Gen Z Student-Athletes Are Seeking Career Guidance, But Their Parents Are Just as Lost

Gen Z student-athletes are turning to their parents for career advice, but many parents themselves don’t know enough about the diverse career paths their children can pursue beyond sports. A recent survey revealed that while 90% of Gen Z students trust their parents for guidance on what comes next after high school, parents often lack knowledge about alternatives to the traditional college or pro sports career paths. These alternatives, like short-term training programs, apprenticeships, and entrepreneurial ventures, remain relatively unexplored by many families.

This challenge extends beyond parents and into the coaching and mentoring spaces as well. Many school counselors, although tasked with guiding students, admit they are underprepared for the evolving job landscape. This leaves student-athletes, particularly those considering life after college sports, without clear direction.

While earning a degree and excelling in sports are still strong career options, credentials and apprenticeships in a wide range of fields can also offer lucrative opportunities. The problem, however, lies in the lack of reliable data about these alternative routes, making it hard for parents to fully understand and guide their student-athletes.

This issue is especially pronounced for first-generation student-athletes or those from lower-income backgrounds who don’t have the resources or networks to explore all their post-sport options. Research has shown that nearly one-third of students not planning to attend college feel uncertain about their next steps. Without the proper information, these student-athletes miss out on opportunities that could lead to long-term success outside of sports.

The good news is that open conversations can make a huge difference. Studies have found that when parents discuss alternative pathways with their children, they are more likely to consider them. However, to have these conversations, parents need better information about the wide range of career options available to student-athletes beyond professional sports.

Parents can take charge by weaving career discussions into everyday life. Encourage your student-athletes to explore their passions and interests outside of sports and help them see how these passions could translate into career opportunities. Visit potential training programs, encourage internships, or explore local organizations that provide mentorship and career development. Resources like community-based sports initiatives or post-graduation career centers can also guide student-athletes toward success.

Schools and athletic programs can step in too. Providing students with career navigation tools, supporting career days, and offering connections to alumni in various fields can help student-athletes broaden their understanding of what comes next.

Employers, especially those with sports industry ties, can make an impact by offering internships or apprenticeship programs for student-athletes. This allows them to gain firsthand experience in areas they may want to pursue after their athletic careers end, whether that’s sports management, marketing, or another field entirely.

Student-athletes are listening and eager for direction, but they need help from parents, coaches, and the wider community. By working together, we can ensure that every student-athlete has access to the resources they need to make informed and confident decisions about life after sports.