Championing Women in Sport: Kim Harrison Student Profile

Spending nearly a decade working in sales, Kim Harrison knew this wasn’t her long-term career.

Starting as a Sales Associate in 2014, Kim quit her job to pursue a master’s degree in International Sports Management with us at GIS. Since joining the course in September 2024, Kim says her studies have helped her find “passion and purpose” in her current role as Business Development Manager at Women in Football. “It allows me to champion women in sport and women in business—and that’s something that’s always been quite special to me,” she said.

According to the organisation’s website, Kim, who joined the company in May 2025, “brings a background in building strategic partnerships, driving commercial growth, and nurturing long-term relationships.“

A proud Arsenal supporter, Kim says she’ll watch any women’s match she can attend. She’s been inspired by the progress of the women’s game and is proud to be part of a team driving change across the football landscape.

The International Sports Management programme at GIS includes modules such as Global Sustainable Sports Operations and Global Sports Marketing and Digital Communications. It is ranked in SportsBusiness Magazine’s Global Top 40 Postgraduate Programmes, placing 3rd for best online programme for Sports Management.

Studying online, Kim says she’s been able to balance her academic, personal, and professional life. “I feel extremely grateful to have found GIS… I’ve been so fortunate to make such a lovely group of friends,” she said. She’s also had opportunities to network with fellow students and professionals at one of the GIS Global Summits.

Held at various GIS locations around the world, these summits offer students access to state-of-the-art sporting venues, live sporting events, and exclusive networking opportunities. The summit Kim attended was in Miami, where she connected with industry leaders including Olympic sprinter and fellow GIS student, Asha Philip. Reflecting on her experience, Kim said that exploring the US sports landscape was “one I will never forget!”

Keen to get involved beyond the classroom, Kim is also a founding member of the Women in Sport Society at GIS. Its May launch Event featured guest speakers such as sports journalist and Women’s Sport Adviser Carrie Dunn, and GIS President & CEO Sharona Friedman.

“I absolutely love it, I’m so passionate about it, I’ll talk to anyone who will listen,” Kim said about the course.

To learn more about the postgraduate degree in International Sports Management, click here.

Article by Zakaria Anani