Why Career Growth Often Looks Like Standing Still to Others: Lessons for Student-Athletes

Career growth is often perceived as an upward trajectory—new titles, bigger offices, and more responsibilities. However, for many student-athletes transitioning into professional careers, real growth may look quieter and less visible. This type of growth doesn’t always show up in LinkedIn updates or the public eye, but it’s often the most important form of development.

The reality is that much of career progress involves refining skills, reflecting on experiences, and getting clearer on personal goals—especially for student-athletes who are accustomed to constant motion and visible achievements. As you navigate the shift from athletics to professional life, it’s important to understand that growth is not always about appearing “busy” or moving up the ranks quickly; it’s about getting more focused, being intentional about your goals, and mastering what you’ve already learned.

The Importance of Refining Your Skills

In your athletic career, you were likely accustomed to a fast-paced environment where progress was directly tied to visible achievements, such as wins, championships, or accolades. Similarly, in a professional setting, many expect their growth to be similarly noticeable—getting promotions, recognition, or higher pay. But often, real growth in the workplace is about improving behind the scenes. For example, in a job setting, this could involve becoming more strategic, prioritizing projects, or becoming comfortable with saying “I don’t know” when faced with new challenges.

The shift from performing to mastering can feel uncomfortable. You might feel as though you’re not progressing at the pace you once were, and others might not see the internal growth you’re experiencing. However, these “quieter” forms of growth are often the most valuable. For student-athletes who have been part of teams that demand constant effort and activity, this transition to depth over breadth can seem like slowing down. But, as you gain clarity in your career, you’ll learn that this restraint is actually a form of power that eventually leads to stronger leadership.

Reframing Your Growth for Others

As you enter the professional world, you’ll likely experience a shift from working hard just to stay visible to working smart, honing your focus on value instead of visibility. Others around you might misinterpret this shift, thinking that you’ve plateaued or become complacent. They may not realize that you’re just as committed to progress, but in a way that’s less about “doing” and more about “refining.”

For example, in athletics, you had clear metrics like your times, stats, or wins to track progress. In a professional environment, it’s just as important to track and communicate internal milestones, such as the development of emotional intelligence, team management, or strategic thinking.

For student-athletes, explaining your quieter, more focused period in terms of “depth” rather than “pause” can help shift others’ perceptions. You could say, “I’ve been focusing on refining my skills this quarter, diving deeper into fewer projects to produce more meaningful results.” This not only repositions your growth but also shows that you’re making strategic decisions to align your career with long-term goals.

Clarity and Simplicity Can Be Powerful

A lot of student-athletes are used to being part of teams that require them to show up constantly, whether for practice, games, or other events. Transitioning into a professional setting can sometimes involve simplifying your schedule, limiting commitments, and protecting your time. However, this minimalism can be misunderstood as a sign of disengagement. It’s essential to communicate that you’re focusing on what matters most and creating boundaries for the sake of greater impact.

For example, when you focus on fewer, more meaningful projects in your professional life, you can highlight the long-term vision and impact that will come from these strategic choices. Being able to articulate that you’re investing in high-priority goals shows others that your quieter approach is not a retreat but an intentional step forward.

Growth Isn’t Always Visible

Career growth for student-athletes isn’t always about getting a new title or winning a promotion. Sometimes it looks like handling a conflict with more maturity, managing a team more effectively, or developing a deeper understanding of your field. These moments might not show up on LinkedIn, but they’re crucial steps in building leadership and professional competence.

For those transitioning from student-athlete roles, consider keeping a private log of wins that might go uncelebrated by others. This could be a time when you managed a team conflict, took on a new leadership role, or navigated a difficult conversation with emotional maturity. These moments of personal growth can form the foundation of your leadership journey, and though they might not be celebrated by others immediately, they build the skills necessary for long-term success.

As a mentor, it’s essential to help those you mentor see their growth, even when it’s not outwardly visible. Help them reflect on how they’ve deepened their skills and maturity, even if their position hasn’t changed. Growth can be horizontal, in terms of new skills or complexity, or still, as they recover their perspective before making the next big leap forward.

Student-Athletes: Reflect and Grow Without Public Recognition

The reality of career growth for student-athletes is that not every achievement needs an announcement. Not every accomplishment needs to be posted or celebrated in public. Sometimes growth happens quietly. It’s about getting clarity on your long-term goals and making intentional steps forward, even when it might seem like you’re standing still. By embracing this mindset, student-athletes can understand that growth often happens behind the scenes and can feel empowering in the long run, even when it’s not immediately visible to others.