Book Review: How To Get A Job In The Sports Industry: More than 20 job opportunities and scholarships available
A Game-Changing Guide: Review of How To Get A Job In The Sports Industry by Brian Morris
🏀 Introduction: Why This Book Stands Out
If you’ve ever dreamed of working in the sports industry—whether as a scout, marketer, agent, or even a sports journalist—you know how competitive and elusive these jobs can be. Brian Morris’s How To Get A Job In The Sports Industry: More than 20 job opportunities and scholarships available is not just another career guide; it’s a playbook for turning passion into profession.
Unlike generic career advice books, Morris delivers a targeted, insider’s perspective on breaking into one of the most sought-after industries. Whether you’re a student, a mid-career professional looking to pivot, or just a sports enthusiast wondering where to start, this book is packed with actionable strategies, real-world insights, and even scholarship opportunities that most people don’t know exist.
But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in.
📖 Detailed Summary: What’s Inside the Book?
Morris structures the book into three key sections:
-
Understanding the Sports Industry Landscape – Morris demystifies the industry, breaking down different sectors (professional leagues, college sports, media, agencies) and explaining how they interconnect.
- 20+ Job Opportunities & How to Land Them – This is the heart of the book. Morris doesn’t just list jobs—he provides detailed breakdowns of roles like:
- Sports Agent
- Athletic Director
- Scout
- Sports Data Analyst
- Social Media Manager for Teams
- And many more
Each role includes required skills, salary expectations, and step-by-step advice on how to break in.
- Scholarships, Networking, and Long-Term Growth – Morris goes beyond job hunting, offering tips on funding your education (with specific scholarships) and building a network in an industry where who you know matters as much as what you know.
The book avoids fluff—every chapter is practical, concise, and loaded with resources.
🛠️ Writing Style & Structure: Is It Easy to Follow?
Morris writes in a clear, no-nonsense style that feels like a mentor giving you insider advice. The tone is motivational but realistic—he doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges but provides a roadmap to overcome them.
Key strengths in his writing:
- Bullet points and checklists make the advice digestible.
- Real-world examples (like how a sports marketer landed their first gig) keep it engaging.
- Actionable steps at the end of each chapter ensure you’re not just reading—you’re applying.
One minor critique? Some sections could benefit from more personal anecdotes—while the advice is gold, a few storytelling moments would make it even more compelling.
🎯 Thematic Depth: More Than Just a Career Guide
At its core, this book is about strategy, persistence, and adaptability. Morris emphasizes that the sports industry isn’t just for ex-athletes—it’s for anyone willing to learn, hustle, and think creatively.
Key themes:
- Opportunity is everywhere – Morris highlights overlooked roles (e.g., sports tech, analytics) that many don’t consider.
- Networking > Just Applying – He stresses informational interviews, internships, and mentorship over blindly sending resumes.
- Education matters, but experience matters more – The book lists scholarships but also pushes for hands-on experience through volunteering or freelancing.
💡 Personal Reading Experience: Did It Deliver?
As someone who’s explored sports journalism, I found Morris’s advice refreshingly practical. The chapter on sports media careers was particularly eye-opening—most guides focus on “getting a broadcasting degree,” but Morris dives into how to build a portfolio, leverage social media, and pitch to smaller outlets first.
The scholarship section was another highlight. Many books list generic scholarships, but Morris includes niche opportunities (like those for sports management students) that I hadn’t seen elsewhere.
Emotionally, the book feels empowering. It doesn’t just say, “Here’s how to apply for jobs”—it says, “Here’s how to think like someone who belongs in this industry.”
🔍 Comparison to Other Career Guides
Most career books fall into two categories:
- Vague motivational pep talks (e.g., “Follow your dreams!”).
- Overly technical manuals (e.g., dry lists of job descriptions).
Morris strikes the perfect balance. Compared to:
- Work in Sports by Neil Schwartz – More general, less tactical.
- Getting Hired in College Sports by Jake Kelfer – Great but focuses only on college athletics.
Morris’s book is broader, more detailed, and more actionable than most competitors.
✅ Strengths & Minor Weaknesses
Strengths:
✔ Comprehensive job breakdowns (not just “sports agent” but what they actually do).
✔ Scholarship & funding advice (rare in career guides).
✔ Realistic networking strategies (not just “cold email people”).
Weaknesses:
❌ Could use more personal stories (some sections feel a bit textbook-like).
❌ Some roles lack salary specifics (though Morris explains why—varies by market).
🎯 Who Should Read This?
This book is perfect for:
- Students exploring sports careers.
- Career changers looking to pivot into sports.
- Parents/educators guiding young athletes who won’t go pro.
- Sports fans curious about behind-the-scenes roles.
If you’re serious about working in sports, this is the book to get.
📌 Memorable Quotes
“The sports industry doesn’t care about your degree—it cares about what you can do.”
“Your first job in sports probably won’t be your dream job, but it’ll be your foot in the door.”
“Networking isn’t about asking for favors—it’s about building relationships before you need them.”
🔗 Get the Book
Ready to turn your sports passion into a career? Grab your copy here:
🔗 Amazon
💬 Discussion Questions
- What’s your dream job in sports? (Comment below!)
- Have you tried networking in the industry? What worked (or didn’t)?
- What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced breaking into sports?
Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts! 🚀
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