What Today’s Young Professionals Want from Their Careers: Insights for Student-Athletes Preparing for the Workforce

As student-athletes transition from the playing field to the professional world, understanding the desires and expectations of younger workers can help them navigate their careers with greater success. A recent survey by Generation Lab reveals valuable insights into what young professionals prioritize when choosing jobs and how they rate large companies. For student-athletes preparing to enter the workforce, this data is a roadmap for making informed career decisions.

Back to the Office: A Return to In-Person Work

A significant majority of younger workers, including many recent graduates, are now back in the office. The survey found that 52% of young professionals are working on-site every day, with another 34% splitting their time between remote and in-office work. For student-athletes, this could be an important factor to consider, as they may be used to structured schedules and team environments. While flexibility is still valued, the majority are willing to return to the office a few days a week, appreciating the chance to build stronger in-person connections and experience company culture firsthand.

Balancing Career Growth and Work-Life Balance

For student-athletes, entering the workforce comes with the desire to achieve career growth while also maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The survey found that the top priority for young professionals, after salary, is career development opportunities. For student-athletes, this is especially relevant. Their unique experiences in sports—teamwork, discipline, and resilience—are highly transferable to the corporate world. Young workers are looking for environments where they can continue growing professionally and personally, so finding a company that offers mentorship and clear advancement paths is key.

However, the survey also showed that a large portion of respondents value their time outside of work. More than half of those polled (56%) said they would begrudgingly work beyond their job responsibilities but emphasized the importance of work-life balance. For student-athletes, who are used to managing busy schedules, the ability to balance work commitments with personal time is crucial.

Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

One of the most striking findings of the survey is that young professionals are strong advocates for DEI programs in the workplace. A majority (67%) of respondents believe that companies should continue to prioritize DEI initiatives. For student-athletes, many of whom come from diverse backgrounds, this is an important consideration when looking for employers who align with their values. Companies that foster inclusivity and provide equal opportunities will resonate more with the younger generation of workers.

Career Security in an Uncertain Economy

Young professionals are increasingly worried about the economic outlook and how it will affect their job prospects. The survey revealed that 72% of respondents are concerned about the potential for a recession and how it could impact their ability to find stable employment. Student-athletes preparing to enter the workforce should be mindful of economic trends and look for industries that offer job security and stability. Industries like technology, healthcare, and education are seeing consistent growth, providing promising opportunities for recent graduates.

The Importance of Feedback and Growth

A standout finding from the survey is that young professionals crave regular feedback to help them grow in their careers. Over 60% of respondents said they prefer face-to-face feedback, and many want feedback from multiple sources to ensure they are on the right track. For student-athletes, who are accustomed to constant feedback from coaches and teammates, this desire for mentorship and guidance is likely familiar. Seeking out organizations that offer structured feedback systems and mentorship programs can help student-athletes thrive as they transition into the workforce.

What This Means for Student-Athletes

As a student-athlete, you already possess a unique skill set that can set you apart in the job market: discipline, teamwork, time management, and resilience. Understanding what younger professionals are looking for in a job—such as career development, flexibility, inclusivity, and feedback—can help you make informed decisions as you begin your professional journey. Be proactive in seeking out companies that value growth, support work-life balance, and foster inclusive environments. Whether you’re looking to work in sports management, tech, healthcare, or another field, aligning your values with those of your future employer will help set the stage for long-term success.

By recognizing the evolving priorities of young workers, student-athletes can position themselves to enter the workforce with confidence, knowing they are making choices that align with their personal and professional goals.