From Sweats to Suits: Your Game Plan for a Career After the Final Whistle

As a student-athlete, you live a life of incredible demands. Between practice, games, travel, and academics, your schedule is a relentless grind. While this dedication builds discipline and teamwork, it often leaves little time to think about what comes next. The path from the playing field to a professional career can feel daunting, but a new study offers some valuable insights from the very people in charge of helping you.

A recent study by researchers at Georgia State University, titled “From Sweats to Suits,” explored how college administrators view student-athlete career development. The research confirms that the growing demands on your time may impact your ability to prepare for a career after your sport is over. For many, this lack of preparation can lead to unemployment, jobs that aren’t a good fit, and even negative mental health consequences. The good news is that universities are aware of these challenges, and the study provides a playbook for how your school’s career services can better support you.

The findings from this research highlight a clear need for high-quality career development programs tailored specifically to student-athletes. Administrators in the study provided recommendations for what they believe are the best practices for these services. This includes giving you access to career development personnel who understand the unique pressures you face. It also emphasizes the importance of making you aware of the resources that exist, like workshops, career fairs, and networking events, so you can build the skills and connections you need for a successful transition.

Ultimately, your journey from athlete to professional is about more than just finding a job; it’s about translating the immense skills you’ve gained in sport into the workforce. The discipline, resilience, and leadership you display every day are exactly what employers are looking for. It is up to you to engage with the resources your university offers and prepare for your next big challenge.