19.7.2024
The ESSEC Sports Chair is more than just an academic program—it's an exciting and immersive journey into the world of sports. Founded in 2020, the Chair has quickly established itself as a pioneer in sports business education, blending cutting-edge theories with practical experiences to shape the leaders of tomorrow in the sports industry. This “passion” Chair attracts students who are deeply committed to and enthusiastic about sports.
Total immersion
“We don't want our students to just learn. We want them to live sports, to breathe the adrenaline of stadiums, and to understand the complex dynamics that govern this global industry,” explains Karoline Strauss, Chair Professor. This vision is reflected in every aspect of the program. Seminars are enriched with visits to iconic stadiums, meetings with industry professionals, and real-life case studies provided by companies and clubs like Allianz and Paris Saint-Germain, putting students at the heart of the action.
Enriching partnerships
The strength of the Chair also lies in its partnerships with renowned organizations such as Allianz, EDF, PSG, the French Basketball Federation (FFBB), INSEP, and Sport dans la Ville. “Thanks to these partnerships, our students gain direct access to industry experts, enriching their understanding and professional network,” emphasizes Karoline Strauss.
For Ilan Karsenti, a 2021 alumnus and founder of "Pick your Crew," a platform offering sports options for SMEs to encourage employees to play sports more frequently, these partnerships were crucial. “Networking is crucial in this Chair. Three years later, I am still in contact with former classmates, some of whom work in the sports industry. Today, thanks to a classmate, I was able to propose my solution to his company where he opened doors for me.”
Jules Boisson, a project manager at Sport Tech, echoes this sentiment: “The Chair benefits from a phenomenal ESSEC network, especially alumni from the ESSEC Master in Sports Marketing. These alumni now hold high-level positions and work in prestigious companies. The quality of the speakers thanks to this network is incredible.”
Memorable experiences
For Ilan, the Sports Chair was a revelation. “Passionate about sports, I naturally gravitated towards this Chair. One of the most memorable moments was our visit to INSEP. Being able to visit the facilities, both indoors and outdoors, of elite athletes was a real opportunity and a powerful moment for me.”
Yashi Gera, a student in the 2023-2024 cohort, shares her perspective: “The study trip to Switzerland stands out as the most memorable moment for me. Visiting organizations like UEFA and the IOC, and experiencing their operations first-hand, was an incredible opportunity to understand the global impact of sports.”
He also recalls a conference on sports video games that particularly impressed him. “Julien Dupont's presentation on the Esport’s development was fascinating. It had an innovative aspect, and I discovered a sector that I didn't know about, which opened my eyes to new career opportunities.”
Creating real impact
One of the main goals of the Sports Chair is to produce applied knowledge that has a tangible impact on the sports ecosystem. “Our students are not mere spectators. They are agents of change,” asserts Karoline Strauss. By working on applied research projects, students actively contribute to the evolution of the sector. They develop innovative solutions to current challenges in funding, digital transformation, or team management.
Jules Boisson emphasizes the tangible impact of the Chair: “The Sports Chair has a real impact on the careers of its students. Many of my classmates now hold positions in the sports industry, proving the effectiveness of the program.”
Yashi Gera echoes this sentiment: “Through the Chair, I’ve learned how to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios in sports management. It’s empowering to see how our ideas can influence industry practices.”
A promising future
Ultimately, the ESSEC Sports Chair doesn’t just train sports professionals—it molds leaders capable of transforming entire industries through lessons learned from the sports world. “We prepare our students to become the visionaries of tomorrow, capable of innovating and leading with passion and integrity,” concludes Karoline Strauss.
At the heart of the ESSEC Sports Chair, every day is a new opportunity to learn, grow, and move closer to one’s dreams. It is this unique blend of academia and practice, innovation and tradition, that makes this program an unforgettable experience for those fortunate enough to be part of it.
This year, the Chair welcomed 30 students, an almost equal split of women and men, marking a milestone in gender diversity. “Having a Chair led by a woman in a male-dominated field is a positive signal,” adds Jules Boisson, highlighting the Chair’s commitment to inclusivity and excellence.
