When it comes to college degrees, there has always been a
global discussion of whether college degrees are “useful”. Due to the high cost
of college degrees, some people choose not to attend. Some feel that they do
not need to attend college in order to become successful or become an
entrepreneur. On the other hand, those people in specialty industries
understand that their college degrees are needed. More specifically, the topic
of this blog takes aim at the degrees in the Sports Industry. There are various
opinions, positive and negative on whether Sports degrees are useful. Of course
in my opinion they are, but to some there are other degrees that could help
someone excel in the Sports Industry.
In an
article from U.S. News and World Report written by Menachem Wecker, he
discusses how some successful Sports industry college graduates have chosen to
go through MBA instead of those degree programs focused on Sports. “Some
say that an M.B.A. can be provide more professional flexibility than an M.A. or
M.S. in sports” (Wecker 2011). The reason for this could be because of the
various areas of Sports that those could excel in. There are different areas
including marketing and sales and these experts feel that the Sports related
Degrees might not resonate as well as the others. Despite which program
students choose, they should also avoid the popular misconception that the
sports industry doles out high salaries, according to professors and sports
industry professionals (Wecker 2011).
Well
known businessman and Sports mogul Mark Cuban also feels the same way. In an
interview with Bill Sutton, Cuban says, “If schools want to have any value to
sports teams they should offer degrees in Sales. Not sports sales. Just sales. Teach kids to sell and they can get jobs
anywhere anytime. Teach kids sports
management and you improve their chances of getting a job at Fridays”
(thesportsresume.com.). Cuban feels that the reason he and his Dallas Mavericks
basketball organization is successful is because of being known for the fan experience
and excellent customer service. He feels that there are too many Sports program
graduates with very low job opportunity in the industry. As a reader, what is
your opinion on these topics? Is any degree worth more or less in this
industry? Check out Cuban's opinions in the video below.
