Future Opportunities

There are many career opportunities in the Australian sports industry. From professional athlete to sports medical practitioner…professional coach, sports psychologist, physiotherapist, dietitian or sports administrator.This page includes information on the many sports careers available to graduates and the relevant employer organisations

The study of sports medicine and sports development involves applying medical and scientific principles to sport, exercise, and the ability of the body to perform physically. These two fields are broad and can lead to many different educational and career opportunities.

Becoming an accredited coach is an important step toward ensuring that you are providing a quality service to the participants you are working with. The National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS) is Australia’s system of training and accrediting coaches. Sport business is an expanding professional field that encompasses many aspects of the sports industry. Some examples of sport managers in practice include those responsible for the "front office" management of professional sporting organisations, managers of sporting teams (as opposed to coaches), recreational sports managers, facility managers, and sports marketing. As a sports professional, you would:

Compete in matches and competitions; maintain and improve your skills through regular practice; maintain your general fitness and stamina by training; make sure your diet and lifestyle help you to achieve peak performance; take advice from nutritionists, exercise professionals, sports psychologists and doctors. If you became well-known as a sports personality you may also give media interviews and promote products by appearing in adverts. Relatively few people in sport are professionals. Most are amateurs, who may compete at the highest levels, but do not make money from their sport. Your hours and working conditions would vary depending on your sport, but you would train almost every day. This could be very early in the morning or late in the evening and for some sports could be outdoors in all weather conditions. Competitions and matches usually take place in the evening or at weekends. As they can be in all parts of the country or abroad, you would spend a lot of time travelling and could spend long periods away from home. Not many people make a full-time living from their sport. Most earn small amounts and have to pay for travel, equipment and coaching. Many have a full-time or a part-time job to supplement their income and may earn money by coaching or instructing their sport. The most successful sports professionals may earn extra money by advertising products. Most sports professionals are 'spotted' early on by a talent scout. Some sports demand you meet very specific entry requirements. In most sports you will be encouraged to carry out training or education in a subject or area which differs from your sport. This could be useful: if you need to supplement your income from sport with another full-time or part-time job, if you need another source of income when your performing career is over.