Professional Guide
These are the main subsectors within Diversified Industries for you to explore in greater depth. For more information on ideal candidates, opportunities at IE, the application and recruitment process, and additional resources, please return to the main Diversified Industries Guide.
Sectors and Sub-Sectors of the Industrial World
The industrial world is very broad, but we can identify and subdivide it into 5 main areas, each one of them with different sub-sectors:
Generally speaking, within this macro sector we can include all the B2B companies that are producing a specific product.
The opportunities to work in industrial companies are vast, as inside them there are different departments and specialties you can choose.
Let's dig more into it!
The Energy Sector is very extensive and includes a complex and inter- related network of companies directly and indirectly involved in the production, distribution and supply of energy.
Companies in this field can be classified in two main categories, based on how the energy is sourced:
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Non-Renewable Companies
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Renewable Companies
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As a third category inside this sector we can include also another one, named Utilities, which includes all the companies that provide basic amenities such as water, sewage services, electricity, dams, and natural gas.
Robust opportunities are expected in all branches of the energy industry, as new technology improves alternative energy options and makes traditional options easier and cleaner to produce. These developments will feed demand for workers with the skills and ability to remain on the industry forefront.
Especially Clean Energy has gained more and more attention over the last few years and many investors believe that it will play an important role in the future, especially with the growing demand for Electric Cars.
The Transportation Sector includes companies that provide services to move people or goods, as well as transportation infrastructure:
The Automotive Industry constitutes one of the most important market sectors. It is one of the largest in terms of revenue with mass production and mass consumption, becoming a vital element in the economy of the industrialized countries (motor vehicle production and sales are one of the major indexes of the state of the economy in those countries).
Digitization, increasing automation, and new business models have revolutionized our worlds, including the automotive industry. These forces are giving rise to four disruptive technology-driven trends in the automotive sector:
The Aerospace Industry is related to the research, development, and manufacturing of flight vehicles, including aircraft, missiles, rockets, and spacecraft, as well as uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), unpowered gliders, and sailplanes, among others.
We also include in this sector companies involved in the development of flight-vehicle subsystems, such as propulsion and avionics (aviation electronics), as well as support systems for the testing, operation, and maintenance of flight vehicles. One major group of ground-based support products comprises simulation devices, systems used to train aircraft and spacecraft crews and support research and development processes.
The aerospace industry is characterized by a relatively small number of large firms and numerous international partnerships at every level. In terms of sales, military aircraft have the largest market share, followed by space systems and civil aircraft. The industry’s customers range from private individuals to large corporations, commercial airlines, telecommunications companies, and government agencies.
With the term Manufacturing, we refer to a very wide range of Companies involved in the fabrication, processing or transformation of materials from commodities, substances or components into finished products that can be sold in the marketplace (mainly as B2B commerce).
Manufacturing plays a huge role in modern society, as everything from knitting textiles to oil extraction to steel production falls within this sector of business.
Among the main categories we find:
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Manufacturing industries also spur investments and encourage the building of infrastructure, and are deeply entangled in the world economy. There are few areas of the economy that manufacturing industries don’t touch.
Commodity trading companies are businesses that buy, sell, and move raw materials (also known as commodities) around the world. These commodities can include:
They don’t just trade the physical goods—they also work with financial contracts (like futures and derivatives) to speculate, hedge risks, or lock in prices.
WHAT DO THESE COMPANIES DO?
See Commodity Trading Companies by Hubs and with Graduate Programs.
Major Industrial Hubs: China, USA, Japan, Germany
Energy - Oil & Gas, Renewables, Utilities
Transport - Automotive, Airlines, Logistics and Transportation Infrastructure.
Aerospace
Industrial Products (Manufacturing and Chemicals)
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EXAMPLES OF GRADUATE PROGRAMS AND INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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Type of Pharma Companies
Pharma Companies Structure
Industry Trends
Segments
Navigating the Pharma Landscape: A Graduate’s Experience at RocheBBA Graduate Luis Perez-Goicoechea Lemaigre Dubreuil is working as a Finance Enterprise Partner Trainee at Roche as part of their “Make Your Mark” Program. He told us about his experience, how he heard about this offer, and how he prepared for the selection process. He also gives advice to fellow IE University students to encourage them to work on their career path as soon as possible with Talent & Careers. Read more.
The hospitality industry includes the hotel and motel, or lodging, trade. As defined by the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education, it also includes food services, recreation services, and tourism. The hospitality industry provides accommodations, meals, and personal services for both traveling public and permanent residents.
The students interested in the hospitality and tourism industry can pursue various roles that require business acumen and industry knowledge. Here are some hospitality and tourism jobs suitable for business-related students.
View Job Positions
These positions combine business skills with a deep understanding of the hospitality and tourism industry. Business students can leverage their knowledge in areas such as marketing, finance, operations, and strategy to excel in these roles.
MAIN HOTEL CHAINS IN EUROPE
In Europe, there are numerous hotels that offer excellent employment opportunities. Here are some well-regarded hotel chains and iconic properties in Europe where many individuals aspire to work with the links for their career webpage:
View Main Hotel Chains in Europe
These are just a few examples of hotel chains and properties that are renowned in Europe. It's important to note that there are numerous other independent hotels and boutique properties across the continent that offer unique experiences and employment opportunities. Conducting thorough research and exploring job opportunities in specific locations can help in finding the best-fit hotel to work for in Europe.
JOB SEARCH ENGINES
Hosco is the place to be if you love hospitality. From chefs to front of house, interns to hotel managers, housekeepers to receptionists, Hosco is made for you. Take a look around, find yourself and your perfect role here.
A comprehensive guide for IE University students
At IE University, we are dedicated to equipping our students with the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers across diverse industries, including the ever-evolving field of sports. This guide offers an in-depth overview of career opportunities, essential skills, and major players in the sports industry to help you navigate your career path with confidence and clarity.
Desired student profile for the sports industry
To thrive in the sports industry, students should possess the following qualifications and attributes:
Career opportunities in the sports industry
The sports industry offers a broad spectrum of career paths, including but not limited to:
View Career Opportunities
Key players in the sports industry
The sports industry is composed of various stakeholders, including organizations, teams, leagues, governing bodies, media outlets, and sponsors. Below is a list of some of the most influential entities and links to their career pages:
View Professional Sports Associations
View Companies Related to the Sports Industry
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View Top Football Leagues Career Websites
View Top Football Clubs Career Websites
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View Formula 1 Organizations
View Top Formula 1 Teams
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View Tennis Organizations
View Major Tennis Tournaments
View Top Tennis Clubs and Academies
To maximize your chances of success in the sports industry, consider the following strategies:
STAY UPDATED
TAILOR YOUR APPLICATION
NETWORK EFFECTIVELY
LEVERAGE SOCIAL MEDIA
GAIN PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
BE PERSISTENT AND PATIENT
By adopting these strategies, you can enhance your chances of building a successful career in the sports industry, whether you are just starting or looking to advance your career.
The sports industry is one of the world's most dynamic and economically powerful sectors. Its scope extends far beyond the pitch, the track, or the court: it is an ecosystem of media rights, sponsorship, technology, data analytics, event management, retail, hospitality, and global brand strategy.
For professionals from diverse academic backgrounds, sport offers a unique intersection of passion and commercial rigor. Organizations need people who can manage complex partnerships, negotiate rights deals, analyze data, develop global marketing campaigns, shape fan experiences, and lead teams under intense public scrutiny—all in an environment where the scoreboard is always visible.
In Europe, the cultural and creative industries remain one of the continent's largest economic sectors, generating substantial value, employment, and innovation across a wide range of industries.
Sector Snapshot: The Sports Ecosystem
Academic backgrounds that transition well:
Personality traits that matter in this sector:
| Function | Typical Roles | Key Competencies |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing and Sponsorship | Marketing Manager, Sponsorship Manager, Brand Partnerships Director | Campaign strategy, brand storytelling, commercial rights negotiation |
| Communications and PR | Head of Communications, Press Officer, Social Media Manager | Media relations, crisis comms, content creation, community management |
| Business Development | BD Manager, Commercial Director, Licensing Manager | Revenue growth, partnership development, market analysis |
| Finance and Royalties | Financial Analyst, Controller, Revenue Manager | Budget management, rights accounting, commercial modelling |
| Data and Analytics | Sports Analyst, Performance Analyst, Fan Insights Manager | Statistical modelling, audience data, scouting platforms |
| Event and Operations | Event Manager, Operations Director, Venue Manager | Event logistics, facility operations, health and safety compliance |
| Digital and Technology | Digital Product Manager, Innovation Lead, Esports Strategist | Platform strategy, fan engagement tech, esports ecosystem |
| Legal and Compliance | Sports Lawyer, Contracts Manager, Integrity Officer | Contract law, IP rights, anti-doping, governance |
| Talent and Agency | Sports Agent, Player Relations Manager, Academy Director | Contract negotiation, talent development, athlete management |
| Consulting and Strategy | Sports Strategy Consultant, Market Research Analyst | Feasibility studies, commercial strategy, sector benchmarking |
| Media and Broadcasting | Sports Journalist, TV Producer, Rights Acquisitions Manager | Content production, broadcast rights, editorial strategy |
| Sustainability and CSR | Sustainability Manager, Community Engagement Lead | ESG reporting, community programs, responsible governance |
Sport is one of the most competitive job markets in the world. Everyone who is applying loves sport. What separates successful candidates is demonstrated commercial understanding - knowing how the business works, not just following the scores. Before applying anywhere, ask yourself: can I speak intelligently about media rights deals, sponsorship structures, or fan engagement strategy? That is the level employers expect.
Gain hands-on experience:
Build a concrete, visible sports business profile:
Being a sports professional is not the same as being a sports fan. Make your engagement demonstrable and commercially grounded:
Follow both the sport AND the business of sport:
Two parallel conversations - you need to track both:
Reality check: In interviews, you will be asked which sports business stories you are following, what you think about the current state of media rights, AI in sport, or the growth of women's sport as a commercial opportunity (for example). You need specific, considered answers - not generic enthusiasm for your favorite team.
The sports industry is one of the most oversubscribed sectors for early-career candidates. Understanding how it actually recruits - and what separates successful candidates - will save you months of misdirected effort.
What works in this sector:
CV and Cover Letter tips:
Interview Preparation:
Action: Connect with IE alumni in sport via LinkedIn before attending any industry event. In this sector, a warm introduction converts into an interview far more reliably than a cold application.
| Football | Formula 1 | Tennis | Global Multisport | Sports Media |
Specialist job boards:
Key industry events you might attend
These events combine job hunting, networking, and sector intelligence in one place:
| iWorkinSport Job Fair | Leaders Week London | SINC Conference | SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit |
| World Football Summit | Sportel Monaco (sports media) | Soccerex Global Convention |
Industry Media and and Professional networks
Recommended reading/watching:
Online learning and certifications:
The sports industry belongs to those who do more than follow the game—they contribute to it, innovate within it, and help shape its future.
Whether your background is in business, law, technology, communications, data, or another discipline, combining your expertise with genuine passion for sport, practical experience, and strong professional relationships can open the door to a rewarding and impactful career.
The cultural and artistic sector is one of the most dynamic and professionally rich areas of the global economy. Far beyond galleries and museums, it encompasses creative industries, digital content, cultural policy, the art market, performing arts, heritage, and much more.
For emerging professionals from diverse backgrounds, this sector offers the opportunity to contribute to organizations that shape identities, communities, and human experience. Success often depends not only on skills and expertise, but also on building strong professional relationships. Networking plays a key role in this interconnected ecosystem, where collaborations and personal connections frequently open doors to new projects, opportunities, and career growth.
In Europe, the cultural and creative industries remain one of the continent's largest economic sectors, generating substantial value, employment, and innovation across a wide range of industries.
The sector spans a wide range of organizations and contexts:
Academic backgrounds that transition well:
Tip: A master's degree is sometimes recommended, but many professionals successfully transition into the sector through internships, volunteer work, networking, and hands-on experience. Building on-the-ground experience is especially valuable in the arts, so students are encouraged to stack internships throughout their degree to develop practical skills, expand their network, and strengthen their profile.
Personality traits that matter in this sector
| Function | Typical Roles | Key Competencies |
|---|---|---|
| Cultural Management | Programme Manager, Cultural Project Manager | Cultural leadership, budget management, team coordination |
| Marketing and Communications | Marketing specialist, Digital Manager, Press Officer | Audience development, brand strategy, digital campaigns |
| Fundraising and Partnerships | Development Manager, Sponsorship Manager, Grant Writer | Donor relations, CSR partnerships, public funding applications |
| Curatorial and Collections | Associate Curator, Collections Manager, Registrar | Art history, provenance research, exhibition logistics |
| Education and Mediation | Education Manager, Community Engagement Manager | Programme design, accessibility, impact evaluation |
| Digital and Technology | Digital Transformation Lead, Data Analyst, UX Designer | Digital strategy, audience data, online collections |
| Finance and Operations | Finance Manager, Operations Manager, HR Manager | Budget control, governance, legal compliance |
| Art Market/Fairs | Specialist (Auction Houses), Art Advisor, Gallery Manager, Sales/client-focused roles, VIP Manager, Partnership Manager | Art valuation, client advisory, market intelligence, sales |
| Cultural Consulting | Strategy Consultant, Cultural Impact Analyst | Feasibility studies, cultural policy, evaluation |
| Law | Intellectual Property (IP) Counsel, Copyright Lawyer, IP Protection Specialist, Intellectual Property Associate | Art Law, Restitution, Copyright and IP |
Working in this sector requires genuine passion. Before you apply anywhere, ask yourself honestly: do I engage with culture because it moves me, or because it seems like a smart career move? Volunteering can be an excellent way to gain experience, as many small cultural organizations rely heavily on volunteer support. It is also a valuable way to build connections and gain first-hand exposure to how the sector operates.
Assuming the answer is yes: your cultural engagement is already part of your CV - even if it is not written there. Now it is time to make it visible and intentional.
Gain formal experience:
Build a concrete, visible cultural profile:
"Building your cultural profile" is not just being a well-read person. It means being demonstrably active in the cultural field - in a way that a hiring manager can see and verify:
Follow both the art AND the business of culture:
There are two parallel conversations in this sector. You need to follow both:
The analogy is precise: just as a candidate targeting NATO or an international think tank must track geopolitical shifts - not just current affairs - you need to understand how the cultural economy works, not just what it produces.
Reality check: In interviews, you will be asked which exhibitions you have recently seen, which artists or institutions interest you, and what you think about current cultural debates. You need real, specific, considered answers - not generic enthusiasm. Prepare them.
The arts sector recruitment process has distinct characteristics that differ from corporate hiring. Understanding them will significantly improve your success rate.
What works in this sector:
CV and Cover Letter tips:
Interview Preparation:
Action: Connect with IE alumni in culture via LinkedIn before attending industry events. A warm introduction matters far more in this sector than a cold application.
Direct links to careers pages of leading institutions worldwide:
| Category | Organization | Location | Career Page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Fair | Art Basel | Global | https://www.artbasel.com/ |
| Art Fair | ARCO Madrid | Madrid | https://www.ifema.es/arco-madrid/ |
| Art Fair | Frieze | Global | https://www.frieze.com/ |
| Art Fair | TEFAF (The European Fine Art Foundation) | Maastricht (NL) and New York (US) | https://www.tefaf.com/ |
| Art Fair | The Armory Show | New York, USA | https://www.thearmoryshow.com/ |
| Art Fair | 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair | London, New York, Marrakech | https://www.1-54.com/ |
| Art Fair | Art Dubai | Dubai, UAE | https://www.artdubai.ae/ |
| Art Law Boutique | ADA Art Lawyers | Madrid | https://www.ada-arte.com |
| Art Market Research | ArtTactic | London | https://arttactic.com/ |
| Art Museum | Thyssen-Bornemisza | Madrid | https://www.museothyssen.org/en/join-team |
| Art Platform | Artnet | New York | https://www.artnet.com/ |
| Art Platform | Artsy | Remote | https://www.artsy.net/ |
| Auction House | Sotheby's | Global | https://www.sothebys.com/en/about/careers |
| Auction House | Christie's | Global | https://www.christies.com/ |
| Auction House | Phillips | Global | https://www.phillips.com/careers |
| Consulting | AEA Consulting | Global | https://www.aeaconsulting.com/ |
| Consulting | Morris Hargreaves McIntyre | Global | https://mhm.co.uk/about-us/ |
| Contemporary Art | Museo Reina Sofia | Madrid | https://www.museoreinasofia.es/ |
| Cultural Centre | Matadero Madrid | Madrid | https://www.mataderomadrid.org |
| Cultural Centre | La Casa Encendida | Madrid | https://www.lacasaencendida.es |
| Foundation | Bloomberg Philanthropies | Global | https://www.bloomberg.org/careers/ |
| Foundation | Fundacion Telefonica | Madrid | https://www.fundaciontelefonica.com |
| Foundation | Fundacion la Caixa | Spain | https://fundacionlacaixa.es/trabaja-con-nosotros |
| Heritage | Europa Nostra | Netherlands | https://www.europanostra.org/get-involved/vacancies/ |
| International | British Council | Global | https://careers.britishcouncil.org/ |
| International Art Exhibition | La Biennale di Venezia (Venice Biennale) | Venice, Italy | https://www.labiennale.org/en |
| International | UNESCO | Paris | https://careers.unesco.org/ |
| Law Firm | Ramon y Cajal Abogados | Madrid | https://www.ramonycajalabogados.com/ |
| Leading Commercial Gallery | Gagosian | Global | https://gagosian.com/ |
| Leading Commercial Gallery | White Cube | London, Hong Kong, New York, Paris, Seoul | https://www.victoria-miro.com/ |
| Leading Commercial Gallery | Victoria Miro | London and Venice | https://www.victoria-miro.com/ |
| Museum | Rijksmuseum | Amsterdam | https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/jobs |
| Museum | Van Gogh Museum | Amsterdam | https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en |
| Museum | Guggenheim Bilbao | Bilbao | https://www.guggenheim-bilbao.eus/en |
| Museum | Tate | London | https://www.tate.org.uk/about-us/working-at-tate |
| Museum | MoMA | New York | https://www.moma.org/about/ |
| Museum | Louvre | Paris | https://www.louvre.fr/en |
| Museum Network | ICOM | Global | https://icom.museum/ |
| National Museum | Museo del Prado | Madrid | https://www.museodelprado.es/ |
| Performing Arts | Gran Teatre del Liceu | Barcelona | https://www.liceubarcelona.cat/ |
| Performing Arts | Teatro Real | Madrid | https://www.teatroreal.es |
Specialist job boards:
Media, associations and industry networksStay visible and informed by following and engaging with these key platforms:
Recommended reading/watching:
Online learning:
Ultimately, success in the arts and cultural sector comes from combining genuine passion for culture with visible engagement, relevant experience, and meaningful professional relationships.
The professionals who thrive in this sector are those who actively contribute to cultural communities while continuously building their expertise, network, and impact.
In a relationship-driven sector, long-term success depends on demonstrating both authentic cultural commitment and professional excellence.
More than qualifications alone, a successful career in culture is built through active participation, continuous learning, and strong professional connections.
The cultural sector belongs to those who do more than appreciate culture—they actively contribute to it, help shape it, and create value through their work.
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