Student Profile: Joshua Irawo – From Biomedical Science to Sports Management

From Science to Sports

For eight years, Joshua Irawo built his career in biomedical science and public health, working within the Government sector. Alongside this, he spent six of those years managing talent in the music industry, most notably with a university friend and client, artist namesbliss.

Over time, Joshua found his expertise and network expanding beyond music.

“In the last three years of my science tenure, a number of professional and semi-professional athletes, many of whom were close friends or family, started coming to me for help with things like contract negotiation, brand partnerships, and performance counselling,” he explains.

“These experiences gave me a real appetite for the business of sport. I realised that when the right opportunity came, I wanted to gain formal experience in sports management so I could better support athletes and grow in a field I’m passionate about.”

Discovering GIS

Joshua first encountered GIS at the Masterclass in Networking event held at Wembley Stadium, an experience that turned out to be pivotal.

“What I experienced that night was almost the whole reason I applied,” he recalls. “Hearing about the programme modules and the emphasis on networking really aligned with how I approach life and talent management. I had never been in an educational environment that resonated so closely with my values and goals.”

He left the event with meaningful connections, some of whom now mentor him, and a firm decision to join GIS.

A Powerful Start at the London Summit

Before officially beginning his MSc in International Sport Management (Online), Joshua attended the GIS Global Sports Summit in London, an experience he describes as both inspiring and affirming.

“The Summit made it clear I had made the right choice in university,” he says.

This year, the GIS was recognised as one of the world’s leading sports education providers in the SportBusiness Postgraduate Rankings 2025, topping the UK for career advancement, leading globally for the quality of its faculty, and ranking first for both its online programme and its global industry network.

“Throughout the week, it was easy to see why GIS had earned these rankings,” Joshua adds. “From the sessions to the speakers and the focus on networking, everything showed that this was a place built to develop future leaders in sport.”

He highlights several standout sessions, including talks from Rio Rosenberg (Chelsea FC), Ifem Onuora (Premier League EDI Lead), and Courtney Hollier (Venue Manager, Women’s Rugby World Cup).

“These speakers shared insights that were both practical and inspiring. From building your personal brand and navigating equity in sport to successfully transitioning between industries, it gave me real confidence in the kind of learning I was about to experience at GIS.”

Settling into the MSc

Now several weeks into his studies, Joshua has been adapting smoothly to the online format.

“I’ve used this type of virtual learning before, so it hasn’t been unsettling, though I wouldn’t say it’s been a seamless transition back into study mode either. Ask me again at Christmas!”

He appreciates the familiar Moodle platform and the way GIS delivers interactive sessions.

“The live classes have been great, especially the case study learning and roundtable discussions with people from all over the world. Everyone brings unique career and cultural perspectives to the table.”

Joshua also notes how GIS’s EPICC values – Entrepreneurship, Partnership, Impact, Courage, and Curiosity – are embedded throughout his experience so far.

“It’s encouraging to see GIS live out these values in the way they teach.”

Scholarship Success

Joshua was recently awarded the prestigious GROW Sports Agency Scholarship, a recognition he describes as both humbling and motivating.

“It was a proud moment. It’s comforting to know that my years of working essentially two jobs to create opportunities in sport weren’t in vain. I’m extremely thankful to God for opening this door.”

The award, he says, has pushed him to maintain the same drive that got him here.

“It’s inspired me to keep that same energy and focus I had when applying. I’m aware that comfort can lead to cruise control, so I’m determined to stay sharp and put my best foot forward.”

Building Global Connections

Networking is a central part of the GIS experience, something Joshua has already embraced.

“GIS has made networking more accessible than ever through their global connections with sporting decision-makers. A great example was the networking night during the Summit, where I met a rugby welfare representative. We’ve since had productive conversations as I start early research for my project module.”

When asked which of the EPICC values resonates most, Joshua doesn’t hesitate.

“Curiosity. It’s been a guiding force throughout my life and is the reason I’ve ended up in sports management. Partnership follows closely, as so much of my progress has come from aligning with mentors and stakeholders who continue to inform my journey.”

Looking Ahead

As he continues through his MSc, Joshua is particularly looking forward to modules exploring sports psychology and the opportunity to attend an overseas Global Sports Summit.

Long term, his goal is to make a meaningful impact on athlete welfare.

“I want to bring best practice and innovation to the global sports agency space, especially around athlete wellbeing and career transitions, both at the start and end of their professional journeys.”

Joshua Irawo’s journey highlights the importance of curiosity, determination, and meaningful connections in building a successful career in sports management.

Interested in following Joshua’s footsteps?
Take the next step in your career with the MSc International Sports Management and connect with industry leaders through the Global Institute of Sport.