Jonathan Reid

Jonathan Reid
Country / region
United Kingdom
Graduated from
St Mary’s University
Programme

Jonathan completed his MSc in Sports Business and Leadership in 2017 and received an job offer from Chelsea F.C. on the day of his graduation.

On the day of his graduation, Jonathan was offered a job as Project Coordinator at Chelsea F.C.

What were you doing before you joined Loughborough University London?

Before joining Loughborough University London, I was studying a joint honours degree in Physcial and Sport Education alongside Health, Exercise and Physical Activity at St Mary’s University, in Twickenham.

Why did you decide to study a Sport Business masters at Loughborough University London?

I had always wanted to study at Loughborough and benefit from its leading reputation for sport. After finishing my undergraduate degree, the opportunity arose to study at Loughborough University London and I couldn’t miss the chance to study at such a prestigious, influential university for sport teaching and research.

How has Loughborough University London inspired you and helped you to progress in your career?

Studying at the world's top university for sport has given me an enormous sense of pride. I’ve studied under the same institution as some of the most inspiring athletes, coaches and leaders in history. Knowing this has inspired me to work harder and achieve my career goals, and one day I hope to see my name on a wall saying that I studied at this amazing university too!

What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying a Sport Business masters?

Focus on learning more about yourself for the duration of the course. For me, studying a masters has enabled me to grow and better understand elements of myself that I've never considered before.

My particular master's course is centred heavily around our own perceptions of leaders and throughout the duration of the course, I found myself drastically changing my idols and role models. Its amazing how much my views of leadership have changed as a result of studying this course.

What it is like to be a postgraduate student?

Being a postgraduate student was a very strange yet fruitful experience. I was the youngest student in my class by five years, so I was practically a baby within the class! However, being around such well established individuals forced me to change my mindset and really think about leadership and its impact on sport.

Postgraduate education makes you think more about the world and forces you to be more observant. For me, undergraduate education enables you to find yourself, whereas postgraduate education teaches you to develop what you’ve found and make a difference in the world.

Tell us more about the company/organisation you are working for currently.

As a project coordinator for Chelsea F.C, I am responsible for coordinating community engagement and outreach projects for children. Whilst some of my work revolves around sport activities, I also lead projects on a range of other topics.

What do you love the most about your job?

I love working within the sport industry and feel priveledged to be using my academic knowledge and experiences every day. The opportunity to work for Chelsea F.C has been a dream of mine for years and to have achieved that so early in my career journey is just wonderful. On top of that, having the Chelsea kit as work uniform isn’t too bad either!

What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?

I graduated from Loughborough University London in December 2017 and within 15 minutes of the ceremony finishing, I received a job offer from Chelsea. I think its fair to say it was the best day of my life so far!

What was your most memorable moment on your course?

One of the most memorable moments was when myself, my class mates and our lecturer, Dr Steve Swanson, went to the Loughborough campus for a three day leadership retreat. This particular retreat was memorable because we had a bonding session where we all opened up about our pasts and why we are the individuals we are. It was fascinating to hear everyone’s stories and we were all able to appreciate the bravery it takes for each person to stand up and discuss their personal lives.

What benefits does a masters course offer individuals who are thinking about a career in the sport business industry?

My masters programme offered me a chance to network with organisations that you’d only see on the TV or from stadium seats. Opportunities like meeting Dan Bloxham (the Master of ceremonies at Wimbledon) or going behind the scenes at the Emirates stadium and BT Sport are all opportunities that only an university like Loughborough University London can provide.

What does the future hold for you?

Big, big things! I hope to make my way up the sporting ladder by continuing to learn and network during my time at Chelsea. I believe I have the knowledge and the drive, and now is the time for me to work harder than ever to make my future a success.