Sports + Study Abroad: A New Blue Ocean After the Asian Games?

发布时间：Date: 2023-11-10 返回新鲜资讯Back to News

Leveraging the nationwide sports fever ignited by the Hangzhou Asian Games, the sports industry is entering a period of rapid development, and sports study abroad is gradually becoming a new blue ocean in the study abroad field. In line with the national fitness plan and industrial planning, there is a huge talent gap in China's sports industry, and overseas sports talents with international vision and diversified professional backgrounds are highly sought after. At the same time, the transformation of domestic sports brands and cross-border deployment by international investment banks have further driven up market demand for high-end, multi-skilled sports professionals.

From the job prospect perspective, the sports industry at home and abroad shows vast development space. Well-known media organizations, organizing committees of major international events, and major job platforms have released a large number of sports-related positions. CheersYou（清柚教育） suggests that students and parents seize this opportunity of the times, plan the study abroad path in sports-related majors in advance, and gain an advantage in future career development with solid professional skills and an international vision.

It's been a month since the Asian Games ended, but many are still in withdrawal. Amid heated discussions, Chinese athletes brought the Games to a successful close by sweeping 201 gold medals.

Aside from the exciting competitions, the viral, show-stealing moments alone have garnered widespread attention for this Asian Games.

From the sound team where 'no song was played without purpose,' to the lighting crew jokingly said to make 'the Jade Emperor need an eye mask to sleep,' this Asian Games was brimming with topics, truly achieving a 'National Asian Games.'

Source: Douyin

It is reported that most of the Asian Games staff were born in the 1990s and 2000s, and many are even current college students. Young athletes are gradually taking on the responsibility of winning gold, and the presentation of sports events is increasingly youthful.

This is the second time since the Winter Olympics that sports competitions have been brought before the public, igniting nationwide attention and participation in sports. Sports study abroad has once again attracted everyone's interest.

Bright Prospects for Sports Study Abroad

Modern sports are in a period of rapid development. As early as 2021, the General Administration of Sport of China issued the 'National Fitness Plan,' aiming to further improve the national fitness public service system by 2025, with an expected talent gap of 6 million in the sports industry. In the long run, as overall national strength grows, China will host more international events, and high-end sports talents with an international perspective and diversified professional training from studying abroad will be more favored!

Source: Official website of General Administration of Sport of China

Moreover, corporate demand for sports professionals is growing. Most domestic sportswear brands are undergoing transformation and need talents with overseas study backgrounds to introduce international operational models. Even abroad, investment banking giant Goldman Sachs is setting up a new department—Sports Franchise in Investment Banking—combining sports M&A with sports financing.

Source: sportspromedia official website

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in the amusement, gambling, and recreation industries is projected to grow 22% from 2020 to 2030, adding about 160,600 new jobs. ESPN, a well-known name in sports, has long had numerous job openings. For example, the Programming Coordinator position requires a sports-related educational background, and the incumbent even has the opportunity to become a programming coordinator for the NBA.

Source: ESPN official website

Some major international events, such as Wimbledon, also frequently post job openings for sports talents. For example, a recently posted Content Manager position requires media professionals with a sports background.

Source: Wimbledon Championships official website

Beyond these sports-related websites, ordinary recruitment apps also have plenty of listings for sports talents. Take the U.S. job platform CareerBuilder, for example—it frequently posts many sports-related job openings, mostly in first-tier cities.

Source: CareerBuilder

Thus, both domestically and internationally, the employment prospects in the sports industry are vast. So how should one choose a sports major for studying abroad?

Choosing a Sports Major for Study Abroad

1. Sports Science

The Sports Science major uses professional skills to serve specific populations. The renowned Asian sprinting star Su Bingtian, under the professional guidance of American sports science coach Randy Huntington, changed his long-standing starting technique and broke the Asian sprint record with 9.83 seconds.

Source: Xinhua News Agency

Recommended Program: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Science in Kinesiology

UIUC is a world-class research university, a founding member of the Big Ten Conference and a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), known as a 'Public Ivy.'

The curriculum focuses on in-depth exploration of biomechanics, physiology, psychology, behavior, pedagogy, biology, socioeconomic, and sociocultural aspects of kinesiology.

Regarding career directions, the official website lists many options, such as strength and conditioning coach, occupational therapist, rehabilitation therapist, and more, all of which are great choices.

Source: UIUC official website

2. Sports Management

The organization, management, and operation of large-scale sports events test the professional competence of practitioners in every detail. The Sports Management major requires not only certain sports knowledge but also expertise in industrial operations, investment, event organization, and marketing management. It heavily tests one's comprehensive abilities and sense of responsibility—making it a very important role.

Recommended Program: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Sports Management

The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ranks #1 in North America for sports subjects in the QS World University Rankings. Its Sports Management program is housed within the School of Kinesiology. The curriculum leans toward the business and social impact of sports, with economics, finance, policy, and marketing as required courses. Former professional baseball player Barry Larkin, basketball player Cazzie Russell, and competitive diver and diving coach Micki King all graduated from this university.

Recommended Program: New York University, Sports Management

NYU's Sports Management program is one of three bachelor's degree programs in the School of Professional Studies (SPS), boasting a rich faculty—professor David Kahn previously served as general manager of the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves. Moreover, with the headquarters of all five major U.S. professional leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS) and international sports company IMG located in New York, NYU students enjoy natural employment resources.

3. Nutrition

During the Olympics, the Chinese team brought their own chefs and ingredients, with each team having a nutritionist to maintain nutritional balance and avoid dietary acclimatization issues, allowing athletes to perform at their best. Sports nutrition applies basic principles and methods of nutrition to study the human body's nutritional needs during sports. Those with a medical or sports background might consider this as a career direction.

Recommended Program: Columbia University, Science in Nutrition & Exercise Physiology

As early as 1982, Columbia University combined nutrition and exercise science to create the first Nutrition & Exercise Physiology master's program in the United States. Completing the program's foundational courses qualifies students for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) exam. Depending on major and elective choices, students may also earn certifications from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and become a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

4. Media / Translation

Wherever there are sports events, communication and exchange are indispensable. Hosting sports events requires the world's most professional media, producers, commentators, translators, and more. These individuals combine expertise with an international vision. Students majoring in media or translation can also make their mark in the sports industry.

Recommended Program: Loughborough University, Sports Marketing

Since the QS World University Rankings by subject were introduced in 2017, Loughborough University has held the top spot for sports-related subjects for seven consecutive years. Additionally, Loughborough has the largest sports scholarship program in the UK, where many world-class athletes train. To help students understand rapidly changing marketing strategies, the school organizes practical activities. Organizations like World Rugby, BT Sport, Sport England, and Chelsea Football Club all have close partnerships with Loughborough's Institute for Sport Business.

In recent years, sports have become a necessity for more and more people, and sports education is entering the list of elite education, becoming a direction for many middle-class families to cultivate their children. Naturally, industries revolving around it are growing, and the scope for commercialization is expanding. We advise students interested in this direction to prepare early, and we wish everyone success in getting into their dream schools soon.

Precise positioning, conquering top schools! Scan the QR code below now to start a one-on-one study abroad consultation~