Do you have a passion for sports, fashion, and business? If so, then you might be the type of person that can make a successful career out of being a hockey equipment manager (HEM).
Hockey equipment management is a field that was originally established to oversee the supply and storage of equipment needed by ice hockey and other kinds of sports teams. These days, the responsibilities of a hockey equipment manager can vary from buying equipment in bulk, to helping teams prepare for games, to assisting in on-ice activities. Most HEMs have a comprehensive knowledge of all facets of the game, from the legalities and ethics governing the sports industry to the operations of specific brands and how they work, and they often have an entrepreneurial spirit as well. If you’re looking for an exciting and rewarding career, consider exploring options in hockey equipment management.
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The Responsibilities Of A Hockey Equipment Manager
In order to successfully manage the equipment of an ice hockey team or other sports organizations, you have to understand what exactly your responsibilities are going to be. It is a crucial part of the job to be able to delegate and to not be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Even though you are in charge of acquiring, maintaining, and upgrading all the equipment for your team, you should still be willing to take orders, meet deadlines, and handle stressful situations.
To start, it’s important to realize that most HEMs work in hockey equipment management for only one organization at a time, and they are usually hired as a full-time position. However, they can also do consulting work for teams and organizations that need help with their equipment, and many HEMs eventually transition to becoming an in-house employee of a sports organization, or start their own business and become a freelancer. If you want to make the most of your potential and succeed in this field, it’s important to prepare for the fact that you may have to relocate, or at least become flexible with your schedule.
The Advantages Of Working In Hockey Equipment Management
There are many advantages to working in hockey equipment management. For one thing, you get to be part of an exciting and rewarding field. Being in charge of the equipment for a sports team can also be quite satisfying, as you get to see the fruits of all your labor. Additionally, you will have the chance to travel the country and the world as an employee of a sporting organization, which can be an additional perk for some. Finally, working in this field can also be highly lucrative, with many successful HEMs making six-figure salaries, and some even making seven and eight figures annually.
Where Do I Start?
If you want to get into hockey equipment management, there are several steps you can take. For one thing, you can begin by getting a bachelor’s degree in sports management or business administration. A bachelor’s degree should be your immediate goal, as you’ll need a four-year degree to even think about getting a job in this field. After you get your bachelor’s degree, you can then look for jobs in smaller markets, as there are less competition and opportunities in smaller cities and townships. Another option is to begin your job search in your home town, as there are more jobs and opportunities there. Once you establish yourself in the industry, you can then look for jobs in bigger cities and townships, as there are more opportunities and less competition in bigger markets.
The Next Step
After you’re finished with your schooling, you should then begin looking for a job in hockey equipment management. After you find one, you can then begin preparing for the job, which includes getting certified and learning the ins and outs of the business. There are many different certifications you can get, including the International Association of Equipment Managers (IAEM) and the International Hockey Equipment Management (IHEM) certifications. Additionally, taking a class or getting a certificate online can also help you prepare for the job.
The Career Path
If this sounds like a career you might be interested in pursuing, then you should begin thinking about the career path. Just remember to take your time and focus on getting the right education, as well as establishing yourself in the field. Once you do, you can then start looking for ways to grow and advance within the company you work for.
This field is one of the fastest-growing industries, and with good reason. Ice hockey is a popular sport, and the number of people who play and follow it is expanding. Additionally, many businesses see value in having someone on staff who has a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the game, from equipment to operations. If you have a knack for buying, selling, and keeping track of a lot of equipment, then this could be a great field for you.
Above all else, remember to be flexible and open to new opportunities, as this is what will help you succeed in this field. If you keep your eyes and ears open, you will be able to see and hear of many opportunities that will come your way. Just be sure to prepare for the cold weather, as getting used to it is a big part of becoming a successful HEM.