The Summer Advantage: Why Student-Athletes Should Embrace Downtime to Prepare for Their Future Careers
As a student-athlete, balancing rigorous training schedules, competitions, and academic responsibilities throughout the school year can feel like an unrelenting whirlwind. The summer months, however, offer a rare and invaluable opportunity for a breather—an opportunity to step back, relax, and recharge. While downtime is essential for physical and mental recovery, it’s also a golden window to focus on long-term goals that might otherwise get sidelined during the hectic season. For student-athletes, this summer downtime isn’t just a chance to kick back, but a chance to strategically plan for their future, both in and out of sports.
1. Focus on Career Development
As much as student-athletes are dedicated to their sport, there’s life after graduation that requires planning. The summer offers a perfect opportunity to start thinking about career paths. Whether pursuing a professional career in sports or exploring other industries, the summer break allows athletes to lay the groundwork for a successful job search down the line.
Take the time to update your resume or start building a professional LinkedIn profile, especially if you haven’t already done so. A polished resume can set you apart when the time comes to apply for jobs or internships. Many student-athletes are also discovering the value of the skills they’ve developed through sports—teamwork, time management, leadership—and how these qualities can translate into different professional fields. Now is the time to start reflecting on those transferable skills.
2. Network and Build Connections
Summer presents a prime time to network, whether it’s by reaching out to alumni, attending career fairs, or simply engaging with professionals in the industry you want to join. Many companies offer summer internship programs, and while these positions may be competitive, networking with professionals in your field can give you an edge. Networking doesn’t always have to be formal, either; a casual coffee chat with an alumnus or industry professional can open doors to valuable opportunities down the line.
If you’re unsure where to start, platforms like BluChip make it easier than ever to connect with professionals in industries of interest, and soon, with the launch of Scout, the process will be even more streamlined, enabling you to automate your outreach to key hiring managers.
3. Gain Experience Through Internships or Volunteering
While summer might not always provide the most time to dive into a full-time internship, it does provide a perfect opportunity to gain relevant work experience through shorter-term internships or volunteering. Hands-on experience is one of the best ways to get ahead in your future career and build a strong professional network. The best part? Many internships don’t require a full-time commitment, so you can still leave room for training and recharging before the next season starts.
Internships don’t have to be within your sport, either. The summer is a great time to explore different industries, giving you insight into what might be a good fit once you’ve hung up your cleats. Whether you’re exploring business, healthcare, marketing, or any number of fields, internships and volunteer work can help build your resume and provide clarity on your future career direction.
4. Skill Up
Just as you train physically to improve your performance on the field, you can also take time during the summer to work on new skills that will enhance your future career prospects. This could mean learning a new software tool, taking an online course in a subject of interest, or gaining certifications in a field that excites you. There are endless free or low-cost resources available online to help you grow your skill set, whether it’s in business, communication, technology, or beyond.
Skill development is especially critical for student-athletes because it shows potential employers that you’re proactive and committed to growing your career. In today’s competitive job market, standing out often means having a mix of both sports experience and diverse, relevant skills that can transfer to other professional environments.
5. Work on Personal Branding
In the age of social media, personal branding has become more important than ever. Summer is an ideal time to start curating and enhancing your personal brand. This can involve refining your social media profiles, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, where employers will likely take a look at your digital presence when considering you for a job.
Additionally, many student-athletes have an opportunity to share their unique journey through their sport via social media, blogs, or podcasts, and a growing number are doing so to build their professional profile. This is a great way to connect with a broader audience, showcase your expertise, and demonstrate leadership. It can also serve as a way for you to begin establishing your career identity beyond athletics, which is key as you transition into life after sports.
6. Prioritize Physical and Mental Recovery
While all these career-focused activities are important, it’s essential not to neglect the value of rest and recovery. As an athlete, your physical and mental health are vital to your success both on and off the field. Take advantage of the summer months to rest, recharge, and focus on your well-being. Engaging in hobbies, spending time with friends and family, and enjoying a less demanding schedule will help you return to your athletic commitments with more energy and focus.
For student-athletes, summer doesn’t just represent a break from the competition—it’s a unique opportunity to take control of your future. By using the downtime wisely to network, gain experience, skill up, and focus on personal growth, you can set yourself up for success in the next phase of your life. The summer might be short, but how you spend it could have lasting effects on your career, both in and out of athletics. The key is to strike a balance: recharge, but also take intentional steps toward the future you want to build.