“FIFA Master” Alumni – Where are they now? – Sarah Widera

Sarah Widera

Current Position: Corporate Communications Manager at FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association)

Year of graduation: 2014 (14th Edition)

Nationality: Australian / British

What does your current role involve?

My role within the Corporate Communications team at FIFA is varied and constantly evolving. I am responsible for the creation and publication of FIFA’s Activity Report each year, as well as being a core project team member for the division at The Best FIFA Football Awards™ and the FIFA Congress. On such events, I can be doing anything from editing show scripts, writing speeches, coordinating FIFA Legends activities/communications, to assisting our digital team with social media or our media team with onsite operations… and even FIFA TV with the production of videos (as I have experience across all areas).

Leading up to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, I’m excited to be in the Communications lead for the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca Cola, as well as rolling out a re-vamped FIFA Fair Play campaign. In my job, there could be something new crop up every day and that’s what keeps me motivated.

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

I think the biggest takeaway for me was learning and growing in such a dynamic and international environment. Coming from that big island all the way down south… it was nice to be exposed to so many new and different nationalities, opinions and ways of “operating”. This has definitely helped me transition into my role in an organisation as diverse and multicultural as FIFA, as I now have a greater awareness and understanding of people and processes (quite handy when you work in communications!).

What advice would you give to future students on the course?

I know everyone says it; but enjoy the time in class and the time spent with your fellow classmates – it’s such a unique and precious experience and really is over before you know it. Maintain an open mind, listen to the opinions and perspectives of your peers – engage in healthy debate, rather than argument. Pay it forward! If someone along the way helped you either before you got into the programme, during your studies, or as a mentor on your way to finding that all-important post-Masters job, thank them, but then return the favour and help someone else in a following edition – these are the most valuable relationships you will forge.    

The “FIFA Master" - International Master in Management, Law and Humanities of Sport is organized by the CIES in partnership with De Montfort University (Leicester, UK), SDA Bocconi School of Management (Milan, Italy) and the University of Neuchâtel. In 2017 the “FIFA Master” was ranked as the No.1 course in Europe for the fifth time by the SportBusiness International global rankings.

Discover more examples of inspiring “FIFA Master” alumni career paths by clicking here.