Molde Jazzers
As I always say, going abroad is one of the best things to gain experience, knowledge and meet new people. Sarp is a great person and a hard worker guy. We met in Norway during our Master course at Molde University College and I am very happy to share his story.
I remember when Sarp, from Turkey, and our friend Jean Phillipe, from Congo, started this basketball project in Molde. In the beginning, they were teaching basketball to kids and now they have teams in different divisions including an adult team. All of them are playing in small leagues in Norway.
Sarp has a background in Law, but he’s true passion is basketball. Glad to see the result of hard work and commitment. Well done!
Sarp, what is your professional and academic background?
I’ve studied law in my bachelor's degree in Turkey and before coming to Norway I’ve completed my sports law degree. In Norway, I completed sports management master's degree at Molde University College.
Recently you got your Master’s Degree in Sport Management from Molde University College, in Norway. What are the biggest challenges to find relevant job opportunities in Norway?
The biggest challenges for me and international students to find job opportunities are, firstly the language — it is important to speak the local language. Secondly, Norwegian sports are voluntary and there is not much money involved until the elite level. Therefore job opportunities are limited.
We have open positions at SportIn Global. Apply now on www.sportinglobal.com
You are among the first students/professionals who got a job opportunity through SportIn Global. Can you describe this experience? How SportIn Global helped you to find a job?
I feel special for being one of the first people who find a job through SportIn Global, in a way it feels I’ve contributed to the company. My contacts in SportIn Global contact me for this opportunity and said I would fit for such job, because they knew that I was interested in football and regularly watching games
During the last year, you started a project to promote Basketball in Molde. Please, can you explain to our audience why, how, the challenges and what is the status of the project nowadays?
Biggest challenge in our basketball club is that basketball is not a very popular sport in Norway. Families and children often don’t want to spend time throwing the ball to the basket more than twice. Children are already occupied with football and handball, people think those sports are more popular even though basketball is more popular than handball in the world. However, at the moment, kids who are coming to our trainings, are having so much fun at the trainings, I can see it in their eyes.
Second biggest challange been the venue in our small city of Molde. When we started this project our main venue was demolished and second possible venue didn’t have proper baskets that we could play. Club had to spend a lot of money and energy to get main baskets constructed to the hall we are playing now. We basicly had start from scratch.
Current situtation is good we already have two children team (u13 and u15) and one senior team joining the leagues. If there are more children or adults coming we can have more teams in the local leagues next seasons. School series for children will start soon as well.
What is the impact of your master’s degree to develop such a nice project as Molde Jazzers?
During the studies, we have learned about the Norwegian approach to sports and sports structure in Norway. That helped us while we take our steps for the project.
For those who want to pursue a career abroad, can you give 3 pieces of advice?
When you go abroad, join communities related to field of interest. It will help you to get a network, socialize and know new people. Use the opportunities of being student, you would be surprised how people are welcoming when you are a student. Don’t quit in the first difficulty you face, life will bring you more opportunities, just be ready when it comes up
A final message to our audience?
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, Molde basket — https://www.facebook.com/MoldeBasket/
