Vipul Londhe
Vipul graduated in September 2023 with an MSc in Sport Marketing from Loughborough University London. Currently a Business Development Manager at Luscid, a sports technology start-up, Vipul reflects on his postgraduate journey and how it helped him to develop both academically and professionally.
- Programme: Sport Marketing MSc
Why I chose Loughborough University London
First and foremost, Loughborough is globally recognized as the number one university for sports business education. That reputation was a major draw for me, as I wanted to learn from the best in the field. Secondly, the strength and reach of the Loughborough alumni network within the sports industry stood out to me. Many graduates have gone on to become influential figures in sports organisations around the world, which highlighted to me that the university offers more than just an academic experience, but also a real gateway into the industry. Finally, the location of the campus in London was a huge advantage. Being at the heart of the UK's sports business hub, where clubs, governing bodies, rights holders, and major brands have their headquarters – meant I could access unparalleled networking opportunities, attend key industry events, and explore career paths from the very start of my journey. Ultimately, these factors made Loughborough London the ideal choice for my postgraduate studies.
My overall academic experience
One of the main reasons I chose Loughborough London was to gain deep, industry-relevant insights into how the sports business ecosystem operates. Coming from a background in sports sales and partnerships, I was eager to move beyond the surface and truly understand the intricacies of the sports industry, especially in a country that’s home to the world’s most popular football league, major cricketing rights holders, and other significant sports like rugby and cycling.
The curriculum was incredibly aligned with real-world scenarios. The guest lectures, company interactions, and assignments were all designed to mirror practical challenges faced in the industry today. That direct link between academic theory and business application was one of the most valuable aspects of the course for me. I can confidently say that the knowledge I gained is something I use daily in my current role. Overall, my academic journey at Loughborough was top-notch. It played a pivotal role in shaping my perspective and preparing me for the next phase of my career in the sports industry.
Academic and careers support
Anyone who’s walked through the doors of Loughborough London knows just how crucial the career support ecosystem is. The team behind initiatives like Future Space are truly exceptional. Whether it was organizing events, curating industry-specific opportunities, or facilitating connections with professionals, they consistently provided practical avenues for growth beyond the classroom. In addition, our personal tutors played a pivotal role in supporting our development. I personally made the most of this, knowing these mentors had seen countless students’ progress through the system. Their perspective and feedback helped me better understand my own trajectory and what I needed to focus on.
How my studies prepared me for my career
From a theoretical and practical perspective, one of the most useful aspects of the course was the direct engagement with real sports entities as part of our modules. Each module was designed around real-world challenges, often brought in by guest speakers from the industry. Our assignments weren’t just academic exercises – they were aligned with genuine business problems faced by these organisations. This approach was incredibly valuable because it mirrored what happens in the industry, especially in the UK, where much of the work is agency-driven.
In my current and previous roles, I regularly deal with brands, rights holders, and agencies, who come to us seeking data-driven insights and consulting solutions. The course effectively prepared me for this by helping me think critically, apply relevant frameworks, and offer strategic solutions. We were encouraged to adopt a consulting mindset, and this was supported by access to useful tools, cross-functional collaboration, and creative thinking within diverse project groups. This hands-on, collaborative, and insight-led approach is something I continue to apply in my professional life today, which is why I found it especially impactful.
Highlights of my time at Loughborough outside my course
One of the major highlights of my time at Loughborough London outside the classroom was the access to real-world sports experiences, which felt like a dream come true.
Being part of a university that’s globally renowned for its sports business curriculum comes with its perks such as the opportunity to attend live sporting events across different disciplines. Through the university's partnerships and affiliations, I was able to attend football matches, cricket and rugby games, and even basketball events at the nearby Copper Box Arena. These weren’t just entertaining; they were immersive, educational experiences that allowed me to see the sports industry in action from the inside.
My advice for future students
First, seek mentorship early.
Start identifying people who have walked the path you're aspiring to take. Whether they're recent graduates or seasoned professionals with decades of experience in the sports industry. Mentors can provide perspective, warn you about common pitfalls, and save you valuable time and energy by guiding you toward smarter decisions. In a space as fast-paced and competitive as sports business, learning from someone else’s journey can help you avoid unnecessary mistakes and accelerate your own growth. It's something I personally value and now try to offer to hundreds of young professionals through mentorship and guidance.
Second, don’t just rely on hard work and passion.
While those traits matter, they’re no longer differentiators—they’re expected. What sets you apart is obsession – being truly committed to your growth, your goals, and your future in the industry. That level of clarity and drive will help you stand out in a crowded job market. You need to be crystal clear about who you want to become and where you want to be in the next few years.
Which brings me to the third point: build a blueprint.
Whether you’ve just arrived or are preparing to start, now is the time to define your direction. Assess your strengths, figure out which area of the sports industry excites you most, and map out the niche roles or functions you’d love to pursue. A helpful exercise I often share is to write down a list of job roles from 1 to 10. 1 being the least interesting and 10 being the dream role. Then focus only on your 8, 9, and 10. These are your sweet spots. Once you have that focus, tailor your learning, projects, and networking efforts accordingly.
Connect with professionals in those roles, gather insights, build relevant skills, and align your university experience with your long-term goals. By the time you graduate, you should not only have a degree, but also a clear plan, a strong network, and a set of experiences that make you ready to compete for – and win – your dream role.