During my time working in Korea, I realised that I wanted to engage in work that truly motivated me. My passion lies in sports, but at that point, I lacked the necessary knowledge about the industry. Therefore, I decided to pursue a Master's degree related to sports, which would allow me to delve deeper into various aspects of the sports industry while also connecting with professionals who could teach me valuable skills and insights. I believed that completing a sports-related master’s degree would better position me for success in this field.
I found the curriculum of the Sport Management, Politics and International Development programme to be incredibly diverse. Not only did I learn about sports management, but I also explored areas previously unknown to me, including sport integrity, sport policy, governance, law, and international development in sports.
One of my favourite aspects of the programme was its openness, diversity, and inclusivity. Lecturers and students came from different countries and backgrounds, bringing unique perspectives and fostering an environment of mutual respect and critical thinking. This experience helped me develop the ability to approach problems from multiple angles, enhancing my overall academic performance.
After graduating, I returned to China and worked in Shanghai, planning youth football tournaments and serving as a sports translator. Later, I accepted an offer to work with the organising committee for the 9th Asian Winter Games. Currently, I am employed by the Medical and Anti-Doping Department of the 9th Asian Winter Games. My Master’s degree has been directly relevant and immensely beneficial to my current role.
During the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, I served as a member of the anti-doping team, handling key responsibilities across several areas including foreign affairs communication and translation, reception and event organisation, and team management and coordination.
I utilised knowledge from my Sport Management, Politics and International Development programme to effectively manage multilingual document translations and international meetings, ensuring accurate communication with organisations like OCA and ITA. I also applied principles from sports governance and law courses to enforce anti-doping regulations, drafting and translating documents to ensure transparency and consistency.
My involvement in anti-doping education campaigns drew upon lessons from sports integrity courses, promoting awareness among athletes. Finally, leveraging insights from international development courses, I facilitated interactions between international doping control officers and technical officials, supporting cultural exchange and cooperation. During this period, I also successfully obtained the qualification of a "Pure Sport" lecturer in China, hoping to contribute more to anti-doping education and promotion of clean sport.
Based on my experiences, I recommend choosing a programme closely aligned with your career goals and applying theoretical knowledge practically, as I did in my role at the Asian Winter Games. Developing cross-cultural communication skills and actively participating in teamwork are crucial, enabling effective collaboration with international organisations. Lastly, maintaining a continuous learning mindset ensures readiness for future challenges, maximising the benefits of a Master’s degree for professional and personal growth.
I would highly recomment Loughborough University’s Sport Management, Politics and International Development Master's degree. The programme provided a robust theoretical foundation and practical skills, significantly aiding my career. The diverse course offerings, including sports management, governance, law, integrity, and international development, broadened my knowledge base and allowed me to apply these concepts effectively in real-world scenarios, such as enforcing anti-doping policies at the Asian Winter Games.
The emphasis on cross-cultural communication at Loughborough proved invaluable in my career, facilitating clear communication with international bodies like OCA and ITA. Additionally, the university’s focus on teamwork and project management enhanced my leadership and collaborative abilities, preparing me for managing complex tasks.
With its strong alumni network and industry connections, Loughborough offers numerous resources and opportunities, benefiting both internships and employment prospects. For those aspiring to excel in sports management, Loughborough University is an excellent choice, offering comprehensive knowledge and support for future career success.