Why Study with GIS? Hear From Students Who’ve Been There

Choosing where to study is a major decision, particularly when you want to build a career in the competitive and fast-paced sports industry. 

For students who decide to join us at Global Institute of Sport, their experience is based on our EPICC values: Entrepreneurship, Partnership, Impact, Curiosity and Courage.

But don’t just take our word for it. We asked current students and alumni why they chose GIS, offering prospective students an insight into what makes us the leading choice for aspiring sports industry leaders.

Building Practical Knowledge for a Career in Sport

Along with the academic side, GIS can provide an opportunity to gain specialist knowledge of the sports industry that can be put into practice

After studying MSc Football Business, Tobias van Deijck works as Senior Finance Manager at Miami FC, and explained how GIS helped fill a gap he had encountered during his undergraduate studies:

“When I was in my undergrad, it was very difficult to find resources explaining fan engagement within football clubs, football operations regarding match days, etc. 

“GIS was able to bridge that gap and teach me about these topics, which are pivotal to obtaining a career.”

Similarly, football analyst Lemekani Mwanza chose GIS after reaching the limits of what he could learn independently, saying:

“Honestly, it came from a feeling that I was reaching the ceiling of what I could learn on my own and through short courses.”

“It’s been challenging in the best way,” he added.

“In practice, analysts can develop habits and systems that work well enough, but the programme has made me ask why they work and whether there’s a better way. That kind of critical thinking is something I’ve brought directly back into my day-to-day work.”

A Flexible Route into the Sports Industry

GIS’s study model is also an important factor for students balancing education with work, sport or other commitments.

First working for Northern Territory Cricket before moving to the Australian state’s government while studying part-time, Paige Sutherland highlighted the combination of flexibility and industry application when it came to deciding where, if at all, to study.

“GIS stood out for its strong industry focus, global perspective, and reputation for boosting careers in sport.

“The programmes are taught by experts with real-world experience, and the online/distance format was ideal for someone in a full-time job. I wanted a qualification that truly bridges theory and practice in international sport management, and GIS’s rankings, partnerships, and practical approach gave me confidence it would support my growth effectively.”

For professional athletes, this flexibility can be particularly valuable, and made the difference to former Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan who chose GIS to prepare for his career beyond playing.

“The option to prepare my next move whilst still playing at the highest level was hugely important to me. That’s why I chose to study at GIS – it just made sense.”

Opting to study MSc Football Business, Brad drew confidence knowing his career transition after retiring would be smoother, and as soon as he hung up his gloves in January, he was made Club Ambassador and Sporting Advisor at Atlanta United.

Connecting to a Global Network

One of the major reasons that students choose GIS is our network, which offers students the chance to build connections with professionals across the global sports industry.

For Olympic gold medallist Shona McCallin MBE this was a deciding factor.

“I chose GIS for the opportunity to learn in a different way to a traditional university.”

“Having spoken to alumni who have done the course, the feedback was amazing. The network opportunity is also incredible.”

Students studying remotely can still access that network beyond the classroom. GIS student and goalkeeper Harrison Bruton, who is studying whilst playing football in Dubai, labelled the structure as “pretty bang on!”

“Out here in Dubai we have a WhatsApp group with all the students that study here, and we aim to meet up weekly to discuss assignments and help each other out. There’s also the summits which are a great way to network.”

“When you finish sport,” he continued, “you won’t want to sit around and do nothing, you’ll want something to aim towards a bit and have a goal, so working towards that before your career ends gives you a great head start.”

Is GIS right for you?

Ultimately, GIS students study with us for different reasons. Some want to turn a sporting passion into a career, others want specialist knowledge, while professional athletes may want to prepare for life after playing.

What links them together is the desire to obtain premium education while gaining the skills needed to put learnings into practice in real working environments. 

As GIS graduate Craig Bowker puts it, the appeal was the “perfect balance between academic challenge and practical, in-situ learning.”

If you dream of a career in sport, explore more on how you can take your first steps with GIS through our course offerings.

Article by Zakaria Anani