High School
Sports publicists are the voice of the athlete or team they represent, so being an effective communicator is essential. Take classes in English and journalism to hone writing skills, and take speech classes to learn how to compose ideas and thoughts and convey them to an audience. Also take other college preparatory classes, such as math, science, and foreign language. Since sports publicists deal with the public, a general knowledge of history, sociology, psychology, and current events will be especially important.
Postsecondary Training
Most publicists working in the sports industry are college graduates with degrees in public relations, marketing, communications, journalism, or sports administration. A college degree is essential to success as a publicist.
Other Education or Training
The Public Relations Society of America offers continuing education (CE) classes, webinars, seminars, and workshops on crisis communications strategy, public relations writing, digital media, social media, and other topics. The International Association of Business Communicators and College Sports Information Directors of America also provide CE resources. Contact these organizations for more information.
- Aerobics Instructors and Fitness Trainers
- Art Directors
- Athletic Directors
- Bicycle Mechanics
- Copywriters
- Corporate Community Relations Directors
- Demographers
- E-Sports Professionals
- Exercise Physiologists
- Fitness Directors
- Fund-Raisers
- Grant Coordinators and Writers
- Health Club Owners and Managers
- Hedge Fund Investor Relations Specialists
- Jockeys
- Market Research Analysts
- Marketing Consultants
- Media Planners and Buyers
- Media Relations Specialists
- Online Reputation Managers
- Personal Trainers
- Political Consultants
- Press Secretaries
- Professional Athletes, Individual Sports
- Professional Athletes, Team Sports
- Public Opinion Researchers
- Public Relations Managers
- Public Relations Specialists
- Publicists
- Publicity Photographers
- Recreation Workers
- Ski Resort Workers
- Social Media Influencers
- Social Media Workers
- Sports Agents
- Sports Broadcasters and Announcers
- Sports Equipment Managers
- Sports Executives
- Sports Facility Managers
- Sports Instructors and Coaches
- Sports Photographers
- Sports Physicians
- Sports Psychologists
- Sports Scouts
- Sports Trainers
- Sportswriters
- Stadium Ushers and Vendors
- Strength and Conditioning Coaches
- Umpires and Referees
- Webmasters