Alumni interview, one-year experience in Qatar, FIFA 2022 World Cup

The view of an insider on how things went in Doha

On the 18th of December 2022, at the Lusail Stadium, the 22nd Men Football World Cup ended on a dramatic final, which saw Lionel Messi and his teammates winning the most desired trophy. Never in history, the attribution and the preparation of a World Cup had provoked this many reactions from governments, organisations, newspapers, and people all around the world. It was, within this tense climate, a little over a month ago, that our alumni Nathalie Deutsch, Workforce Operations Manager at TMS, was getting ready to live the biggest experience of her young career. A month later, we are reaching back to her, to have the view of an insider on how things went in Doha - Capital of the Qatari Peninsula. For our former Global Sport Business Master student, the general mood around the World Cup changed when the competition started. « A lot of people have criticized the competition, wanted to boycott, and they had their reasons for it. As a member of the staff, we did not agree with everything that happened here, however, at our level, we made sure to deliver everything ethically, and in a way, it was successful ». The competition was a success, as soon as Daniele Orsato (referee who officiated the first game of the tournament) blew the start of the first match, fans were once again enthusiastic. Focusing on the performances of their team, people were cheering all around the world and the polemics were put aside, leaving us with what a World Cup is meant to be: a moment in which the whole world comes together to share vivid emotions.

Fan experience

Over the past 4 months, I had the chance to write a couple of articles on her adventures, which taught us a lot about the organisation of such an event, notably the fact that changes are made up to the very last minute, and the result is never guaranteed. However, the hard work and dedication of the teams paid off as the fan experience received great feedback. « I had the opportunity to see a few games, especially the semi-finals and the final, and I have to say, apart from a few things that you will always have in this kind of competition (queueing to get into the stadium, customer service that could be improved...), the services were great. Overall, it was super easy to get around and there was a great atmosphere ». Regarding the games she attended, one obviously stuck to her: the final! « 80% of the stadium was filled with Argentinian fans, they were good fun! Every time Messi touched the ball, the whole stadium was like… wow! It was special moment ».

Collaboration between multiple stakeholders

Organising a Global Sporting Event is about finding a way to successfully collaborate with multiple stakeholders. And we have known from previous interviews and the international press that it is not an easy process. Multiple newspapers relayed the difficult relations between FIFA and the Qatari Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy during the build-up of the competition. However, according to Nathalie, once the competition started, the momentum took over and everyone found a way to work together. « When the operations come live, the collaboration between stakeholders gets better. We have meetings, and every time there is a problem, a representative of each entity is present to discuss it and find a solution. Everyone came together and worked closely to get things done. The approaches are sometimes different from a stakeholder to another, but the end goal is the same, having a wonderful competition. I think that the World Cup brought the best out of Qatar, and that is what everyone saw, whether they were there or in front of their television ».

The World Cup Legacy

According to the Qatari’s ambassador in Russia, the total cost of the world cup is around $200bn, which is according to Sky Sports, « many times higher than any budget spent on similar events in history ». Qatar has built 8 stadia, over 100 hotels to host the teams and the fans, as well as a brand-new underground for the crowd to navigate easily. With all these news infrastructures, the question that is yet to be answered is the one about the legacy. For Nathalie, everything was planned. « In terms of transport, the metro is something that was needed, whether international competitions are happening or not, it will still be of great use for the locals and tourists ». « Regarding the stadia, from what we know, they will have a capacity reduction and will be used for local or international events » (as mentioned in the previous articles, Qatar will host the upcoming international Asian Games as well as the Asian Football Cup AFC). The Education City stadium will become part of the wider Qatar Foundation facilities for university students. « The stadium made up of ship containers (Stadium 974) will be dismantled and repurposed. Obviously, Qatar is not going to be as busy as some other countries, which have an all year long sporting calendars, but they will still use the vast majority of the infrastructures that were built for the World Cup ». « All in all, Qatar proved that they were able to create and manage a mega event, and it will probably bring many opportunities for this country in the years to come ».

Post World Cup Duty

In the mind of most spectators, once the final is over everything ends and their lives go back to normal, and the only things remaining are memories. But for the managers on the field, it is another story. The work there isn’t quite finished, it is even the beginning of a new adventure. The first two weeks after the competition consisted of sending her staff home, and since the new year Nathalie has been focusing on a legacy job. « I am currently busy compiling information and data from the competition, then writing action reports, preparing handovers for whoever wants to know about the event, because there are other events coming up, and even if my team will not be there, someone will need to use what we built to deliver the future events ». Nathalie will be staying in Qatar until the end of March, ensuring that all reporting is done, before heading back to London where she will have some well-deserved holidays! After that she will be looking for a new job, whether in Workforce or any other part of the sporting event industry! There is no doubt that the future of this promising young lady will be bright as well as for the companies who will have the chance to have her on their team. And we will, of course, keep following her in her next adventures! Written by Guillaume Faure, Communication Officer AMOS London

21 years, 3 countries, 1 journey

H. Jackson Brown Jr. once said, « Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than the ones you did do », and if there was a student that embodied this mindset, it would be our Global Sport Business Master student Joseph Vincent De Perez, currently based in Paris. Born in Auxerre (France) from a Spanish dad and an English mother, Joseph grew up in London (where his mum was transferred to work) until he was 7 years old then moved to Spain where he did his primary and secondary school in an international campus. Perfectly fluent in 3 languages (French, English and Spanish) by the time he turned 18, Joseph decided to pursue his undergraduate studies in an international environment. Although tempted by the high standards and reputation of economic studies, Joseph followed his heart and went to Kent (England) to study a 3-year Sport Management Programme. With 300 hours of work placement and some solid knowledge about sports business, Joseph graduated from the British University, and decided to look for a Masters in which he could develop his international network as well as gain experience from high-end sports professionals. « Whilst in my last year as an undergraduate in Kent, I was actively looking for the best Masters degree in Europe, which is when I found AMOS Paris. The location was perfect as I never had the opportunity to live in the French Capital before. Learning from sports professionals, traveling the world to study diverse global markets was the perfect occasion to do so, and I almost thought that it was a scam. But no, so far AMOS delivered on what it has promised. On the first week of class, we had to do a presentation in front of the ex-directors of Nike France and Gucci, this is exactly what I had signed up for! »

His relationship with sports

Our polyglot student has always been a sports aficionado, « I started playing football in England when I was 4 years old and continued in every country I lived in. When I was in Spain, I was scouted to play for the Valencia Academy, which I did for a few years, but I was realistic, and I knew that a career as football player would be extremely difficult ». However, last year, while living in the UK, our AMOScian was scouted again, this time, to play 5-a-side in the first English division. « I was playing semi-professionally on BT Sport and travelling across the UK. Playing on a regular basis against the best players like the captain of Northern Ireland». A fantastic experience that he wishes to live again, in Paris this time, maybe?

Starting his international career

Although many students are attracted to sports clubs or event management, Joseph is targeting a career in management within worldwide organisations such as Nike, Puma, or Red Bull. But for now, his next challenge is to work for the Atlético Madrid Club as part of a summer job, and we wish him the very best in this fantastic opportunity. Written by Guillaume Faure, Communication Officer AMOS London

David Hollstein, a German student, has joined AMOS Paris

Since October 2022, David Hollstein, a German student, and former professional Horseback rider has joined AMOS Paris as part of the Global Sport Business Master programme. It is during an eclectic class, in the home of the 2024 Olympic Games that David decided to pursue his studies in Sport Management.

A former Professional Athlete

From a very young age, David has trained as a Horse Back rider. This passion pushed him to train daily for a few hours after school until he had the opportunity to turn professional, at the age of 18. « At that time, I stopped school and decided to go after my dreams, they offered me professional training for 2.5 years which would give me a coaching degree, whilst giving me the possibility to carry on as a professional athlete. It was my dream as a kid, but Germany is very famous for having great horseback riders, and it is also known to be a tough field to succeed in. My family are from academic backgrounds, which pushed me to pursue my studies ». This became a choice that he is now glad to have make, as he has found his new passion by combining the economic, the business and the management aspects, alongside the sport element that he loves. At the time, his university in Germany - which specialises in Economics - had a partnership with a Spanish sport business school offering a double certification. He decided to seize the opportunity and received both qualifications after an incredible year in Santander, Spain.

Spain as a transition to France

« When I was in Spain, I became friends with a student who then went on to study at AMOS Toulouse. She had told me a lot about the school, and its programmes, so I went on Google to do some more research. I am convinced that travelling is good to develop one’s character, and when I saw the international aspect of AMOS, the seminars that they were providing in Seoul and in Chicago, as well as the different campuses in Europe I could study from, I was convinced. »

His life in Paris

Even though settling into Paris was easy, as his sister was already living in the French Capital, David was a bit hesitant before making his big move. « I never lived in a major city before, so I did not know how I would react, but I have to say that now, I love it! There are so many things to discover, and free museums are just one example of how much this city has to offer. I want to take advantage of the historic aspect of Paris so I can absorb as much culture as I can. » David also knew that after spending years working out, practicing sports, and being close to nature, he would need a similar activity. « Since I arrived in Paris, I started a new sport, trail running. I am really getting into it; I have recently applied for a 30km race in Germany in May. I am preparing very seriously for it, hitting the gym 5 to 6 times a week. I personally need to have these challenges ahead of me, it keeps me balanced and motivated. »

The Paris campus, classmates and lecturers

« Diversity is key, and this is exactly what we have as part of the Global Sport Business Master promotion in Paris. Everyone is bringing their own culture, their own personality and I’m glad to be able to learn in such a diverse and genuine group of people. » Regarding the lecturers, David, who was used to a more theoretical approach when studying in Germany, was pleasantly surprised by the way AMOS is providing its lectures. « We have a lot of experienced lecturers, who have worked for major companies, Nike, Adidas, and others. They do not only deliver a lecture, but they also bring their own understanding of the current issues and make the class interactive, which is more interesting and makes the learning process highly practical. »

His future

« I want to combine my passion for Horseback riding and my newfound interest in economics. There is the Global Champions Tour which is the equivalent of Formula One for Horseback riding. It is a big organisation; they travel all around the globe creating competitions. I have already done an internship at the German Olympic Committee of Horseback riding which opened my eyes on the whole industry. » « Working for them as part of the event management team would allow me to use my own experience as an athlete. Honestly, I do not know where I will be in 5 years, or where my career will take me, so while I am studying at AMOS, I am trying to take in as much knowledge as I can! »

Word of advice to international students

« Do not be afraid, it is always a big step to leave your country, but people will welcome you with open arms in any place you find yourself in. My philosophy is, when you are staying in your own country it is like reading repeatedly the same page of a book. But when you finally make that step, and go abroad, you will get to discover the many other pages that this book is made of. » Written by Guillaume Faure, Communication Officer AMOS London