If you look at the CV of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, one of his job positions early in his career was being the general secretary of the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) at the University of Neuchatel, Switzerland.
It was a top position within the CIES, which has made terrific progress since being formed in 1995 in collaboration with FIFA and the University of Neuchâtel.
Designed to not only research ways of developing sport, CIES also provides a step for aspiring professionals to work in top positions in the ever-growing sports industry.
The Executive Programme in Sport Management diploma of CIES, supported by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, is now available at Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. After two successful terms, they are now open for applications for September’s intake.
With modules ranging from law to communication to marketing and sponsorship in sport, the diploma is the stepping stone to launching careers in top executive roles.
“In terms of qualifications out there, this CIES Executive Programme in Sport Management is number one in sports management areas,” said Louis Kinziger, a former student and now CIES local coordinator in the UAE.
“If you want to become a manager in an organisation or administrative aspect of sport, this will help you reach your goal. If you want to work for an FA like the UAE FA, this diploma will help you and give you the required knowledge. This course represents a solid basis in the domain of sports management.”
So far, the course is popular around the world as well as Abu Dhabi. The 2015-2016 class in Abu Dhabi has 15 students with nationalities including Indian, French, Romanian, Qatari and Emirati, while lecturers are flown in to deliver the week-long modules, which are taught in six block weeks.
Not only are they highly experienced and possess vast knowledge of their subject but they can relate their own experiences of working in top sporting events.
Daniel Rupf were among those to teach this year, and he was Head of World Cup Events at FIFA between 1997 to 2003.
One of the biggest advantages is there is no age requirement to be a student. Only a strong command of English and a high-school qualification is needed while an interest for sport is crucial.
One current student is Grima Antoine. The 21-year-old admits the course has been challenging but hopes it pays dividends in his bid of working in the 2024 Olympics in Paris, should the city be selected.
“The diploma is very interesting as you can examine different areas of sports through the six different modules,” said the Frenchman.
“It teaches you a wide range of things including what decisions you have to make when it comes to different projects and how to analyse things from different perspectives.”
He added: “I’ve always wanted to work in sports. I can’t be an athlete because I don’t have the required level.
The background of sports is really interesting and being involved in sporting events is something I’ve always wanted to do. I want to be part of big events and this course will help me do that.”
For more information on how to apply, visit www.sorbonne.ae.
