Is Your Degree Still a Winning Ticket? Why Student-Athletes Are Embracing Skilled Trades

A new poll reveals that nearly 40% of recent college graduates, including many with bachelor’s degrees, are trading their desks for toolbelts. For student-athletes, this shift to a hands-on career path offers a chance to apply the discipline and grit they’ve learned on the field to a stable, high-paying career without the burden of student debt.

As a student-athlete, you’re constantly evaluating your next move, whether it’s on the court, on the field, or in the classroom. When you look at the job market after graduation, a new survey from Resume Builder suggests that many of your peers are making a surprising move: opting for skilled trade and blue-collar jobs over traditional white-collar careers. The poll of over 1,400 Gen Z adults found that 42% of Gen Z is currently working in or pursuing a blue-collar job, including 37% of those with a bachelor’s degree.

This trend, sometimes called the “toolbelt generation,” isn’t just about a lack of opportunity. It’s a strategic decision based on the current economy and the job market.

Why This Is Relevant to You

You’re a student-athlete, not just a student. Your time at college has taught you that success isn’t just about a piece of paper. You’ve honed tangible skills that are in high demand in the trades, like:

• Hands-on, practical learning: You thrive in a hands-on environment. Your training sessions, practices, and games are all about learning by doing, not just sitting in a classroom.
• Teamwork and discipline: As part of a team, you understand the value of showing up, putting in the work, and being accountable. These are core traits that employers in skilled trades look for.
• Tangible results: On the field, you can see the results of your hard work. A career in a trade offers the same satisfaction—building something with your hands and seeing a tangible final product.

The Benefits of a Blue-Collar Career

For many graduates, the decision to pursue a trade is a smart financial move. As Resume Builder’s Chief Career Advisor Stacie Haller points out, these careers often provide a faster entry into the workforce without the burden of student loans. For student-athletes, who are already balancing a demanding schedule and often relying on scholarships, a debt-free start to a career is a major win.

According to the poll, key reasons for the shift include:

• Job security: Many feel these roles are less likely to be replaced by AI.
• Higher pay: A significant number of graduates felt their degrees weren’t leading to high-paying jobs, making a trade a more lucrative option.
• Tangible skills and a rejection of burnout culture: These jobs offer a sense of stability and purpose that many believe is missing from the corporate world.

While this trend is currently more common among men, it’s a valuable lesson for all student-athletes. Your athletic career has already equipped you with the grit, discipline, and hands-on skills to succeed in any field. The key is to recognize that your potential isn’t limited by your degree; it’s defined by the work ethic you’ve cultivated.