The Post-Game Playbook: A Former Student-Athlete’s Guide to What’s Next
That final buzzer sounds. The last practice is over. The roar of the crowd fades, and for the first time in as long as you can remember, the schedule is gone. For so many of us, our life has been a game plan—a rigid routine of practice, class, film study, and games. When that routine ends, the sudden lack of structure can feel like unfamiliar territory.
But here’s the good news: Your career doesn’t start from scratch. As a former athlete, you have a competitive advantage that most candidates don’t. You’ve already proven you have the discipline, the coachability, and the ability to adapt under pressure. These are not just buzzwords; they’re the fundamental skills that define your success on and off the field.
A Gallup study found that former student-athletes are more likely to be thriving in their purpose. When it comes to finding a job, 82% of former student-athletes are working full or part-time in their desired role, compared to 78% of their peers.
So how do you translate that championship mentality into a professional win? It starts with your story. And the best place to tell it is on social media—specifically, on LinkedIn.
We caught up with Andrew McCaskill, a career expert from LinkedIn and a former student-athlete himself, to break down how to take your game to the next level.
Building a Roster That Gets You Seen
1. Go Where the Momentum Is
Your first professional gig doesn’t have to be the Super Bowl. As McCaskill puts it, “Go where the growth is.” Just like you might have looked at a team’s win-loss record to assess their potential, you should look at industries that are actively hiring and expanding. Your goal is to get in the game, learn the system, and get reps in an environment where you can grow.
2. Network Like You’re Building Your Team
“Relationships will save you when results won’t,” McCaskill said. Think of your network like your team. They’ve got your back. Tap into your existing roster: teammates, alumni, coaches, family, and former internship supervisors. You’re not starting from the bench; you already have a network of people who believe in your potential. Knowing someone at a company makes you four times more likely to get hired, so every conversation is a chance to move closer to the goal line.
3. Engage Once a Week, Just Like Practice
Your LinkedIn profile is your personal highlight reel. But like any highlight reel, it needs to be maintained. McCaskill advises treating your online engagement like practice. Follow professionals in your target field and engage in their conversations. Join groups related to your interests. Then, post at least once a week. This could be a question you have, an article you found interesting, or a lesson you learned. It shows people what you care about and keeps your professional momentum going.
4. Treat Your Profile Like a Living Playbook
Your LinkedIn profile is more than just a résumé; it’s a living playbook of your journey. Update it with your key achievements. Detail your leadership roles on the team and your academic wins. This isn’t just about where you’ve been; it’s about where you’re going. Even pro athletes like Steph Curry and Odell Beckham Jr. use the platform to document their team changes and business ventures.
5. Slide into the (Professional) DMs
Reaching out to people on LinkedIn can feel intimidating, but it’s a critical part of the process. McCaskill’s advice is simple: “Be specific, be clear, and make it easy.” When you reach out, start by mentioning how you know them (a shared alma mater, a mutual teammate, etc.) and be direct about your goal. Are you looking for a quick conversation? Advice on a career path? A referral? Keep it short, and always end with gratitude. A simple “thank you” can go a long way.
Here’s a go-to message you can make your own:
Hi [Name],
I’m a recent grad and former student-athlete exploring opportunities in [industry]. I came across your profile and really admire your path. If you’re open to it, I’d love to learn more about your journey and ask a few quick questions. Would you be open to a 15-minute video chat sometime soon?
Thanks for your consideration!
Best,
[Your Name]
Your professional career doesn’t begin when you land your first job; it begins when you commit to success. As a student-athlete, you already know what it means to put in the work. Now it’s time to build a professional playbook that tells your story on your terms.
“Not everybody will go on to play professionally, but every athlete deserves the chance to write their next chapter,” McCaskill said. “If you don’t tell your story, someone else will. And they might not get it right.”