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First, some facts. Of the Sports Management graduates from Western Kentucky University we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 15 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 55%, Sports Management graduates from Western Kentucky University have a much lower likelihood (-12%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 13% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Sports Management graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 51% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2014 from Western Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Sports Management. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONIntramural Sports Supervisor Western Kentucky University Jan 2014 - May 2014 Pro Shop Intern  University of Louisville Athletics 2014 - Present ABOUTI am passionate about the the sport world. I love to get youth involved in sports, as I feel it is a great way for them to learn valuable life lessons. Knowing that I want to be involved in something that has an impact on someones life is why I want to be in the sport industry. My two passions are soccer and golf. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Looking at the job paths of graduates from the Sports Management program at Western Kentucky University, it's pretty clear that many of them have taken on roles that are somewhat related to the sports industry, but not all are directly tied to their degree specialization. A significant number of graduates have taken jobs in sports facility management, event management, or roles that involve customer service and engagement in the sports sector. Positions like Athletic Facilities and Event Management Intern or Client Services Intern at prominent sports organizations are prime examples where the degree directly applies. There's a solid chunk of the graduates who seem to embrace jobs that leverage some skills from their studies, like the Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Graduate Assistant role, showing they can utilize what they learned in practical settings.
However, it’s also notable that quite a few have drifted into roles that don’t fully capitalize on their Sports Management expertise. Jobs like substitute teaching, banking, or logistics positions take them away from the sports field, highlighting that even though the degree provides valuable skills in leadership, management, and communication, not every role actually taps into that specialized knowledge. So, while there are definitely strong connections to sports management in many of the jobs held by these graduates, there are also quite a few instances where their skills are used in more general business or teaching roles. It shows there’s flexibility in the job market, but for those looking to stay in sports, more targeted positions might be where their education really shines.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Sports Management graduates (this is across all Sports Management graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Western Kentucky University):
When looking at the career trajectories of graduates from the Sports Management program at Western Kentucky University, it's interesting to see a mix of outcomes, especially in the early years right after graduation. A lot of these graduates seem to start with entry-level or internship positions related to sports, recreation, and event management. For example, a significant number have taken roles as interns, assistants, or supervisors in various sports organizations, schools, and facilities. This initial step into their careers often serves as a launchpad into more specialized roles, although some have veered off into unrelated fields like education or logistics over time, which highlights that the degree provides a versatile foundation but may not always lead directly to a sports-focused career from the outset.
As we look five to ten years later, it’s a mixed bag. Some graduates have successfully climbed up the career ladder within the sports industry, holding positions like financial analyst and facility operations coordinators, while others have found themselves in roles that aren't directly connected to sports management—like bank tellers or customer service roles. In some cases, they've transitioned into adjacent fields, showcasing adaptability but also indicating that a straight path to a high-profile position in sports isn’t guaranteed. It’s clear that while there are solid opportunities in this field, graduates will likely experience diverse career paths, and the key may lie in networking, internships, and being open to various roles as they navigate their professional journey.
Honestly, a Bachelor's degree in Sports Management at Western Kentucky University isn't super tough, but it does have its challenges like any other degree. You'll find a mix of business courses, sports law, marketing, and some hands-on projects that keep things interesting. If you're into sports and dedicated to learning about the industry, you’ll probably enjoy it and do well. It can be a bit easier than some of the more technical fields, but don’t underestimate the workload—group projects and presentations are pretty common. Overall, it strikes a decent balance, so if you're passionate about sports, it should be manageable for you!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Sports Management.
Looking at the career paths of these Sports Management grads from Western Kentucky University, it seems like they're hitting a pretty mixed bag when it comes to making decent money. Some, like those who've landed roles at universities or companies like Fruit of the Loom, are likely earning solid salaries, especially with positions that have a bit of experience under their belts. Others, particularly those in more entry-level roles like teaching or internships, are probably on the lower end of the pay scale, and some are even juggling multiple jobs just to get by. Overall, while a few seem to be doing well, a good number are still on the grind trying to find their footing in their careers. So, it’s a bit of a rollercoaster when it comes to earning potential!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Sports Management (this is across all Sports Management graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Western Kentucky University). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Sports Management (ordered by the average relevance score of their Sports Management graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
