Student-Athletes Leverage AI for Career Success: How Technology is Shaping the Job Search Process

As student-athletes, juggling academics, sports, and life outside the game is no easy feat. But in today’s competitive job market, especially for recent graduates, AI tools are helping ease the stress of job hunting, allowing you to focus on what really matters—your future career.

Just like many recent graduates, student-athletes in the class of 2025 are tapping into AI to enhance their job search strategies. With the rise of AI technology and its potential to disrupt various industries, these graduates are using tools like ChatGPT to streamline their job applications, optimize their résumés, and tailor cover letters to match specific job descriptions.

Take Katarina Martinic, a recent graduate from Brigham Young University, for example. After earning her degree in media arts, Martinic used AI to customize her resume for multiple job opportunities, making sure it aligned with each role’s requirements. By feeding her résumé into ChatGPT, she received personalized suggestions, allowing her to adjust her application materials in real time and ensure that she was putting her best foot forward for each application.

But while AI makes applying for jobs easier and faster, it isn’t the only key to success. Networking remains one of the most critical aspects of landing a job. “The most effective way is to get out and talk to people, even if they don’t have a job for you at the time,” said Justin Jones, director at the Career Studio at BYU. “Building connections and social capital can make a huge difference when a job opportunity arises.”

For student-athletes like Martinic, AI is a tool for efficiency, but it’s the personal relationships and professional connections that ultimately lead to success. As Jones points out, “It’s not about more applications. It’s about people.” The goal is to use AI to get you closer to those connections and build your network effectively.

As a student-athlete, it’s important to balance technology with the human touch. AI can help you optimize your applications, but it’s your connections, your interviews, and your unique story that will set you apart in the job market. So, while AI can streamline the process, remember to put in the effort to network and make those personal connections that will truly open doors for your future career.