Sport, leisure and tourism sector
The sport and lifestyle industry moves fast, it’s bold, global, and fueled by passion.
Adidas
Explore opportunites and events
Explore Sport, Leisure and Tourism events, including employer-led events, alumni panels, skills workshops, and networking sessions.
Browse current graduate roles, internships, and placements in Sport, Leisure, Tourism and related fields.
Gain work experience
Gaining experience early can give you a real edge in the competitive Sport, Leisure and Tourism sector. Employers value practical skills, customer service experience, and a strong understanding of the industry. Be proactive—many roles don’t require formal entry routes, so building your CV through varied experiences is key.
You could:
- Apply for internships or part-time roles in gyms, hotels, events, or travel companies
- Volunteer at sports clubs or community events
- Join societies or organise student events to develop leadership and teamwork
- Explore summer placements or seasonal work in hospitality or recreation
Explore support and opportunities on our Work Experience and Internships page.
You may be eligible to apply for work experience bursaries through The University of Birmingham. For more details visit the internship funding pages.
Graduate and employer insights
The sport and lifestyle industry moves fast, it’s bold, global, and fueled by passion. What sets people apart here is creativity, resilience, and a true team spirit. If you’re ready to challenge the ordinary and shape the future through sport, this is where you belong.
Adidas
In a football club’s commercial team, we turn passion into partnerships- connecting brands with fans in meaningful and creative ways. Seeing all the behind-the-scenes work come to life on matchday is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
We look for organised, creative thinkers who thrive in a fast-paced environment and can adapt quickly. Many students are surprised by just how much planning, coordination, and innovation happens off the pitch to deliver a memorable matchday and support the club’s growth.
My advice for anyone interested in the sector is to get hands-on experience- volunteering at sports events not only builds your skillset but also helps you stand out during recruitment. Plus, it’s great fun and a fantastic way to build industry connections.
Birmingham City FC
Many of our University of Birmingham graduates have gone on to build exciting careers in the Sport, Leisure and Tourism sectors. Explore their stories for inspiration and consider connecting with them on LinkedIn to learn more about their journeys and professional insights.
Kie Brown
Sport Coaching MSc
FE Sport Lecturer at South Staffordshire College, Coach Developer at The Football Association and Academy Coach at AVFC
Read Kie's Story »
David Ikeije
Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) MSc
Aston Villa Women’s first team Physiotherapist
Read David's Story »
Gavin Fernandes
Sport and Exercise Medicine MSc (Dubai)
Academy Physiotherapist for the Schoolboy program at Birmingham City FC
Read Gavin's Story »
Jason Li
Sports Policy, Business and Management MSc
Head of Sports in the Department for Business and Trade - China, British Embassy Beijing
Read Jason's Story »
Bethan Kent
Modern Languages BA
Product Information Consultant at Abercrombie and Kent, part of a global travel company
Read Bethan's Story »