FIFA MASTER ALUMNI - WHERE ARE THEY NOW? - BONNIE MUGABE

Bonnie Mugabe

Current Position: FIFA Safety and Security Manager

Year of graduation: 2020 (20th edition)

Nationality: Rwandan

What does your current role involve?

I currently work as a Safety and Security Manager at FIFA. I joined FIFA at the start of September 2020.

We (FIFA Safety and Security Team) are responsible for setting the requirements and standards that must be met with regard to safety and security at FIFA tournaments and events. We also provide support and expert advice on safety, security and service-related matters to host countries, confederations and member associations in the planning and delivery of safe and secure FIFA tournaments and events.

To achieve this, we administer and conduct training for FIFA Safety and Security Officers, monitor FIFA matches, collaborate with other functional areas (internal departments) and stakeholders such as the Member Associations, FIFA, other confederations, UN, AU, Interpol, and local organising committees among others.

In my role, I work closely with Local Organizing Committees and other host country security entities in developing strategic security concepts and strategies to manage the day-to-day safety and security operations during FIFA tournaments and events. I also work with various internal stakeholders involved in the onsite delivery of the event.

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

I pursued the FIFA Master following some years of work experience in the sports sector but the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the course content, meet people from all walks of life (fellow classmates, lecturers and the alumni family) was fundamental for the development of my career.

I enjoyed most the management module offered in Italy where I learnt a broad range of sports management practices while the sports law module in Switzerland equipped me with a holistic, 360-degree view of the complex world of sport.

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

The FIFA Master is a journey that sets its own standards. That is why it is rated the best postgraduate sports management programme in Europe.  As a result of these standards, both current and future students must ensure they maintain this level.

Of course, you may go through some ups and downs but continue to press forward because you’ll get the reward at the end. So, study hard, have fun and embrace the many opportunities that the programme will offer from an academic, networking or field visit perspective.

Furthermore, try to spend as much time as possible with your classmates. Listen and understand their perspectives, especially when they don’t share your opinion.

The FIFA Master will provide you with a great opportunity to not only challenge your own view on the sports industry, but also of life in general.

FIFA Master - International Master in Management, Law and Humanities of Sport, ranked No.1 Course in Europe 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 by the SportBusiness International global rankings.

Organised by CIES in partnership with De Montfort University (United Kingdom), SDA Bocconi School of Management (Italy) and the University of Neuchâtel (Switzerland).

As of 3rd October 2022 the CIES has officially opened the application process for the 24th edition (2023-2024) of the FIFA Master.

Please note that the deadline for applying is midday (12pm) Central European Time on Friday 13th January 2023.

Please click on this link to access the online application form.