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If you’re a student-athlete or a former athlete, you may feel that you have limited career options. But that’s far from the truth: the discipline and teamwork learned from collegiate athletics can give you an edge in the professional world and help you find the job of your dreams – in practically any field.

After all, sports teach you valuable skills, including how to become disciplined through daily practice, teamwork, strategic planning, and, equally important, how to persevere and overcome losses. 

These are all unique skills with practical uses, and you can transfer them to any career path you choose. Take a look at the graduates below who’ve managed to apply these skills and talents in their careers of choice for some inspiration.

Leadership

As an athlete, you know that leadership isn’t just about being the best player; it’s about uplifting your teammates, understanding their strengths, and working together, as a team. These are the exact qualities that successful business leaders embody.

Take Steve Young, for example. The Hall of Fame quarterback used the leadership skills he learned from his football career to become a successful entrepreneur and venture capitalist. It’s safe to say that his abilities to lead and make strategic decisions on the field are what helped him develop strong business acumen.

Perseverance

If anyone knows how to persevere, it’s athletes. Injuries, tough losses, and relentless training schedules teach you to push through challenges and adversity. This resilience is invaluable in any career where challenges and setbacks are inevitable.

Just look at Michael Jordan, one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Despite not making varsity (at first), he didn’t let that stop him; in fact, his determination to overcome failures played a crucial role in his success as a businessman.

Strategic Planning

Creating and executing a game plan in sports is a lot like strategic planning in business. It involves analysis, foresight, and the ability to adapt on the go.

For instance, Earvin “Magic” Johnson used his strategic thinking from basketball to become a successful entrepreneur. His investment decisions, business strategies, and adaptability have turned him into a well-known figure in the business world, owning a range of enterprises from sports teams to movie theaters.

Adaptability

Athletes often face unpredictable situations during games to which they have to adapt quickly. This ability to adapt to unforeseen situations is crucial in the fast-paced business environment.

Serena Williams, for example, has shown remarkable adaptability throughout her tennis career and beyond. Her ability to evolve with the game and maintain peak performance can also be seen in her ventures in fashion and business, where staying ahead of trends and pivoting when necessary is key.

Improving Your Career Readiness

To prepare for life after sports, it’s important to keep both your body and mind sharp – and this is true regardless of the career you plan to pursue. 

• Physical Fitness: A healthy body supports a sharp mind, which is essential in high-pressure professional settings. First, make sure you maintain a regular fitness routine so you can stay in shape. To achieve peak athletic performance, many athletes use supplements, so consider them if you plan on competing on a professional level. Just make sure they’re of the highest possible quality and are specifically designed for energy and performance. One such option, Performance Lab, is popular among former athletes for its use of premium and research-backed ingredients.
• Team Collaboration: If you want to improve your teamwork and leadership skills, consider getting involved in team projects or taking on leadership roles within your company if you’re already employed. Don’t be shy to ask for feedback from your colleagues to improve your collaborative techniques, either!
• Strategic Thinking: You can practice strategic planning by taking on projects that require long-term planning and adaptability. Break down complex tasks into manageable steps and anticipate potential challenges. You can use tools like SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to evaluate and adjust your strategies effectively.

And there you have it – perhaps not easy but certainly effective ways you can use your athletic discipline to reach your career goals. Remember, to succeed in any field after graduation, the key is to take the skills you’ve already learned, hone them, and then supplement them with new skills that are needed for areas of interest to you.