<p>I’ve done some “research” into the SM or LSM major and come up with a few conclusions. </p>
<p>First, the internship experiences you get can make all the difference. If your job is to sweep up the gym after games, the equivalent of making coffee at the office, then you are learning nothing that will get you a job after college. On the other hand, if your internship experience actually prepares you to manage a sports franchise or university athletic department it can make what you are learning in the books much more valuable. That is the trick. Managing (or administering) a sports department or professional franchise involves some of the same basic principles as running any other kind of business. Sort of. There are some compliance and legal issues that are different and how much you learn about that (check the curriculum) will make a big difference. </p>
<p>I get the distinct feeling that many SM programs don’t really have much of a curriculum. Why? Because they can’t decide what they are. Are they training people to be NFL general mangers or MLB ticket sales consultants or future D1 university athletic directors? They are two totally different things. So, look for a program that is focused as opposed to generalist. One size does NOT fit all for a SM major. </p>
<p>The sports industry is growing but just like any other industry there are some lousy jobs that are low paying and some great jobs. Be careful.</p>