Regardless of the sport, a general manager is crucial to a team’s day-to-day operations. They also influence a team’s chances of long-term, enduring success. You might be interested in finding out how one becomes a general manager for a sports team if you want to have that kind of power.
Naturally, if football is your preferred sport, you may be particularly interested in learning how to become a general manager in the NFL. Even though achieving this career goal may require a lot of commitment and effort, it is not insurmountable. You will gain a better understanding of what an NFL general manager does, how much they can make, and what you can do to increase your chances of becoming a successful GM after reading this overview. Continue reading to find out what you need to know if you’re unsure of how to become a general manager of an NFL team.
- Earn a degree in sports management. …
- Gain hands-on experience. …
- Get an internship or job placement. …
- Find a niche and build your profile. …
- Network. …
- Learn to negotiate.
Typical job duties of a sports general manager
The responsibilities of sports general managers can vary depending on the sport they oversee. For instance, a sports manager for an amateur league may not have the same duties as a manager for a professional sports organization. Although professional sports general managers may oversee an entire team or organization, their main responsibilities lie in handling the business side of things.
Typical duties of a sports general manager can include:
What is a sports general manager?
The team executive who works closely with athletes, coaches, and scouts is a sports general manager. The highest ranking member of a team’s personnel department is the general manager, who reports to the owner. A sports general manager is comparable to a company’s CEO in that they are in charge of the employees, or in this case, the athletes.
How to become a sports general manager
Follow these steps to become a sports general manager:
1. Earn a degree in sports management
Most employers might anticipate a general manager in sports to have experience in business, finance, or physical education. Several degrees can qualify for the position. A bachelor’s degree in sports management, however, covers the moral, social, professional, and legal facets of sports.
Sports general managers can combine a business degree with sports management to fully understand the position. However, you might still be able to submit an application for a job with just one degree.
2. Gain hands-on experience
Sports managers may want to gain experience before working at an internship, which can take many different forms depending on their skill set and the opportunities available. Joining a university sports team or doing volunteer work at a sports club are two ways to gain experience.
2. Get an internship or job placement
Students who are enrolled in a sports management program may have the chance to gain practical experience by participating in an internship or work placement. Find out what kinds of internships or placement programs the school offers before choosing your sports management course. This maximizes your opportunity for practical learning. If you are not enrolled in school, you can still arrange for placement for yourself by searching online job directories or researching companies and contacting them directly. You can use your network of contacts to find out what’s available if you have one.
5. Find a niche and build your profile
Your education and professional experience can help you identify areas of the sports management spectrum that interest you. The following step is to refine your profile and seek out positions that fit your skill set. Sometimes, a chosen field requires specific certification beyond your degree. Before advancing to a position in sports general management, entry-level jobs as a physical education teacher, sports data analyst, or production assistant for sports television can help you gain experience.
6. Network
The first step to making new contacts is picking a school with established industry partnerships. Additionally, you can interact with teachers and fellow students, join a sports club or get involved with sports organizations.
Starting a sports blog is another innovative method of networking that can connect you with others in the industry. Interviewing people you look up to might present an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have.
7. Learn to negotiate
Another useful skill that you might employ on a regular basis as a sports general manager is negotiating. Contracts are typically negotiated by general managers with players, coaches, and general managers of opposing teams.
8. Apply for jobs
Aspiring sports general managers can begin applying for jobs once they have obtained the required degrees and work experience. A sports general manager can look for employment in a number of ways, including online job boards, through their network connections, and by sending resumes to prospective employers.
Consult the job description and make a note of the keywords you can include in your resume to maximize its effectiveness. One of the best ways to differentiate your resume from those of other applicants is to change your resume and cover letter for each job.
Skills and knowledge
Sports team general managers may spend time engaging in professional negotiations and communication, which may call for specialized abilities. These skills can include:
What is a sports general manager’s work environment?
The working environment varies depending on the sporting level. But the majority of sports general managers spend most of their time working in offices and only occasionally leave during the athletic season. Regular office hours to seven days a week with evenings and weekends are all possible for work hours. The responsibility of a sports team manager is to oversee the business operations so that the players and coaches can concentrate on the sport at hand, even though they may not spend as much time working with the athletes as a coach does.
Careers in Sports Management: 6 Steps to Get You There
FAQ
How do I become a sports manager?
- Learn about a sports management diploma, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree. Although it may seem like a simple initial step, it is crucial.
- Get an internship or work placement. …
- Get some experience. …
- Find your niche and get your certificates. …
- Build and use your network.
How do you become a general manager in the NFL?
Beginning in School Some people played football in high school and college, while others offered coaching or management support. There are no formal education requirements for general managers, but those employed by the NFL typically possess a business degree and are conversant in economics, accounting, and contract law.
How do I start as a general manager?
- Earn a bachelor’s degree. …
- Gain relevant work experience. …
- Gain additional credentials relevant to your current position. …
- Earn an MBA. …
- Build a positive work reputation. …
- Build your professional network. …
- Find a mentor. …
- Continue to develop your interpersonal skills.
How many years does it take to be a general manager?
A weighted point system that balances work experience and education is used to determine eligibility. Although that system allows for some flexibility, a bachelor’s degree and four years of management experience are typically enough.
