Sports is a fast-paced career field with jobs available on and off the playing fields. Athletic careers can begin as early as training and coaching elementary-age children and continue all the way to the professional levels. Education is becoming increasingly important as the career field is considered competitive, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. To pursue administrative and leadership positions in the sports field, you may need to consider obtaining an advanced degree.
Athletic Trainers
Athletic trainers are often the first medical responders when athletes experience an injury on the playing field or in practice. Considered allied health professionals, athletic trainers obtain at least an undergraduate degree that emphasizes physiology, anatomy and sports medicine. Athletic trainers work with high school, college and professional athletic teams as well as dance companies and more. In addition to responding to injuries, trainers prevent injuries through instruction on proper technique and bracing and wrapping areas of weakness.
Professional Athletes
A career as a professional athlete takes talent, hard work and dedication. Professional athletes must maintain excellent physical condition to compete at the highest levels. Because of the physical demands, careers at the highest levels tend to be short, yet profitable. The average salary in 2008 for professional athletes was $79,460, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. While some professional athletes earn millions each year, not all reach the uppermost levels, and earn the highest pay scales in their sports.
Coaches
Coaches mentor, instruct and train athletes at various age levels. Regardless of the age group, a coach must understand the basic rules and regulations of the sport. After developing a good knowledge of the basics, coaches can gain additional knowledge and experience in more competitive environments. Grade-school coaches instruct athletes at their earliest levels in the basics of a certain sport. Collegiate and professional coaches help to perfect a player's performance and serve as the face of the organization, making good public speaking skills important. Coaches must inspire and motivate players to perform at their highest levels.
Recreational/Fitness Workers
Not all sports jobs involve competitive athletics. Recreation workers teach or act as administrators of athletic facilities, both private and public. Recreation leaders can instruct, plan or participate in camping, sports, dance or drama. Fitness workers and aerobics instructors play a part in supporting the health of others. These instructors typically obtain certifications to show they understand safety and injury prevention. Fitness trainers or aerobics instructors can work one-on-one or as a group to help others get fit.
Athletic Administration
Athletic administrators work to keep sports team running smoothly and profitably. Administrators often earn advanced degrees in sports management to understand the business of sports. As they advance in their careers, athletic administrators can rise to become the director of athletics or a general manager of a professional team. Other administrative positions include media relations officials, lawyers, accountants and other assistants that contribute to the daily working of an athletics office.
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