt to volunteer as a coach or an intern on a summer programme.
Click here to learn more about Caribbean Coaching and how to get involved.
From the information provided, you can start right here in your region and at home. Feel free to embark on those opportunities. Always remember, embrace all opportunities near or far.
Resources
Below is a list of YouTube videos that will bring some insight to Sports Management and its functionality.
YouTube Links
Listen to the ‘Brainie of the Month’ podcast episode for Sports Management, Jarrett Forbes here:
Brain Food TCI 