I have come to realise that teaching within higher education provides a huge challenge in ensuring that we provide students with the tools that will allow them to adapt to the ever changing professional environment into which they are about to step. Understanding the current needs of employers whilst predicting future requirements of the industry has to be part of the higher education lecturer remit. I have found that a number of students underestimate the personal development and technical training required to successfully enter their chosen industry. Indeed industry leaders are clearly voicing their concerns of the suitability of graduates as they enter the workplace. These concerns and criticisms are building momentum through conferences, industry forums and formally through industry consultations.
Sports management educators are coming under increasing pressure to ensure that courses provide valid educational experiences for students at all levels. Exposing students to in class discussions and images has more impact if we can then follow it up with a real life experience. Engaging them in an environment that is dynamic and inspiring will give them an opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge. Together with industry we need to allow students to understand the pressures and practical decision making required to deliver successful services/products utilising and refining new found skills and technical abilities.
To move forward further and higher education providers need to consistently question the validity of their programmes and work in partnership with industry providers to ensure that future graduates are fit for purpose. A collective commitment is needed to identify opportunities to create these dynamic environments in which innovative solutions and curriculums can be developed.
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