Mastering the Game: My Coventry University Experience as a future Sports Manager

Mastering the Game: My Coventry University Experience as a future Sports Manager

I'm Jimeen Kim, a final-year Sports Management student originally from Seoul, South Korea.

My journey to Coventry University has been an exploration of diverse cultures, practical learning and embracing the global sports community.

Pursuing my degree here has been significantly enriched by my recent roles and volunteer work, each offering a unique perspective on sports management and community engagement.

Today, I will be introducing some useful tips and advice from my experiences for future students considering Coventry University as their place to study.

Embracing British culture and sports

Before embarking on this journey, I delved into British culture, soaking in everything from iconic British dramas like Peaky Blinders to Premier League matches. This cultural immersion helped me adapt quickly to the UK, enhancing my experience both in and out of the classroom.

The moment I arrived I was immediately struck by the vibrant international community. The campus is a melting pot of cultures, making it incredibly easy to blend in. Engaging with students from around the world has enriched my understanding of global sports management practices.

Understanding the nuances of British culture, humour, and societal norms has enriched my interactions with locals and fellow international students alike. It’s like knowing the rules of the game before you play – it gives you an edge.

There will be many occasions to meet up with students from around the world!

Student-friendly Coventry

The city of Coventry, with its student-centric amenities, excellent transport links and easy access to the city centre has been the perfect home ground. Its strategic location, nestled between football-loving cities like Wolverhampton and Leicester, and the mid-point between the north and south of England, offers unmatched opportunities to explore and engage with the heart of British football. 

There were several opportunities for me to watch international friendly matches of the Korean National football team!

Practical learning and experience

My assignments at Coventry University, particularly in Sports Management, have been augmented by extensive hands-on experiences. From internships with SportInspired to volunteering with British Blind Sport and IBSA World Games Birmingham, these opportunities have allowed me to apply classroom theories to real-world scenarios, enhancing my practical skills and industry knowledge.

To highlight this, my role as an assistant programme manager intern at SportInspired in London allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge from my studies to real-world situations, such as organising community sports events and managing volunteers. This hands-on experience provided me with a deeper understanding of the importance of inclusivity in sports and honed my skills in event management and coordination.

As an assistant programme manager, I was able to gain a lot of practical and professional experience in the sports charity industry.

Seize the journey

As I prepare to graduate, I look back on my time at Coventry University with immense gratitude for the experiences and knowledge I've gained. To my fellow Korean students considering studying abroad considering a similar path, I encourage you to embrace every opportunity from understanding British culture to academic pursuits, work experiences or volunteer work for your successful career. Coventry University offers a vibrant community and a wealth of resources to support your journey in sports management and beyond.

I will be back with another interesting post the next time!