Academic learning for sport management students : learning through engaged practice

Sport management students seek employment in an overtly competitive market place. Competition is heightened because of the perceived desirability of sport as a workplace. Students require degree level qualifications and industry experience together with a host of generic and specific skills in order to be workplace ready. For this reason, student work placement is seen to be a necessary component of Sport management degree programs. This paper identifies placement outcomes and perceived value from the student perspective. Sport management students engaged in personal reflective practice throughout their work placement. Reflections were analyzed, demonstrating support for teaching through practice. Further, it provides a framework for curriculum development and best practice methodology.