School of Business
A degree that applies business principles in the sports industry
Compete in an emerging field.
Compete in an emerging field.
The sports business industry is extremely competitive. That’s why, at Finlandia, we provide you with the business classes, opportunities, and principles to gain a competitive edge in the job market.
In the sports world, it’s not what you know, but who you know. Luckily at FinnU, we have a lot of connections at all levels to make your internship and job search easier.
Finlandia encourages every student to find multiple internships, both locally and nationally. Internships are the best way to discover strengths and weaknesses within the sports industry. Working for multiple teams, both big and small, will help you find your niche.
Leading the Pride talks with Austrian Lukas Alberer (’08). Alberer, a Sports Management major and former hockey player for the Lions, currently works at Johnson & Johnson-Ethicon in Austria as a Business Development Manager.
Listen as host Olivia Myers and Alberer talk about his decision to move to the United States to play hockey, the struggle of losing one’s identity as an athlete after college and his journey to finding a career he’s passionate about.
Given the nature of sports, the skills learned outside of the classroom are just as important as the ones learned in the classroom. One of the most important skills needed to succeed in sports management is networking. Meeting and helping others in the field will make all the difference when the time comes to job hunt. Finlandia faculty, alumni and local business owners are all great resources to connect with and are always willing to help.
"Find a way to get involved in sports. It could be at the collegiate or even youth level, but it is important to gain some experience to add to your resume. A degree is great, but internships, or any sort of involvement, can really separate someone from other candidates competing for similar positions."
“I was swayed to attend Finlandia because of the sports management program and I had classmates in Finland that spoke very highly of their experience while at Finlandia. I loved it. I found the curriculum to be very engaging, and it aligned to my interests better than I thought possible. I also made the Finlandia University’s NCAA Division III hockey team. Even though I mainly watched the games from a press box, I made some great friends, and those guys were a big part of my experience at Finlandia.”
“Just be open. You never know where life will take you and if some things don’t work out for you, don’t crumble. Get up, do it with Finlandia pride, with Lion pride, because things will come your way.”
Finlandia is home to 12 NCAA Division III sports. Students in the sports management concentration have the chance to work with these sports throughout the year, gaining valuable knowledge and skills directly related to college athletics. Some students who want to specialize in coaching have the option to assistant coach a team.
Experiential assignments give you a learn-by-doing mentality during their time in the program. By engaging in assignments, you can learn the practical skills and industry trends that will be used not just in professional sports, but in any sports setting such as; recreation, high school, or collegiate level.
May 16, 2023
Updated May 16, 2023
On Thursday, March 2, Finlandia University’s Board of Trustees announced that FinnU will not enroll students for the 2023-2024 academic year. Announced Tuesday, March 14, the University’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to dissolve the institution and wind up affairs in an orderly manner.
Finlandia has finalized eight Teach-Out Agreements with Adrian College, Bay College, Michigan Technological University, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Northern Michigan University, University of Dubuque, Waldorf University, and Wartburg College. Several non-partnering institutions have […] Read More
May 11, 2023
Finlandia University held its final Spring Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 7, honoring 92 graduates in the Class of 2023. Following commencement, a commendation service was held for Finlandia University students, staff, faculty, alumni, neighbors and friends, commending the University and its 126 years of service.
Full High-Res Photos from Spring 2023 Commencement: On-Demand Livestream of Spring 2023 Commencement: Full High-Res Photos from Service of Commendation:
May 10, 2023
Founded in 1896 as Suomi College, Finlandia University held its final spring commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 7, honoring 92 graduates in the Class of 2023. In March, the University announced the decision to dissolve the institution and not enroll students for the 2023-2024 academic year.
President Timothy Pinnow congratulates student at FinnU’s Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony.
Delivering the welcome address was Board Trustee Stephen Nikander, whose great-grandfather founded the institution and whose grandfather served […] Read More
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Business Administration degree program, International School of Business graduates will be able to do the following:
Dean, International School of Business Associate Professor of Management & Marketing
kevin.manninen@finlandia.eduAssistant Professor, Sports Management, ISB
Associate Director of Athletics
