Navigating the Job Market: What Student-Athletes Need to Know About Post-Graduation Challenges

As the Class of 2025 approaches graduation, many student-athletes, like their peers, are facing an uncertain job market. After months of balancing academics, athletics, and networking, many new grads are now confronted with an economic landscape that’s proving to be far more challenging than anticipated.

Taylor de Sousa, a senior at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a former student-athlete, has spent the past six months applying to nearly 300 positions. Despite her efforts, she’s only landed three interviews, none of which turned into offers. “It’s a little discouraging,” de Sousa shared, reflecting the frustration many new graduates, including student-athletes, are experiencing in today’s job market.

While the economy remains in flux, and some industries are pulling back on hiring, student-athletes are uniquely positioned to leverage their skills in a competitive job market. As corporations scale back on their projected hiring numbers, the job market is becoming increasingly crowded, with graduates from previous years competing for the same entry-level roles. Yet, there are still opportunities to be found, especially for those who are proactive, adaptable, and willing to think outside the box.

Shifting Expectations and New Opportunities

For many in the Class of 2025, the dream of landing a job right after graduation has been overshadowed by the reality of a tougher job market. Recent surveys reveal that while 80% of graduates expected to secure employment within three months of graduation, 77% actually did. However, a substantial number are still struggling to find their first full-time job, while others are adjusting their expectations and broadening their search.

For student-athletes, the key to navigating these challenges is drawing from the mental toughness, discipline, and time management skills that sports have instilled in them. Many athletes are already familiar with the concept of pivoting—whether it’s adjusting their strategy on the field or transitioning between athletic seasons—and this skill is vital when faced with career setbacks.

Take Colleen Kane, a University of Maryland senior who had hoped to kickstart her career in public health. After learning that the program she applied to had been canceled, she quickly adjusted and shifted her focus to other opportunities, applying to about 40 jobs across various sectors. Despite facing limited responses, Kane’s willingness to remain flexible and adapt is an example of the resilience that can serve student-athletes well in the job search process.

Leveraging Networking and Strategic Outreach

Networking is a critical skill that student-athletes can rely on when entering the job market. Much like building team chemistry, cultivating relationships within the professional world can make all the difference in landing an interview. For Taylor de Sousa, reaching out directly to hiring managers after submitting applications has proven helpful, increasing her response rate and helping her stand out.

Building a professional network is just as important as academic and athletic performance. Many graduates who fail to land their first job out of college often find success in roles outside their initial field of interest by leveraging their network and being open to new opportunities.

The Importance of Flexibility and Persistence

With more graduates applying for the same positions, many are discovering the need to adjust their expectations. Antonio Mendoza, a recent Temple University graduate, initially focused his job search on legal positions. After months of applying with no luck, he expanded his search to the competitive music industry. Despite the challenges, Mendoza remains open-minded, applying for office-assistant roles to gain experience and get his foot in the door.

For student-athletes, this adaptability is nothing new. Whether it’s bouncing back after a tough loss or adjusting to a new team dynamic, athletes are accustomed to shifting their approach and maintaining their resilience in the face of setbacks.

Key Industries and Sectors for Student-Athletes

While some sectors, such as government jobs, have seen a decrease in hiring, others like healthcare, finance, and tech continue to have a demand for skilled professionals. Industries that require analytical, research, and communication skills are often the best fit for student-athletes, who have already demonstrated a high level of discipline and performance in their academic and athletic endeavors.

Beth Hendler-Grunt, a career coach for recent graduates, recommends that students pivot to industries like healthcare and finance, where analytical and research skills are highly valued. By leveraging transferable skills developed through their sports career, such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving, student-athletes can find a broad range of opportunities.

Staying Positive and Focused

As graduation approaches and the reality of job searching sets in, it’s essential for student-athletes to stay positive and persistent. Although the job market may be tougher than expected, the qualities that make student-athletes successful in sports—resilience, determination, and adaptability—are the same qualities that will help them thrive in the professional world.

By being proactive, leveraging their network, and remaining flexible, student-athletes can navigate the current job market and find fulfilling career opportunities that align with their goals and aspirations.