Is Your Social Media Ready for the Pros? What Student-Athletes Need to Know About Job Hunting

For student-athletes, the journey to a professional career is a lot like preparing for a big game. You train, you practice, and you get ready to perform when it matters most. But there’s a new part of the scouting report you need to be aware of: your social media presence. Just as coaches and scouts analyze your game film, employers are now checking your social media before they make a hiring decision.

According to the Society for Human Resource Management, about half of all recruiters say that unprofessional social media content is a deal-breaker. But it’s not just about avoiding mistakes; it’s also about showing employers that you’re a team player who fits their culture. They’re looking for evidence that the person they see on paper is the same person who will show up every day.

What to Watch Out For

As a student-athlete, you already understand the importance of your reputation. The same applies online. Posting negative comments about former coaches or teammates, sharing inappropriate photos, or complaining about your school are major red flags for a potential employer. Your social media isn’t a locker room; it’s a public representation of who you are, and you should treat it as such.

Even after you get the job, what you post can have consequences. Your professional life and your digital life are intertwined, and employers will pay attention. The good news is that you don’t have to quit social media. In fact, you should use it to your advantage.

Your New Game Plan

Think of your social media platforms—like LinkedIn, X, and Instagram—as tools to help you win the job hunt. Instead of just avoiding mistakes, be intentional about what you post.

• Highlight Your Accomplishments: Share articles from your field of study, celebrate your team’s achievements, or post about your community service.
• Show Your Professionalism: Engage with industry leaders and share positive content that shows you’re passionate about your future career.
• Demonstrate Initiative: Your online presence can be a powerful showcase of your work ethic, leadership skills, and the values you’ve developed as a student-athlete.

Your ability to listen to coaching, respond to challenges, and produce results is what makes you a great athlete. Now, it’s time to apply that same discipline to your social media. By being proactive and strategic, you can turn your online presence into a powerful asset that helps you stand out from the competition.