The FIFA Master is a unique 10-month sport (and not solely football...) Master programme, initiated by FIFA, coordinated by CIES, and taught by three prestigious European universities: De Montfort University (Leicester, UK), SDA Bocconi School of Management (Milan, IT) and Neuchatel University (Neuchatel, CH), in association with the Università della Svizzera italiana.
What is your current professional activity and your involvement in sport?
I have recently founded a new company, active in sports consultancy, marketing, event management and tourism.
Why did you choose to attend the FIFA/CIES Sport Management Program at Bahcesehir University?
I studied International relations and political sciences at Syracuse University, United States. When I decided not to work in my field of expertise, and got involved in sports, I took some sport management and marketing classes during college. However, specializing in sports required much more. The resumé of a political scientist was not attracting sport federations or clubs. FIFA/CIES Sport Management Program sounded perfect for me. I could improve my knowledge in sports and it would shine like a star in my resumé.
What were your expectations before the start of the course? and… were they met?
Expectations were very high such as; getting close to become an expert in global football, learning more about the conflicts and contemporary issues in world sports, analyzing specific and crucial cases, discussing recent events and policies, learning more about FIFA and UEFA regulations, getting to know important figures in national and international sports, holding my diploma and to be sought-after by head hunters in sport organizations.
The courses in which, instructors capable of giving parallel examples to the course material from their professional experiences were the most beneficiary. In general, the course met most of my expectations. Maybe head hunters are not chasing me, but I am very satisfied with my new people in my sports network. Also this course encouraged me to start my own company. I am convinced that the program will evolve in the near future.
What would you say are the key strengths of the FIFA/CIES Sport Management Program?
One of the strengths is the title itself. "FIFA" is globally a very well known and respected entity. Guest speakers and the opportunity to acquire a wide network in sports are also other strengths. Modules are also important elements, however they need to be improved.
What benefits (on a personal and/or professional level) did you gain from attending the course?
I got to know so many people in sports. That was the most beneficial aspect of the course. It was great to learn from most of the instructors and almost all of the speakers by listening to their personal experiences and asking them questions. On the professional level, management, marketing, communication and event management courses benefited me most. I still go back and get help from the class notes for alternative choices in my professional work.
What is your best memory/highlight of the course?
Visiting Galatasaray SC facilities and asking managers all sorts of questions. Volunteering in UEFA Cup final organization and working as the fleet coordination at the Ataturk International Airport. (Thanks to our classmate Selcuk Guler). Having Mr. Aribogan, vice president of the Turkish Football Association, as a guest speaker in the class, and asking him when they will begin to recruit more professional sports managers.
Would you recommend the FIFA/CIES Sport Management Program? Why?
I would definitely recommend it. Sport has to be managed and governed by professionals in this field, more people like us are needed. Also it was a really a great time, enabling me to meet many people in sports and learn from their vast experience. In addition to that, it is very cool to introduce myself as a graduate of a FIFA Program and sports expert, even though I have still got a long way to go.
CIES (International Centre for Sports Studies), located in Neuchatel, is a private Swiss foundation, affiliated with the University of Neuchatel and created in 1995 by FIFA (under the impetus of its current president, Mr. Joseph S. Blatter), the University of Neuchatel, and the City and Canton of Neuchatel.
CIES specialises in three specific domains: law, sociology and economy of sport, with a view to bring together the sporting and the academic worlds. Privileging a pluri-disciplinary approach, CIES provides a wide range of research, education and consultancy services.