What sets GIS apart: Sumer Rajora Student Profile

From India to the UK and now Belgium, GIS student Sumer Rajora has experienced football from multiple perspectives.

Studying at Lotto Park, home of R.S.C. Anderlecht and the GIS campus, Sumer began his Postgraduate Diploma in International Football Business in October 2024.

After working as a civil engineer, the 27-year-old wanted took a career break to transition into the sports industry, and described part of the reason why he chose GIS to do this with.

“It’s a pathway into sports for people who are passionate about working in the sports industry who don’t know how to get there yet.”

His course provides a comprehensive understanding of football, allowing students to explore multiple aspects of the game.

“At GIS, you look at football from a lot of different lenses, whether it be the business side, the sporting side, or fan engagement. Seeing how clubs approach growing their audience has been particularly interesting.”

The modules in Sumer’s course include Football Fan Engagement, Football Operations Management, Football Finance, and Leading Football Clubs & Organisations. Each offers valuable insights into how the sport is run at the highest level.

Beyond his studies Sumer, Sumer is actively building his experience. He is currently working part-time as an Assistant Analyst at Insight Sports. Since January 2024, he has completed eight additional courses outside his postgraduate studies, including PFSA certifications in Data Analysis and an FA course in Talent Identification.

Back at the university, Sumer reflects on what makes GIS different when compared to other places to study. “The exposure to the sporting environment is what sets GIS apart”, he said, and part of this environment is built through our industry-leading guest speakers and our world-class facilities.

“I’ve really enjoyed the guest speaker sessions, we’ve had a lot of speakers come in from different clubs and countries, and that exposure when you come into the stadium and see players in nearby rooms is mind-blowing.”

Start Your Journey in Football

Inspired by Sumer’s journey? Discover how GIS can help you break into the sports industry with our global campuses, including our Brussels campus.

Article by Zakaria Anani