FIFA Master Alumni - Where are they now? - Isabella Burczak

Isabella Burczak

Current Position: Cycling for All & Sustainability Manager at the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI)

Year of Graduation: 2006 (6th edition)

Nationality: Polish / Canadian / Swiss

What does your current role involve?  

I currently work at the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the world governing body of cycling, where I’ve been managing the federation's vision, programmes and partnerships to promote cycling as an accessible and sustainable means of transport and a healthy recreational activity since 2017. 

Under the four action pillars to advocate, inspire, educate and collaborate, I work with cities and regions, National Federations, NGOs, governments and international advocacy organisations to enhance the UCI’s role in promoting bicycle use around the world, and oversee the development of strategies to ensure elite cycling can drive and inspire wider participation and social impact. 

This includes managing initiatives such as the UCI Bike City Label (which now represents a network of thirty cities and regions across fifteen countries), our annual UCI Mobility & Bike City Forum, the promotion of our new UCI Bike City Pathway and, since 2024, the delivery of our annual UCI Cycling for All & Sustainability Awards, to share a few examples. 

In 2020, when the UCI signed the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, I also took over the internal planning and delivery of the Federation’s new sustainability strategy and vision to “Make cycling one of the world's most sustainable sports and promote the bicycle as a key transport mode in combating climate change, improving population health and building a more sustainable future for all.”  

Since then, the team has launched a revised sustainability strategy, developed the UCI Climate Action Charter, delivered climate action education, and strengthened partnerships with initiatives such as Sports for Nature and the Partnership for Sustainable Low-Carbon Transport. 

Which aspects of the FIFA Master course have helped you most in your career?

The FIFA Master was a transformative experience that opened doors to a vibrant global network of professionals and organisations which I would not have accessed otherwise. The meaningful connections made with professionals already working within the sports industry – many of which have remained close contacts to this day – are one of its most valuable assets. 

The FIFA Master also directly led me to my first internship within the International Olympic Committee’s Sports Department, paving the way for ten intense and highly rewarding years working on Games operations and strategy, including supporting the delivery of five Summer and Winter Olympic Games editions. 

Beyond the professional opportunities, the FIFA Master equipped me with a solid foundation in international sports management; the diversity of topics covered within the course provided a thorough overview of opportunities and challenges which are very specific to sports events and organisations, and which remain relevant to this day. 

What advice would you give to future students?

Take full advantage of every opportunity to gain hands-on experience within the sports ecosystem - whether through volunteering, internships, or even short-term projects. These early experiences can be instrumental in shaping your career path and opening doors to more senior roles, as they did for me. The practical insights you will gain, the relationships you will build, and the deeper understanding of the unique challenges facing sports events will complement and elevate the academic knowledge acquired through the FIFA Master. But above all, ensure humility, respect and authenticity guide your future professional interactions with partners, stakeholders, and colleagues alike. The sports industry is driven by a unique mix of passion, energy and - let’s be honest - spontaneous bursts of madness, so nurturing strong relationships, both internal and external, will help you build a meaningful and successful career in sports events and organisations.

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