The graduate of Sports Management study programme Gytis Rūkas says that basketball was an important part of his life at school, so, when the time came to choose studies, he had no doubts. Studies at Lithuanian Sports University helped G. Rūkas to implement his dreams and link up his future with basketball. Actually, nearly a decade ago, when the well-known basketball agent chose his studies, Sports Management study programme took the first steps. “Sport is not just a game that we are used to observe, but also a very interesting area requiring profound knowledge of management and other sciences. Sports managers and other professionals in the field work hard outside the basketball court so that we could admire the sight”, said the LSU graduate.
G. Rūkas recalls that his final decision to become a basketball agent was determined by an unexpected circumstance. In 2002, the European Youth Basketball Championship was held in Lithuania, and Gytis Rūkas volunteered at the event. “Then, in the course of two weeks of practice, I could see something I could not have been able to understand in theory. This wonderful experience has opened up a number of opportunities, and I am still in contact with a lot of athletes and coaches I met at the event “, said G. Rūkas. The LSU graduate advises students to volunteer at sporting events, and for students of management it is simply a necessity.
After graduating from the university, G. Rūkas was employed at A. Sabonis Basketball School where he had a great opportunity to further explore the field of his interest. G. Rūkas graduated from law studies at another university, and started working as a basketball agent. The LSU graduate states that this activity is similar to other jobs in the field of sales: it is necessary to keep in touch with the client, maintain long-term relationships, and the main task is to help the player find the right club and agreement with the employers. Of course, agents must always strive to keep the player and the club happy and fulfil their expectations.
“Sometimes the details of the contract negotiation take a few days, but it may take a few months. My work hours are not defined – basketball matches are usually held at weekends, teams are assembled in summer, and the player needs help for a variety of reasons at any time of the day: injuries, relationships in the club, personal problems and their other concerns are part of my life. I also have to communicate with the partners from other countries at night because of the time difference”, the LSU graduate revealed his work details.
He admits that knowledge and skills make the work easier. What do you need to work as a basketball agent? First of all, agents have to have knowledge in basketball and good communication skills, because they communicate with different people from all over the world. “So, I have to be an agent, a friend, a psychologist, a negotiator and a lawyer at the same time”, said G. Rūkas.
G. Rūkas says that if a graduate is attracted to such a job, he/ she can undoubtedly choose sports management studies. In Lithuania, there is a lack of well-trained and innovative sports managers well versed in foreign languages, technology and marketing, and especially communication in social networks. “Sport is an incurable disease. Not everyone can become a professional athlete. Therefore, sports management studies are the best choice “, said Gytis Rūkas.
For more information about Sports Management study programme at LSU, see:
undergraduate-bachelors-degree-studies/sports-management/
masters-degree-studies/masters-degree-in-tourism-and-sports-management/
