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FootballHow to become a sports analyst: Find out all the necessary information
Sports analysts are critical personnel for organizations such as teams, online media resources, radio stations, television stations, and print publications. Among other professional sports careers, being a sports analyst or broadcaster exposes one to the exciting daily life of athletic events and sports in general. Stick around for details on how to become a sports analyst.
The need for critical analysis of team strengths and weaknesses, coaching insights, and player statistics has dramatically increased the demand for sports analysts. Additionally, the recent demands for these professionals are pushed by the growing popularity of Fantasy Sports that heavily rely on players and team data.
How to become a sports analyst
Are you intrigued by the careers of most famous sports analysts and sportscasters such as Jim Nantz, Scott Van Pelt, Erin Andrews, and Mike Tirico? Here is a complete guide on how to get started in sports analytics.
What does a sports analyst do?
Like any other analysts, sports analysts employ several research techniques to examine the performance of individual players, teams, and leagues. Depending on the employing agency, the data is used to appraise coaching and performance strategies or provide sporting insight for television, radio, or print audiences.
What is a typical day for a sports analyst?
On average, analysts in sports journalism spend 10 to 15 hours a day scouting sports events, conducting interviews, and making television appearances. On the other hand, those attached to individual teams and leagues do not have standard work hours since they work based on team schedules.
How to become a sports analyst for ESPN
Like most top-tier employers, ESPN requires proper education qualifications from potential employees. Speaking to the Cosmopolitan, senior director of talent acquisition at ESPN, Kristen McKenna, said,
"Depending on the position, a degree may be preferred, but we also consider relevant work experience."
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RugbyHowever, she also added that the company regularly posts entry-level roles on the organization's careers website in addition to internship opportunities for recent graduates. Here is a simple guide on how to get a job at ESPN.
- Earn a degree in journalism, communication, or journalism.
- Earn adequate experience in the field.
- Network and create industry connections.
- Seek out available vacancies for the position through the ESPNcareers website.
- Alternatively, apply for internship opportunities in the position through the DisneyInterns website.
How to become a sports analyst in the US
What qualifications are needed to be a sports analyst in the US? Famous former athletes have an easier path into their careers, as individuals with bachelor's degrees in broadcasting, and communications. Additionally, applicants who minored in sports-related fields in college or hold any exposure to college athletic programs in college, as volunteers, or employees can become analysts.
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NFLHow to become a sports analyst in the UK
According to a UK publication, the requirements to be a sports analyst in the United Kingdom include similar education qualifications to the rest of the world. However, a degree in mathematics, statistics, English or political science may also be acceptable.
Is it hard to be a sports analyst without a degree?
Although post-secondary education is highly preferred in this field, previous work experience is also considered. Here are a few insights on how to become a sports analyst without a degree.
Earning valuable work experience through volunteering or interning in a journalism program can improve employability chances. Additionally, involvement in a sport as a player, coach, or managerial position counts as relevant work experience for employers. Here is a list of famous players and coaches who changed careers and became the best sports analysts of all time.
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Other SportsAthlete | Former occupation |
Chris Webber | NBA basketball player |
Darrell Waltrip | NASCAR driver |
Terry Bradshaw | NFL football player |
Bill Raftery | College basketball coach |
Alex Rodriguez | MBL baseball player |
Kenny Smith | NBA basketball player |
Tara Lipinski | |
Johnny Weir | Figure skater |
Mary Carillo | |
Doris Burke | College basketball player |
What skills do you need for sports analysis?
- Public speaking and public relations
- Broadcast news writing
- Communication skills
- Programming, multimedia design, and coding
- Statistical data analysis
How much do sports analyzers make?
At the time of writing, the basic annual pay for analysts in the United States ranged between $21,500 and $153,500 with an average pay of $72,347. The average pay for analysts roughly translates to about $35 per hour and 6,030 per month.
In the United Kingdom, entry-level analysts take home an annual salary of $60,847 while more experienced analysts earn just over $107,000. On average, an analyst receives about $39,300 annually which translates to a monthly compensation of $3,275.
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AthleticsCan analysts make a lot of money? The highest-paid sports analysts receive millions in compensation. Here is a list of the salaries of the top 10 highest-paid sports broadcasters.
Analyst | Agency | Annual salary |
Tom Brady | Fox | $37.5 million |
Troy Aikman | ESPN | $18 million |
Tony Romo | CBS | $18 million |
Michael Strahan | FOX | $17 million |
Kirk Herbstein | Amazon | $16.5 million |
Al Michaels | Amazon | $15 million |
Joe Buck | FOX | $15 million |
Stephen Smith | ESPN | $12 million |
Mike Tirico | NBC | $10 million |
Jim Nantz | CBS | $10 million |
As one of the best careers in sports, sports analysts have an exciting front seat to the action-packed daily life of athletics. This article has compiled all the necessary information you would need on how to become a sports analyst.
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