The Struggle of Gen Z’s School-to-Work Pipeline for Student-Athletes
The transition from school to the workforce is a challenge for many in Gen Z, but for student-athletes, it comes with its own set of hurdles. A new report from the Schultz Family Foundation and HarrisX reveals a growing disconnect between the career advice young people receive and the realities of today’s job market. This disconnect is especially noticeable for student-athletes, who must balance the demands of their sport, academics, and the pressure of preparing for life after graduation.
Student-athletes often face intense schedules that leave little room for exploring career opportunities outside of their sport. Between early morning practices, travel commitments, and maintaining their grades, many struggle to find time to network or gain experience in their desired career fields. To add to that, the career guidance they receive from coaches, parents, and counselors is often misaligned with the modern job market, leaving them feeling unsure about how to approach their transition from athletics to a career.
The challenge is twofold: first, the job market has changed, and many entry-level positions are now looking for candidates with specific skill sets that may not align with the traditional paths that student-athletes are used to. Second, there is the ongoing pressure to succeed in their sport, making it difficult to focus on developing the skills and networking necessary to secure a post-athletic career.
For student-athletes, this disconnect feels especially isolating. As their peers are securing internships and gaining work experience, they are often still focused on their sport, which may not always translate into the workforce skills employers are looking for. And with the rise of AI and automation, the demand for technical skills is growing, which means student-athletes must not only excel in their sport but also be prepared to adapt and learn new skills outside of athletics.
Despite these challenges, there are opportunities to bridge the gap. The rise of programs that offer internships, job shadowing, and networking specifically for student-athletes is key in helping them make that transition. By focusing on their leadership skills, time management, and team-building abilities — all of which are crucial for success both on and off the field — student-athletes can develop a unique skill set that makes them attractive candidates in the workforce.
As technology continues to evolve, it’s clear that the career landscape is changing. For student-athletes, the path to post-graduation success will require a combination of perseverance, adaptability, and strategic networking. By creating opportunities that help student-athletes transition from sports to their careers, we can support them in navigating this complex journey and help them find their place in the ever-changing world of work.