The Platform to Build a Career in Sport: Graduate Sumer Rajora on his GIS Studies

We spoke to Postgraduate Diploma in International Football Business student Sumer Rajora, who began studying at our Lotto Park campus in Brussels after leaving his career as a civil engineer for a transition into the sports industry.

Now a GIS graduate, we caught up with Sumer to hear about his experience at GIS and the industry experience he gained.

Similar to many of our students, Sumer originally didn’t know much about possible careers in sport despite a passion for it, and followed a traditional academic route after leaving school in New Delhi.

This led him to a career as a civil engineer, but said: “I knew my long-term ambitions lay in the global football industry.”

Later joining GIS, Sumer labelled his time studying as “nothing short of transformative,” saying that the immersion of studying in an elite footballing environment helped him understand the realities of football operations, leadership, finance, and organisational strategy at a world-class level. 

“I initially wondered how I would adapt,” Sumer said, “but the course structure, guest speakers, and real-world assessments made everything feel connected and practical.”

“One of the biggest moments for me was gaining my first ever experience working with a professional football club through GIS, a truly dream-come-true milestone. It was the point where everything clicked.”

Sumer also mentioned our international community, saying: “It was unlike anything I had experienced before.”

“I was surrounded by students from around the world, each with unique backgrounds but the same ambition to work in sport… It truly felt like stepping into the heart of the industry.”

Outside of his studies, Sumer was able to gain some vital industry experience that will help prepare him for his next step. 

This included a role as an Assistant Analyst at a sports analytics consultancy, working with clubs in the Premier League, Championship and League 1, contributing to tactical and set-piece analytics.

He also tried his hand on the business side, beginning work as Venue Data Coordinator for UEFA. This involved delivering real-time match event data across the Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Youth League, and Women’s competitions in Belgium as part of a role he still has now.

Sumer then said that he relied on saying yes to every opportunity that presented itself to him to get to where he is now.

“Even the small ones have opened a door I never expected. The sports industry is built on people, relationships, and collaboration, and I’ve learned that showing up, listening, and being willing to help can take you further than talent alone.”

As a final look back on his time studying for his Postgraduate Diploma in International Football Business, Sumer said: “GIS didn’t just give me a qualification; it gave me direction, opportunity, and the platform to begin building a career within the sport I’ve always loved.”

To access the same worldwide network, expert teaching and industry access that Sumer had at GIS, discover our course offerings to find the perfect programme for you.

Article by Zakaria Anani