Sam A.
About me
| Sam A. | |
| Economics and Related Studies | |
| Economics | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Langwith | |
| 2010 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Licensing Manager | |
| National Basketball Association | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Large business (250+ employees) | |
| 2012 |
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A day in the life of a Licensing Manager in the United Kingdom
LIescencing manager for the NBA
My career goals when I graduated
To work in professional sport.
My career history
Several part time jobs in retail and admin throughout school and university. Was York Sport President for two years before joining the NBA.
What has helped my career to progress
Heavy involvement in sports at university, passion and interest in sports and lifestyle brand. Research and reading into relevant media publications.
Courses taken since graduation
Internal development courses around delegation, management, public speaking and marketing.
How my studies have helped my career
Economics gave me analytical skills much more progressed than needed in my line of work, which made the things I do know much easie.r
What surprised me about my career so far
Thankful for a fast progression, but also relieved that hard work is truly rewarded.
Where I hope to be in 5 years
Ultimately abroad, but hopefully still with the NBA.
My advice to students considering work
Don't be daunted, you will receive more no's than yes's. But ultimately the right job is there, and if you present yourself correctly, people will see all the right things in you.
My advice about working in my industry
Be passionate, being a fan is the most important step in knowing how a fan engages with a sports brand.
Other advice
Get involved as much as you can while at university. Try new things, develop me skills and make yourself a varied and attractive character to employers.
Contacting me
Anything and everything from making the most of your university experience, to developing your skills and of course to the sports industry itself.
What I do
I manage licensees and brands that produce NBA merchandise and product across Europe, Middle East and Africa. Central to the role is marketing the product and understanding it's position in the EMEA market.
Skills I use and how I developed them
Account management is central to the role and therefore relationship building and communication skills. Marketing is another must and can be developed through experience, mentoring, training and most importantly, seeking out good examples in the creative and commercial worlds of successful marketing.
What I like most
Working for a sports brand so recognised and so loved. The travel is good too!
What I like least
Working for a US company can mean long and non-traditional hours, which ultimately is worth it for this job.
What surprised me most
Complexity and depth in what the sports industry does, and ultimately how established a business sports brands are.
Next steps...
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