Johan Cruyff Institute’s sports talent development platform, Step Day, held its ninth edition, bringing together students, companies in the sports sector, and industry professionals.
Held as part of SPORTBIZ Europe, the ninth edition of Step Day aimed to help Johan Cruyff Institute students enter the job market. This was the largest edition to date, with more than 100 students seeking their first professional opportunity and over 35 companies from the sports industry in attendance. Participating organizations included The IRONMAN Group, Girona Futbol Club, CeleBreak, CF Badalona SAD, and Smash Pickleball Agency.
Ileana Alberto, Careers & Alumni Manager at Johan Cruyff Institute, highlighted the importance of Step Day for students: “They have just started the academic year and are eager to connect with the sports industry. Step Day represents a unique opportunity for them to make their first connections with companies in the sector”.
“This year, we have introduced new spaces to help them work on their personal brand, learn how to present themselves, and become more attractive candidates for employers.”
Through Step Day, students from the University Master’s Degree in Sports Management Barcelona, the Master in Football Business in partnership with FC Barcelona, and the Master in Sports Business and Marketing Blended Barcelona can introduce themselves to companies that best match their interests in pursuit of professional opportunities.
The ninth edition of Step Day introduces new spaces to support professional development
This edition of Step Day introduced new spaces designed to enhance students’ employability and provide them with practical tools to tackle their next professional challenges.
One of these was Sport Open Mic, a hands-on experience based on a real-life case in which students had the opportunity to present their professional profiles, highlight their skills, and demonstrate the value they could bring to a job application. Throughout the exercise, they received guidance from two coaches specializing in personal branding and employability, who helped them communicate their value proposition more effectively.
In addition, the ninth edition of Step Day featured one-to-one sessions with coaches specializing in professional development and experienced in the sports industry. During these sessions, students received personalized guidance, enabling them to address their questions and reflect on how to approach their professional development.
The platform’s continued growth is also reflected in the participation of Johan Cruyff Institute alumni representing sports companies. Drawing on their experiences, knowledge, and professional journeys, graduates shared insights and advice with students, bringing them closer to the realities of the industry and helping them envision their next professional steps.
