Interested in working in the sports media industry? Keep reading to find out about Ibrahim’s journey into the industry and how the Black Collection Of Media In Sport (BCOMS) programme helped him gain invaluable experience.
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Can you tell us about yourself and when you knew you wanted to work in sports?
Hi, my name is Ibrahim. I recently graduated with a BSc in natural sciences from Loughborough University. I am a video content creator, digital editor, host, and massive football fan. I have always been into sports from a young age, with dreams of playing professionally. Still, apart from that, I only discovered the possibilities of working in the industry and the various roles during my second/final year of university, when Sky Sports presenter and Loughborough alumni Mike Wedderburn gave a talk at Loughborough. I’d say that was one of the first moments when I knew I wanted to work in sports, alongside creating my own video content online.
What does your current role as a Freelance Digital Editor at Eurosport UK and TNT Sports involve?
The role involves remaining up-to-date with the latest news across the majority of sports. As a digital editor, I create graphics and social videos for distribution across different media platforms.
You recently completed the Black Collective Of Media in Sport (BCOMS) Masterclass Programme. Can you tell us more about the programme and what you did?
The BCOMS programme provides amazing opportunities to learn and experience the sports media industry. Throughout the programme, I developed practical skills, built an industry network, and gained real-world experience in the sports media through different masterclasses and opportunities.
What was your favourite thing about the programme?
My favourite thing about the programme was attending games at the Emirates Stadium in the press box and being able to ask the likes of Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp questions after the matches.
How did you get this opportunity at BCOMS? If you had an application process, what did it involve?
I learned about BCOMS on social media. The application process involved answering questions about why I wanted to be on the programme. I was also asked about work which I had already completed. I think this was quite important, no matter how big or small it would have been. Having something to show, whether a podcast, written piece, video, etc., highlights your interest and willingness to learn more about the industry.
One of the biggest challenges for young people who want to work in sports is the lack of knowledge about available opportunities. How can other aspiring individuals get involved in similar programmes?
I would suggest following social media pages such as BCOMS to find more opportunities and using LinkedIn to connect with people working in the companies you’re interested in.
Have you faced any challenges when looking for opportunities in the industry? How were you able to overcome them?
I have definitely faced rejections when applying for roles within the industry, but I remained persistent and didn’t allow the rejections to discourage me.
What advice would you give to a young person with a similar background to you looking to enter the sports industry?
I would say to try out as many different roles within the industry as possible because the industry is so vast, from camera operators to those working on the finance side within sports or the health side. There are many roles within the industry; if you focus your energy on obtaining one, you will get there. But of course, no one path is the same; there will be ups and downs.
If you were to choose one person to shine a light on in the industry, who would it be and why?
Mayowa Quadri, who works for Versus. He always gives his time to talk to you and answer any questions you may have. He is definitely someone I look up to in the sports industry, and he is also a BCOMS alumnus.
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