So where do you work now?: Examining the factors that influence career choices of sport management graduates

Authors

Matthew J. Garrett, Loras College
David A. Pierce, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

Abstract

Students seeking to leverage their sport management degree into full-time employment in the sport business industry (SBI) face a variety of challenges from low pay and personal finances to personal relationships and work-life balance. This study uses a mixed methods approach to examine how the constraints impacted the career trajectory of 124 recent graduates from a private and religiously affiliated liberal arts college in the Midwest between 2007 and 2014. The study examines the perceived capacity of individuals to make occupational choices despite external constraints. Swanson, Daniels, and Tokar’s (1996) Career Barriers Inventory is used to frame the discussion of these challenges. Of the 13 barriers, five were found to be relevant to the results of this study: multiple role conflict, conflict between children and career demands, lack of spousal support, dissatisfaction with career, and job market constraints.

Recommended Citation

Garrett, Matthew J. and Pierce, David A. (2017) "So where do you work now?: Examining the factors that influence career choices of sport management graduates," Global Sport Business Journal: Vol. 5: Iss. 2, Article 2.
Available at: https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/gsbj/vol5/iss2/2