Student-Athlete Career Development: Building Resilience & Opportunity

This is particularly amplified in Student-Athletes, who have a history of preparing for the unknown and adapting to it– especially those students who lived, and trained, through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Student-Athletes’ Unique Traits

Student-Athletes have built an ability to see opportunity in setbacks, and that characteristic is more critical now than ever. For many Student-Athletes, their set path is often interrupted, whether through injury, defeats or poor performances. Challenges, such as navigating academic responsibilities alongside athletic commitments, underscore the importance of adaptability and optimism – particularly important traits in terms of Student-Athlete career development.

Take the example of Oxford Rower Ella Stadler, starting off the day with a 6am training session followed by a day of lectures and seminars before returning for another session in the pool or in the boathouse, only to do it all again the next day. This repetition, 30-hours a week, inevitably breeds an unprecedented level of discipline and time management.

Proactive Career Planning

From your very first year of study through to your final year, preparing for life after Uni by integrating career proactivity into your routine will ensure you’re ahead and ready. This ultimate guide of tips and strategies can help you achieve success as a Student-Athlete.

This period at university provides a great chance to work on your personal brand, to research career opportunities for athletes, and to get your CV as strong as possible—all these efforts will pay dividends when the right opportunity materialises. These circumstances also offer an excellent opportunity to explore sectors or companies that weren’t necessarily a primary focus; certain sectors will experience continuity or growth, and therefore companies will continue their hiring efforts. Candidates who remain proactive with their career development will have a richer influence over their ultimate vocational goals.

Support & Resources Available

Whether you're in your first, second, or last year of study, add-victor is committed to providing a range of resources to support these efforts; whether it's understanding which employers are seeking graduate talent, or advising on what online courses are available and recommended. Employers looking to add to their teams are considering candidates' cultural fit to join a new company/team, seeking employees who possess the soft skills to learn, work hard, and add value. These considerations work in the favour of individuals from a sporting background. Athletes are intuitively flexible, prepared to adapt their strategies, possess an intrinsic self-starter mentality, and are resilient by nature—qualities that are invaluable in navigating any challenge. Hyperlink to new Soft Skills report?

Understand your unique value, ensuring you browse and come across the right opportunities, and finally tailor your applications toward securing your first role:

• Explore Career Opportunities: browse vacancies, discover Industry Specifics, what a role entails, and athlete transition examples
• Gear Up for Interviews: start with a polished application highlighting how soft skills gained from sports have shaped you, access our CV & Cover Letter templates, and interview module for help  

Despite challenges, numerous companies continue to recruit graduates. Entry-level candidates are still very much valued and needed. Stay positive as you adapt your job search process, and know that the add-victor team is here to support you. If you have any concerns, questions, or want to engage for the first time, please do reach out at info@add-victor.com!