The Australian sport management job market: an advertisement audit of employer need

Graduate employability remains an issue of concern for government, industry, higher education providers and students. This study aims to determine employer needs of the Australian sport management job market and discusses the findings of a six-month occupational audit of sport management positions in Australia. The findings present an employer perspective of the nature and published expectations of sport management opportunities. In particular, the most frequently demanded management and leadership expectations were found to be achieving results, working with people, using resources and providing direction. Entry-level recruitment demanded a skill-set that included excellent communication, planning/organization and problem-solving skills, and the selection criteria emphasized experience, qualifications and an appropriate work ethic/passion. This research provides a benchmarking profile of Australian sport management opportunities from which fitness of purpose and curricular development can be further researched and developed.