A sports management degree can be a good and bad choice for anyone, depending on their goals and circumstances. While pursuing a sports management degree can accrue benefits such as job security, relevant industry skills such as event-planning and athletic representation, technical skills such as leadership, communication skills, and problem-solving skills, career advancement, specialized knowledge, and networking opportunities, it also comes with costs such as tuition fees, program duration, location where one will be living to access the program quickly, additional expenses for equipment to be used during the course, looking for scholarships and financial aid especially if one is not from a wealthy background.
The article, however, has painted the course as quite expensive even to pick up. If one is aiming to do something related to sports as a career, pursuing a sports management degree would be a sound decision to make as regardless of the cost implication, if one can manage to enroll and complete it, it will give them an edge over their peers in the same field. Pursuing a sports management degree may be expensive for many people as it has a hefty price tag annually, both in and out of state. However, one can maneuver much of the cost at the time by getting student loans, financial aid, and scholarships. Also, when pursuing the course, one may get opportunities to earn some cash as an assistant in sports clubs and other relevant sports organizations while acquiring relevant experience and skills from it.
According to (Merrill), I agree with the article on the part about effort. Most sports are technical and have rules on how to participate in them and require tremendous effort from one to be good at it. Being realistic about what sport to pursue or specialize in is essential as all sports can be demanding, some more than others. One should consider the lengths one is willing to go to and the effort they are willing to exert into pursuing their degree. Also, the cost of keeping up with their studies regarding physical and mental exertion should be considered. One must regard whether they are willing and ready to apply themselves enough to meet their career choice goals; otherwise, they may experience burnout, leading to failing and even dropping out of the course. Also, some sports careers may be demanding when going through the course but later on rewarding in terms of professional knowledge and marketability.
Merril’s article gave me a new perspective on a particular career choice. While I considered passion the highest priority in pursuing a career, having a cost-benefit analysis of the sports management degree broadened my view and considerations before settling on any career path. The article explores several aspects to consider while deciding whether a sports management degree is worth it, such as time, money, effort, and value. Going mindlessly into any career because of passion alone may often result in problems and turmoil, especially with finances. Also, having the funds to pursue this career path does not guarantee smooth sailing, as one has to have values that motivate them, be willing to put in the effort, and invest time. Lack of one of these core factors may affect the expected outcome.
In conclusion, pursuing a sports management degree has its perks and costs. Therefore, depending on one’s circumstances and career goals, one must consider all the various factors, such as money, time, effort, and values.
Work Cited
Merrill. “Is a Sports Management Degree Worth It?” Sports Management Degree Hub, 31 Oct. 2017, www.sportsmanagementdegreehub.com/sports-management-degree-worth/.