FIFA MASTER ALUMNI – WHERE ARE THEY NOW? – JOAO FRIGERIO

Joao Frigerio

Current position: FMA Committee Executive Director, Consultant, Entrepreneur

Year of Graduation: 2005 (5th Edition)

Nationality: Brazilian and Italian

 

What does your current role involve?

I currently own and run two Swiss-based companies which operate in the sports industry. My consultancy business, JF Sports Consulting, has supported an array of clients, but in the past few years we have focused primarily in supporting CIES and the FMA. As part of a consultancy contract with CIES (and following appointment by the FMA Committee), I have been working as the FMA Committee Executive Director and FIFA Master Career Development Officer. Through a company called Engage Sports & Entertainment SA, I have been organising, since 2017, the iWorkinSport Job Fair, an annual career fair which brings together recruiters from world-class sports organisations and graduates from various sports management postgraduate programmes – including the FIFA Master.

 

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

I feel extremely fortunate to have attended the FIFA Master back in 2004/2005. So many things I learned have helped me in my career - which makes it very difficult to list them all. I want to start by acknowledging that the content taught in the class room was remarkable, dense and certainly useful. All three modules provided interesting knowledge and insights, and I remember some of the lectures to this day. Having said that, two aspects are the ones that, to me, truly stand out: Firstly, the amazing life-experience that is studying and practically living with nearly 30 other people from all over the world, with such different backgrounds, and yet having so much in common. Living in three different countries also adds a lot to the experience. The second aspect that has had a great impact on my career is the connection that we keep with the FIFA Master even after  graduation. The creation of the FIFA Master Alumni Association back in 2003 is certainly one of the most important milestones in the history of the programme. The connection (personal and professional) with alumni from other editions facilitated by the FMA has undoubtedly added a lot of value to my career – and, although there is still room for improvement - is considered as a benchmark by many other sports programmes in the world.

 

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

Sometimes opportunities come from where you least expect, so make sure you are attentive and make the most of all the opportunities that the course presents to you – and it will be many. Remember, any professor or guest lecturer is either a potential employer, or someone that you may cross paths with again and could potentially be able to help you in the future. You don’t have a second chance to make a first impression! Also, be aware that the job landscape is changing fast. In 10 years’ time, you may be working on something that has not been invented yet. So, stay curious. Always !

 

FIFA Master - International Master in Management, Law and Humanities of Sport, ranked No.1 Course in Europe 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019 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).

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