The Big 12 Conference is a renowned athletic conference that offers a vast array of career opportunities for aspiring professionals. With its 10 member institutions located across the central United States, the Big 12 provides a platform for individuals to pursue their passions and excel in various fields.
Athletic Training and Sports Medicine
The Big 12 Conference is home to some of the nation’s top sports medicine facilities. Athletic trainers and sports medicine professionals play a crucial role in the health and well-being of student-athletes. They work closely with coaches, physicians, and other healthcare providers to prevent, diagnose, and treat injuries. According to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), the median salary for athletic trainers was \$56,140 in 2020.
Coaching and Player Development
The Big 12 Conference is a breeding ground for world-class coaches and player development specialists. These professionals guide student-athletes on and off the field, helping them reach their full potential as players, students, and individuals. According to the NCAA, head coaches in Division I basketball earn an average salary of \$2.63 million, while head football coaches earn an average of \$2.23 million.
Event Management and Operations
The Big 12 Conference hosts numerous high-profile sporting events, including regular season games, conference tournaments, and bowl games. Event management and operations professionals are responsible for planning, organizing, and executing these events seamlessly. According to the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), the median salary for event managers was \$58,770 in 2019.
Sports Broadcasting and Journalism
The Big 12 Conference has a strong relationship with major sports networks, providing ample opportunities for sports broadcasters and journalists. These professionals cover games, conduct interviews, and provide analysis for a wide range of platforms. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for broadcast news analysts was $61,300 in 2020.
Sports Administration and Business
The business of sports has become increasingly complex, creating a need for qualified sports administrators and business professionals. These individuals work in various roles, including athletic directors, marketing and communication directors, and revenue generators. According to the NCAA, the median salary for athletic directors in Division I was \$219,263 in 2020.
Marketing and Communications
The Big 12 Conference provides a unique platform for marketing and communications professionals to reach a large and passionate audience. These professionals develop and execute marketing campaigns, manage social media platforms, and create engaging content for various channels. According to the BLS, the median salary for marketing managers was $139,380 in 2020.
Technology and Innovation
The Big 12 Conference is heavily invested in technology and innovation to enhance the fan experience and support student-athletes. Technology professionals play a vital role in developing and implementing new technologies, such as streaming platforms, mobile apps, and performance analytics software. According to the BLS, the median salary for computer and information systems managers was $159,010 in 2020.
Inspiring Potential and Transforming Lives
The Big 12 Conference is a transformative force in the lives of its student-athletes and employees. It provides a supportive environment where individuals can pursue their passions, develop their skills, and make a meaningful contribution to the world of sports and beyond.
Table 1: Median Salaries for Big 12 Careers
| Career | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer | \$56,140 |
| Head Basketball Coach | \$2.63 million |
| Head Football Coach | \$2.23 million |
| Event Manager | \$58,770 |
| Broadcast News Analyst | \$61,300 |
| Athletic Director | \$219,263 |
| Marketing Manager | \$139,380 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | \$159,010 |
Table 2: Career Paths in Big 12 Administration
| Department | Career Options |
|---|---|
| Athletics | Athletic director, associate athletic director, senior associate athletic director, assistant athletic director, compliance director |
| Academics | Dean of students, associate dean of students, director of academic services, learning specialist, academic advisor |
| Development | Executive director of development, senior director of development, director of development, major gift officer, annual giving officer |
| Marketing | Director of marketing, associate director of marketing, marketing coordinator, social media manager, graphic designer |
| Communications | Director of communications, associate director of communications, communications coordinator, web content manager, media relations |
Table 3: Job Outlook for Big 12 Careers
| Career | Projected Job Growth (2020-2030) |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer | 23% |
| Head Basketball Coach | 4% |
| Head Football Coach | 7% |
| Event Manager | 10% |
| Broadcast News Analyst | 4% |
| Athletic Director | 3% |
| Marketing Manager | 8% |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | 15% |
Table 4: Big 12 Conference Member Institutions
| Institution | Location |
|---|---|
| Baylor University | Waco, TX |
| Iowa State University | Ames, IA |
| Kansas State University | Manhattan, KS |
| Kansas University | Lawrence, KS |
| Oklahoma State University | Stillwater, OK |
| Oklahoma University | Norman, OK |
| TCU | Fort Worth, TX |
| Texas | Austin, TX |
| Texas Tech University | Lubbock, TX |
| West Virginia University | Morgantown, WV |
Conclusion
The Big 12 Conference presents a vast and dynamic landscape for individuals seeking a fulfilling career in the world of sports and beyond. With its renowned athletic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and unmatched opportunities for professional growth, the Big 12 provides a unique platform for individuals to excel in their chosen field and make a lasting impact on the lives of student-athletes and the community.
