Learn, enjoy and never forget the experiences gained at EASM
That was the core message our founder Jakob got from his first experience from EASM. However, the initial question Jakob had 2014 when he first interacted with the European Association for Sport Management (EASM), was: what is EASM and what values can you get from them? 2019 was the year when Jakob could look back to these questions and give the answer you have been waiting for.
What is EASM?
Back in 2014, Jakob was about one year into his sport management studies. One of our professors mentioned a sport management summer school that was through an association called the European Association for Sport Management. Jakob and his student colleagues were told about this opportunity to go abroad, have several days of lessons and work with other future sport managers from around the world. As a future sport manager, Jakob thought this sounded like a great opportunity.
What was interesting at this stage? Well, it was an opportunity to add something extra, something of an international class to a CV and sport management career. Unfortunately, the dates and costs weren’t on a students side and Jakob never took that opportunity 2014.
EASM
Fast forward, 2017 was the year Jakob interacted with EASM again and this time he participated at the Student Seminar and the EASM conference in Switzerland. Jakob met more than 50 international students and they had five intensive but fun and valuable days at the Student Seminar. They learned a lot about the Olympic games and its history, but they also did the Management Game. The management game consist of group work around a challenge and the students need to solve this in a few days and deliver a great presentation.
Jakob´s group never won, however, they did a great job and most importantly they did their best. After this, the students moved to the EASM conference and the opening ceremony and this evening happened to be the next step in Jakobs´ career. He was honored and asked to be the successor as the Student Representative at the EASM board.
Lessons learned
Fast forward to the EASM conference 2019 in Spain, Jakob was ending his term as the Student Representative and then what? During the summer 2019 Jakob was thinking about the future. He asked himself: Why did I get the honor to be the Student Representative and what have I learned since then and what is EASM all about?
He wasnt sure where to begin. Jakob always asks around in social environments who and what brings people to act and what is their passion. This was what he did during the days of the Student Seminar too. Some people might call this networking and some might just call this curiosity. Furthermore, Jakob always try to listen and find new opportunities for his networks, trying to provide them feedback, ideas, etc. According to Jakob, if people do those things, they show passion and hunger to do more.
Taking on a board role in an international context was something Jakob never imagine being part of during his early days into his sport management career. Now years later, he can only say that he can recommend to try something similar to those who wants to make an impact on the international level and are looking for an international career. The people at the board of EASM have shown that everyone is welcomed. Even though Jakob was much younger or had less working experience than the rest of the board of EASM, Jakob was always free to ask questions, taking part in the discussions and the decisions. Furthermore, the board of EASM and the community is a community where you can take action. If you want to engage and make an impact you are welcome. The board volunteers their time. So, Jakob basically asked questions, what he could help out with and he proposed different action plans. Those things have allowed him to develop as a board member and as a person.
During these years, Jakob has since the start met and made new friends all over the world. He has talked and interacted with more than 240 students from the Bachelor to the Ph.D. level. Jakob has been part of the Local Organising Committee at the EASM conference 2018 in Malmo, Sweden, he has arranged two Student Seminars and one Summer School, and Jakob has developed an online platform for sport management students and developed a few Facebook groups where new EASM students can network. He continuously stayed connected and both kept contact with student participants online and offline. Jakob has also helped and managed the award committee for the Alberto Madella Scholarship Fund and helped develop an award for the Student Seminar 2019.
Basically together with great support from the EASM board members, Jakob has developed a sports management community for the rising stars within the field with the aim of increasing visibility of EASM within the Student community and engagement of European sport management students with EASM. When Jakob finished his term as the Student Representative, he thought through his experiences and chose to apply to become a full board member. What do you think happened? Jakob was chosen and then did additionally three years at the board of EASM.
What do you want to do with you career in the sport management field?
- Are you working at a sport management related program/university and want your students to develop?
- Are you a student who wants to develop and build your sport management network?
- Do you want to contribute and further develop the sport management field with research, mentoring, working or if you have any ideas?
The European Association for Sport Management (EASM) offers significant advantages for professionals in the sports industry. Engaging with EASM can enhance your career through:
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse group of international sports management professionals, academics, and students, facilitating the exchange of ideas and collaboration.
- Professional Development: Participate in conferences, seminars, and workshops that provide insights into the latest trends and research in sports management.
- Access to Resources: Gain entry to exclusive publications, research materials, and a comprehensive sport management library, supporting continuous learning and informed decision-making.
- Career Advancement: Engage in mentoring services and collaborative projects that can open doors to new opportunities and enhance your professional trajectory.
Incorporating EASM into your professional journey can provide the tools and connections necessary to excel in the dynamic field of sports management.
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