Careers in industry and academia in qualitative sport research

This chapter explores careers aligned with qualitative research in UG, PG and ECR It also examines the traditional and non-linear routes into industry and practice research spaces using qualitative methodologies that are emerging. It predominantly looks at the case study of the United Kingdom and how this domain is transcending the historically assumed job market by unpicking three vignettes across mid-career academics, ECR and a UG exiting the first-degree market and the challenges she faces in beginning to navigate her route as a mature student excited to engage with master’s, PhD and broader qualitative methodology-driven careers in sport studies and wider social science theory. The chapter concludes with exercises to consider when considering your career, no matter what phase you are at, and practical information to refer to in the ever-challenging job market in sport and social science and the qualitative job market. The book is about the context of doing qualitative research methodologies in sport studies. This chapter aims to offer a bedrock to those who face the myriad challenges in pursuing varied careers in this job market.