Beyond the Game: How Volunteering and Internships Boost a Student-Athlete’s Resume

Balancing academics and athletics is already a full-time commitment, but student-athletes who make time for volunteering and internships often find themselves ahead of the game when it comes to career readiness. These real-world experiences not only help athletes explore potential career paths but also provide tangible skills and stories that make their resumes stand out to future employers.

Volunteering demonstrates a sense of community, leadership, and compassion—qualities that employers value in any candidate. Whether it’s helping with youth camps, supporting local nonprofits, or mentoring younger teammates, volunteer work shows initiative and character. For student-athletes, it also highlights time management skills and the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities under pressure.

Internships, on the other hand, give student-athletes direct exposure to professional environments. From shadowing roles in marketing, sports management, or healthcare, to hands-on experience in corporate settings, internships offer a preview of what life after graduation might look like. More importantly, they provide opportunities to apply what student-athletes learn in class and on the field to real business situations—like teamwork, discipline, and resilience.

These experiences can also help athletes develop a professional network. Coaches and teammates may be helpful connections, but internships introduce athletes to new mentors and colleagues who can offer guidance, references, or even job opportunities down the road.

The key is starting early. Even one volunteer project or summer internship can make a big difference when it comes time to apply for jobs or graduate programs. Student-athletes already bring a unique skill set to the table. By adding real-world experience to their resume, they become even more competitive in today’s job market.

BluChip encourages student-athletes to look for opportunities that align with their interests and long-term goals. Whether you spend your offseason giving back or gaining experience in a new field, these steps are more than resume builders—they’re game changers for your future.