Get certified, get internship credit, and earn money!
As Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities transform the world of college athletics, the need for practical, comprehensive education has never been greater. Athlete Career Training’s NIL Education Course is designed to empower student-athletes and students alike with the tools and knowledge to excel in the evolving landscape of sports marketing and personal branding.
What Is the NIL Sports Marketing & Business Course?
This course provides students and student-athletes with the essential skills to manage and grow their NIL opportunities. Whether you're a student-athlete looking to create a thriving NIL business or a student seeking a career in sports marketing, this program will help you stand out in today’s competitive environment.
Course Features:
- Flexible Format: Complete the program in just 30–40 hours.
- Comprehensive Content: Includes reading, lectures, labs, quizzes, and exploratory work.
- Creating a Marketing & Promotion Playbook: Learn how to grow your audience, attract sponsors, and promote like a pro.
- Professional Certification: Showcase your skills to future employers with a certificate of completion.
- Expert Insights: Learn from leading NIL educators, including marketing expert Dr. Maribeth Kuzmeski.
Why Is NIL Education So Important?
NIL rights have revolutionized college athletics, creating unprecedented opportunities for student-athletes to build personal brands, engage in entrepreneurial ventures, and prepare for life beyond sports. Universities and employers are now prioritizing candidates with a clear understanding of NIL strategies, making this course a valuable asset for students and athletes alike.
According to Dr. Kuzmeski, “NIL education goes beyond understanding the legal aspects—it’s about equipping students with the skills to succeed in business, branding, and beyond.”
5 Reasons to Take the NIL Education Course
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Enhance Your Value to Employers:
Stand out in the job market with a professional certificate that demonstrates your expertise in NIL, branding, and marketing strategies. -
Master NIL Business Fundamentals:
Gain practical knowledge that prepares you for entrepreneurial ventures and career opportunities in the sports and marketing industries. -
Build Skills for Life Beyond College:
Learn how to grow your audience, attract sponsors, and promote like a pro. -
Earn Internship Credit
By taking this course and participating in the Athlete Brand Network you will qualify for internship credit that is important in landing your first professional job! -
Gain a Competitive Edge in NIL:
With expert insights from leaders like Dr. Maribeth Kuzmeski, you'll be ready to navigate the complexities of NIL with confidence.
Who Should Take This Course?
- Student-Athletes: Develop the skills to capitalize on your NIL opportunities while building a foundation for life after sports.
- Students: Students in business, law, journalism, photography/art, TV/media, sports marketing and pr/communications benefit from “real-world” experience. Gain specialized knowledge to assist student-athletes and advance your career in sports marketing, branding, or business.
- Universities and Employers: Use this program as a resource to train and recruit top talent in the ever-changing NIL space.
What You'll Learn:
The course offers students practical, experiential learning opportunities centered on key Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) concepts. In simulations, participants step into the role of a consultant for a fictional advertising firm and not only learn how to get sponsorships, analyze promotion opportunities but also:
- Design a communications calendar for NIL social media efforts.
- Recognize opportunities in the new NIL guidelines for NCAA student-athletes.
- Create a NIL one-page marketing plan.
- Conduct a personal brand audit.
- Develop a personal brand statement.
- Define a morality clause and explain how it impacts deals.
- Conduct a personal brand SWOT analysis of individual strengths and weaknesses.
- Define a brand hook.
- Utilize strategies to gain more engagement and followers on social media.
- Develop buyer personas for segments of the best followers and fans.
- Write a personal brand elevator story.
- Recognize the key elements to look for in a contract.
- Develop a pitch to a business or individual.
- Create a media kit to present to businesses.
This program helps students develop key skills for navigating Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities by practicing negotiation techniques in sponsorship deal discussions, evaluating different promotional opportunities, and identifying sponsors that align with a personal brand. Students will also learn to use brand guidelines effectively as influencers and build a portfolio of work that can be applied in real-world NIL scenarios
Learn from Industry Leaders
This course is supported by industry experts and written by Dr. Maribeth Kuzmeski, whose extensive background in marketing and personal branding ensures students receive top-tier education. Maribeth founded the Brand Squad at Oklahoma State University which provides “real-world” experience to students who are helping student-athletes launch and manage their sports marketing businesses..
Earn Your Certificate and Stand Out
Upon completing the course, you’ll receive a professional certificate that highlights your expertise in NIL management and sports marketing. This credential is a powerful addition to your resume, highly valued by employers in industries like sports, media, and business.
Start Your NIL Journey Today!
- At anytime, day or night
- Offseason
- During the summer or college breaks
