Next Up by BIS is a new initiative by Black in Sport to give emerging talent a real step into the sports business world. The programme offers placement working on real projects, learning directly from senior leaders, and building the connections to take the next step in your career. It's open to recent graduates, university students, career changers and others at the early to mid stages of their careers.
Introducing Octagon as the first Next Up Partner
Octagon is a world-leading sports, entertainment, and culture agency that has spent over 40 years shaping the industry. The agency builds standout marketing campaigns for global brands, delivers innovative creative, experiential, and hospitality services, and provides industry-leading data, insights, and strategy. With a talent roster of more than 900 of the most prominent athletes and personalities, Octagon continues to set the standard in both brand marketing and talent management worldwide.
About the Programme:
This is a 12-month rotational programme that aims to give a successful candidate the skills to develop a flourishing career in the Sports & Entertainment Industry. The selected Next Up Associate will have the opportunity to experience the wide range of Octagon's specialisms spanning operations, client servicing and execution, behind major sporting sponsorships and events.
What's in it for you:
🎯 Purpose: To create real career pathways for new and diverse talent in the sports and entertainment industries, not just internships, but genuine access and opportunities.
đź’Ľ Experience: Participants will rotate across different teams at Octagon, getting exposure to how major sports and entertainment campaigns are built from the ground up.
🤝 Mentorship: They’ll receive guidance from senior leaders at Octagon, plus support from BIS’s network.
🌍 Exposure: Alongside practical work, participants will gain visibility and connections through BIS’s events and community.
🏆 Outcome: By the end, participants will have the skills, industry insight, and professional networks needed to launch or accelerate a career in sport and entertainment.
Who we are looking for:
- Keen learner & willingness to get stuck in with new challenges, tasks, subjects.
- Genuine passion for sports and entertainment.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Good level of organisation and appreciation of detail.
Application Process:
We know that early on in your career, a CV might not tell the full story. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Vizzy, who have reinvented the CV for a new era. This is your chance to bring your application to life - show us your passions, projects, skills, and everything that makes you, you. As part of your Vizzy application, you’ll also answer three short questions through text, imagery, or even video – your choice. We can’t wait to see your creativity shine. Previous experience isn’t essential, but enthusiasm is. Use your Vizzy to show us why you’re the one for this exciting role.
Top Tip: We understand that some candidates like using AI tools for their applications – just remember that your personality is your superpower. ChatGPT can be a helpful brainstorming buddy, but not a ghostwriter. Keep it real, keep it you.
Be Next Up
* Applications close 11th October
How To Create A Vizzy Walkthrough:
