The Occupational Socialization of Athletic Administrators: A Content Analysis of Graduate Program Websites

Abstract

Employing occupational socialization as an interpretive framework, this study drew on a content analysis of athletic administration graduate program websites to explore the relationship between the programs and key issues facing professionals in the field of intercollegiate athletics. Results revealed that the processes and mechanisms in place to prepare graduate students for careers in intercollegiate athletics appear to be adequate, but could more comprehensively address the increasingly complex business enterprise of college sports, NCAA policies and rules, and key strategies to develop the academic talents of athletes. Formal processes, such as courses and experiential learning activities (e.g., internships, practica, field research) in the studied graduate programs, appeared to dominate role learning; informal processes or unintentional learning, such as interactions with peers and other campus stakeholders, appeared to be absent. This study highlights new directions for future work aimed at understanding the professional preparation of athletic administrators.

use of DISC behavioral profiling and training: An innovative pedagogical strategy to enhance learning and future career opportunities in sport management and sport coaching higher education classrooms

“…In a subsequent analysis of athletic administration graduate program web pages, Comeaux et al (2017) challenged educators, "to focus more squarely on professional socialization" (p. 85). As it is a common practice for industry leaders to use self-evaluation tools to better understand one's skills, competencies, and behaviors (Bauer et al, 2006;Brundage & Koziel, 2010;Jones & Hartley, 2013;McKenna et al, 2002;Russell, 1994), embedding the use of the DISC profile and the associated assignments/activities is one way for sport management programs to begin the professional socialization process.…”

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Opportunities for Black College Athletes: Strategically Facilitating Academic Achievement and Successful Career Transitions

“…Cooper emphasizes an asset-based, anti-deficit approach through which Black athletes develop an awareness of the structural inequities that enable the university to exploit them. This approach also promotes the belief among athletes that they have the power to confront and alter these inequities as they focus on their holistic development, academic achievement, and strategies for successful career transitions (Comeaux, 2015a). Positive outcomes depend on identifying and eliminating barriers, developing relationships, and increasing expectations for success.…”