Mandip Sehmi
ESA Diploma Scholar, 2025
ESA introduced the ESA Diploma Scholarship in 2022 to increase industry diversity as part of its mission as the essential and inclusive community for all professionals working in sponsorship. Mandip Sehmi, Partnerships Lead at Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby, reflects on his experience.
You have been studying the ESA Diploma for the past eight months. How did it go for you?
It’s been interesting learning about various stages of the sponsorship cycle from different perspectives. I really enjoyed the course and have already been able to apply many of the insights and frameworks directly to my current role.
You can now use the Dip ESA suffix after your name, having earned a prestigious professional qualification. How does that feel?
I’m absolutely delighted and incredibly proud! It’s been quite a challenge balancing work, family life and the course workload, but completing it and being recognised for that hard work is a really rewarding moment.
What did you find most enjoyable about the course, and what did you find most challenging?
The course is brilliantly structured, it takes you through the sponsorship journey from start to finish, covering all the key elements across the industry. What I enjoyed most were the seminars. Each one featured leading organisations and key industry figures sharing real-life case studies, challenges and solutions. It brought everything to life and gave great context to the theory of each segment.
The most challenging part was managing time effectively, especially alongside work and family, but it was absolutely worth it.
What would you say to somebody considering applying for the 2026 Scholarship?
I would highly recommend the course to anyone considering a career in sponsorship. When I was researching the qualifications available for a career in sports partnerships, the ESA Diploma came out on top as a qualification that is recognised within the industry. Everyone I spoke to commented on how the course had assisted them with their careers. It’s well worth your time and effort!
How important is it for the sponsorship industry to be representative of the European population as a whole?
Representation is so important. The sponsorship industry thrives on creativity, connection and understanding audiences, and that’s only possible when the people shaping campaigns reflect the diversity of the audiences they aim to reach. Diverse teams bring new perspectives and ultimately create more authentic, inclusive and effective partnerships.
What are your personal career goals within sponsorship, and how do you think this qualification will enable you to achieve them?
I work for Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby, the governing body for one of the most exciting Paralympic sports in the UK. As a former Paralympian, I’ve seen first-hand how much of an impact sport can have on people’s lives by improving physical and mental wellbeing, building confidence and fostering community.
As our sport continues to grow, so does the need for strong partnerships to help us expand opportunities and reach more people. This scholarship allowed me to gain a qualification that has strengthened my commercial understanding, strategic thinking and ability to deliver meaningful, mutually beneficial partnerships.
My goal is to continue building impactful collaborations that not only support GB Wheelchair Rugby but also advance inclusion and representation across the wider sponsorship industry.
- Find out more about the ESA Sponsorship Diploma Scholarship
