How your children can get a job in sport

Do you know someone who would fancy a job in the sports industry? Mana is the boss of K Media – a sports PR company. We asked her all about her work and how she got started in the world of sport.

What is your job title and what do you do?

I’m Managing Director of a sports public relations company.

[Sports PR companies manage the flow of news and information between sports teams or players and the media or public.]

How did you get into the world of sport?

After working for an American PR agency specialising in IT, the opportunity came along to work in rugby.

What skills or qualities would you say are essential in your job?

Patience, diplomacy… and knowing how to kill your enemies! [Laughs]

Seriously though, having a vision helps you swallow your pride when things get tough – so keep thinking about your goal. Advertising your work and selling yourself is essential to bring in more business. And it’s important to always deliver on your promises – your word needs to mean something to the people you work with.

When did you first realise you wanted to work in sport?

When I realised that sport could allow me to use different skills all at the same time without getting bored.

What subjects did you enjoy at school? And which subjects or qualifications would you say you use most in the job you do now?

I enjoyed literature, history and philosophy. I use a lot of philosophy in my work because I have to deal with different types of personalities. It’s important not to judge – just understand the situation and try to fix what needs to be fixed.

Sometimes your best asset is silence and your discretion, but you don’t learn that at school!

What advice would you give to young people who want to do what you do?

Start young and be fearless. No one will teach you the rules of this business better than experience can.

Read Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, The Prince by Machiavelli and The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene.

If you hadn’t ended up in the job you did, what else would you like to have been?

A lawyer.