The sports industry in Germany is experiencing a real boom—it is one of the most dynamic sectors. The number of visitors to fitness clubs reaches tens of millions. Today, almost every tenth German visits fitness studios to get on an elliptical trainer or treadmill. And how many millions of sports fans prefer to passively follow the game from the couch or stadium stands? In short, sport is a business, and with the development of the industry, the need for young professionals grows. A quality education will help you make a career in the sports industry.
According to Deutsche Welle, the main training ground for the sports industry in Germany is the German Sport University Cologne (Deutsche Sporthochschule). Markus Kurscheidt, a labor market specialist in the sports industry at the research institute of this university, notes that the requirements for the professional qualifications of new staff are increasing.
The expert identifies three main areas as the most promising. 'Firstly, the area of active recreation and leisure,' says Markus Kurscheidt. 'This includes fitness or sports tourism. They can be a starting point for a successful career.' Secondly, the health sector adjacent to sports, for example, sports and health prevention. The third option is a career in professional sports. The expert notes that education in international sports management, international communications in sports, and international relations will help achieve success in the sports industry.
To enroll in a public university in Germany in the sports department, you need a good average grade (from 2.0 to 2.9) and pass physical fitness tests. Foreign students must prove their knowledge of the German language.
An alternative to the university could be one of the private universities, which also issue a state-recognized diploma certified by the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Education at a private institution is paid: a one-and-a-half-year course in 'Economist in Fitness' will cost a student an average of 3000 euros.
The main difference between private universities and public institutions is the curriculum itself. While university education is more fundamental, the curriculum in private institutions usually has a narrow specialization. Many use this for further training.
According to Vanessa Petke, a consultant in fitness and sports at the private distance learning institute IST in Düsseldorf, 'today it is important to be competitive, which means improving together with the industry. The key to a career lies in management skills.' Petke recommends choosing multidisciplinary specialties. The most popular areas among students today are: fitness management, sports management, sports medicine.
According to statistics, the initial average salary of a service sector worker, which includes sports, ranges from 1500 to 1800 euros. 'The chances of making a career in the sports industry increase if a graduate has management skills. Managers are needed today not only in the commercial sports sector but also in the public sector,' notes Vanessa Petke.
In fitness, franchising opens new opportunities for students. Networks of fitness studios are expanding worldwide. Marketing and PR specialists are in demand here.
Experts unanimously say that the industry needs 'multitalents' – management personnel who can quickly respond to dynamic changes in sports.