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Jobs and Careers in Tennis Can Keep You Near the Action
For
those of us who love tennis, what could be more satisfying than
employment that keeps us on the courts all day – or close to
them?
With
planning and persistence, you can find your place in that world and embark on a lifelong career doing what you
love. (See sportsemployment resources below.)
As with
all sports, tennis-related jobs can be divided into two kinds: those
that require playing skill, and those that don't.
Examples
of jobs where you do not need a particular level of playing ability
include office administration (at a club, for example), public
relations and advertising jobs (for tournament events),
sporting goods sales, sports journalism (where you might specialize
in tennis reporting), and computer and technical work.
Most of
these jobs require training or experience, but it doesn't have to be
in connection with tennis. There are exceptions, though.
Did you know there are people who specialize in racket stringing?
Although a job like this would not require that you play
well (or even at all!), it's obvious you would need some
knowledge of one very specific aspect of tennis.
Realistically,
this is probably something you would do as part of a
larger job, such as running a pro shop at a tennis club. (There's an association of racquet stringers which has more information.)
Although
none of these "non-playing" jobs will pay you to be on the courts,
you will be surrounded by other people who love the game. You will meet
professional tennis players and perhaps develop friendships with
them. You will find many opportunities through your work to play for fun, week in and week out.
Of
course, it will help you to land these positions if you have a
knowledge of tennis and let potential employers know that you are fan
of the sport.
Then
there are the jobs that will pay you to play.
You
probably know that the odds are against most of us ever being able to make a living as tournament circuit players.
But if you think you might be one of the talented and lucky few, go
for it!
You and your coaches should know early on if you have the
right stuff to make it as a professional player. And if you're not advancing toward the top ranks by, say, your mid-twenties, you'll still have
time to begin a different career that is still tennis related.
Teaching may be your best bet.
Tennis is hurting for competent
individuals to teach the game to others. If this sounds like
something you could do, you should first become a well-rounded player
yourself. Then you should learn and practice basic teaching skills.
You would be surprised how many excellent players are unable
to teach others what they do. If you can do so, you will be ahead
of the competition.
Coaching
provides a wide-open path to anyone wanting to become a professional
tennis teacher. Coaches are needed at all levels, including coaching
kids at summer camps and giving advice to the absolute beginners who
flock to the public courts.
Coaching
at the very lowest levels may not be glamorous but will get you
started. Grab a coaching position as soon as you can! There are
plenty out there.
Your
eventual goal may be to secure employment as a coach or teaching pro
for a prestigious tennis club. Or, you may wish to teach tennis at a
university that prides itself on its tennis team. Develop a good
reputation, and you could find youself being called
on to coach your country's Olympic tennis team some day!
Online
job and employment services can be a great help to you in your search for a
job. Sign up with one one that specializes in sports placements.
Not only will they be able to speak your language, but they will have
contacts throughout the tennis world as well as a current listing of
job openings.
There
are many tennis related jobs that pay well over $100,000. So play
as much as you can, find a coaching job (almost any one to
start), and sign up with an online jobs matching service that
specializes in sports positions. Your career awaits.
ClubJobs.Net
Jobs and careers in tennis are available now. ClubJobs.Net specializes in matching sports employers with sports job seekers.
Jobs In Sports
Another excellent job-matching service focused on sports-related jobs.
The great thing about being a professional tennis player is the big money you can make off the court. Russian star Maria Sharapova found work as an "ambassador" for a famous watch company. According to the company, she wouldn't just be lending her face and name to an advertising campaign--she was also expected to help design the watches!
If your dream is to be paid to play tennis, you must learn, learn, and learn some more (as well as play). See our articles on instructional resources and tennis camps.
