How to get a dream job at FIFA without a uni degree with Jack Coles
Learn how to go from volunteer to a Project Lead at FIFA HQ
Reuben Williams
March 18, 2024
Hello friends! 👋
Welcome to the SportsGrad Podcast: The ultimate guide to make it in the sports industry!
Each week we share how people made it in sports and tease out their career decisions, work habits, skills, and everything they do that makes them great.
All so you can learn how to get in, get promoted, and get thriving in the sports industry.
Meet Jack Coles, Project Lead at FIFA Sound.
Not sure what FIFA Sound is?
Well, we’re certain you’ve heard of what they do.
FIFA Sound organises all of the music you hear for FIFA, whether that be the brand music on TV, music for the ceremonies and fan festivals, or working alongside artists and the music industry - to create an atmosphere and identity at all FIFA events.
In today’s episode, Jack walks us through what it’s like to work at the FIFA headquarters, what his role involves, and how they work to create a lasting impact at FIFA tournaments.
Lots to look out for, including how to go from a volunteer role to a FIFA Project Lead (without a uni degree), navigating a career change after 10 years in an industry, and the skills needed to work at one of the largest associations in the world.
Enjoy the episode!
In this episode we cover:
(00:42) Who is Jack Coles?
(01:41) Reuben & Ryan welcome
(04:42) What’s happening in the SportsGrad Community?
(06:35) What it’s like working at the FIFA headquarters
(09:22) Get to know Jack: Quick-Fire Questions
(15:03) How Jack took risks and swapped industries to begin his career in sport
(21:41) Jack’s role at FIFA Staffing and what they were responsible for
(23:43) How Jack moved to FIFA Sound and began working on the 2022 World Cup
(25:17) What is FIFA Sound and what is Jack’s role?
(32:28) How game atmospheres, identities, and operations are created through the music played
(36:23) How FIFA Sound works with music artists to benefit both them and the football community
(39:59) Challenges that Jack has to navigate in his role
(44:05) What a day in the life looks like for Jack
(46:50) How FIFA Sound works with the fan festivals to contribute to the tournament’s impact
(48:20) The most important skills to work in a role like Jack’s
(51:58) Lessons that Jack would pass on to those wanting to get into the industry
(54:58) ASK SPORTSGRAD
How does this episode sound to you? |
Additional episodes you may enjoy 👇
#185 - Sam Hickson (Football Australia) - Living the dream with the Socceroos at the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
#262 - Franny Teh (Football Australia) - Sport Management grad to living the dream at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and Cricket Australia
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