Despite regular career progression, I was professionally unfulfilled, with little job satisfaction and disillusioned with how the future looked. I had always held a desire to work in football and explored various sports business courses to utilise as a vehicle for a career switch and decided on the Football Industries MBA as the best option.
Undertaking the MBA on a two-year part time basis was a huge decision, with a need to balance the financial impact and professional commitments with a home life and desire to keep watching football matches! Ultimately the social life went on hold and you become adept with time and deadline management. Working efficiently is the key to avoiding too many late nights and long weekends.
In Spring 2014 I decided to leave my role at a law firm, enabling me to undertake a work-based project for my course. I had used the MBA course over the preceding 18-months to identify underdeveloped areas within club commercial operations that I could positively affect. Having successfully pitched the concept to Celtic Football Club, I accepted a five-month project role to recommend a global club membership scheme.
I based myself on-site at the club between two to four days each week, which really helped to build rapport with team members. I found building a strong internal network vital in acquiring the input and information that I required, often within tight timeframes. Once the project scope had been agreed, the club empowered me to engage with internal and external stakeholders to research and recommend a membership scheme in line with its overall commercial strategy. It was a fantastic experience and involved direct communication with fans and exposure to both senior executives across club departments and the wider football industry.
My key objective was to understand the industry, particularly the different structures and terminology, and connect with as many relevant contacts as possible. Guest speaker sessions and club visits offered insight into the challenges facing the industry and how different clubs attempt to overcome them. It also provided opportunities to follow-up and meet outside of academic surroundings and explore in detail challenges and opportunities. I have found the FIMBA alumni community to be an invaluable resource and I’m confident it will continue to be beneficial in years to come.
I am now an independent consultant advising football clubs throughout England and Scotland on fan development initiatives, ranging from club membership schemes to affiliated supporters’ club management and how best to recruit the next generation of football fans.