Studying Sports and Fitness Training

Studying a personal training course or undertaking a three-year sports management degree are both great ways to find a job in the sports industry, however they lead to very different careers.

Personal trainers usually work with individuals and small groups on personal fitness plans whilst studying sports management can lead to jobs as a coach, umpire or working alongside a professional sports team.

Sports teams employ many different types of professionals and need communications, administration and events experts. Studying sport management will teach you all-round business and media skills, which are required in these jobs.

Careers in Sports and Fitness Training

People working in sports and fitness can expect to work nights and weekends, especially when it comes to coaching and umpiring. Personal trainers also work irregular hours to cater for workers who want to train before or after work.

The job prospects in sport to 2013 are good. The number of employed personal fitness instructors has risen markedly in the last five years and there are now more employed coaches and sports administrators than ever.

The employment rate in sports and fitness rose 17% from 2003-8, compared to the 13.3% for other areas and the government expects continued job growth in fitness until 2012-13 as more Australians embrace personal fitness and participation in sports continues to grow.
 
Skills needed in Sports and Fitness Training

An interest in, and knowledge of, sports is clearly an advantage for those seeking to study and work in this industry.

Enthusiasm and the ability to motivate others are important skills for coaches and fitness instructors, while those working on the administrative side will need to understand the business aspects of sport.

More information

Personal Training & Sports

Sports Management

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