I remember feeling so stressed my senior year because I didn’t prepare for life after school like I should have. Looking back, there were so many small things I could’ve done over the course of my junior and senior years, versus waiting until my final semester in school to get my life together. Having a ‘real world’ checklist can be super helpful when preparing for life after sports. As you gear up for an exciting life transition (college sports to a 9-5, professional sports to a completely new career, etc.), it’s essential to be well-prepared. Here’s a checklist to ensure you’re ready for your next steps.
Preparing for Life After Sports: A Real World Checklist
Update your resume. Update your resume with your latest achievements, internships, and relevant experiences. If you don’t have much work experience to share, visit your schools’ career service office for tips on creating a standout resume. A few years out of school I worked in a career services office and found that this department does an amazing job in helping students and student-athletes with their resume, job prep, and other career-related matters.
Network. Attend networking events, career fairs, and alumni gatherings. You don’t have to be a senior or a graduate to attend these events, start early so you can get a feel for how the events go, take note of how students are dressed, and the types of materials you’ll need to make each networking event a success. Connect with professionals on LinkedIn to expand your network.
Research jobs. Start your job search early. Explore job boards, company websites, and industry-specific platforms. Polish up your interview skills and prepare for common questions. I made the mistake of waiting until my senior year to start looking for internships, when I could’ve started the process during my sophomore or junior year. It’s never too early to get internship experience, especially in the post-season when you can clock in a few hours after morning workouts or before evening training sessions.
Update your LinkedIn profile. Optimize your LinkedIn profile with a professional photo and a compelling headline. While you’re in school, request recommendations from professors and your peers. If you’ve scored an internship, part-time, or full-time job already, make sure to connect with you current colleagues. LinkedIn has helped me tremendously over the years in looking for jobs, finding new opportunities, and keeping in touch with coworkers.
Learn money management. Knowing how to manage your money after graduation will truly help you build wealth as you get older. Figure out what type of budget works for you, make sure you hold yourself accountable, and take the time to understand student loan repayment options (if you have them) or debt repayment options if you’ve used credit cards or taken out loans. It’s always a good time to plan accordingly and get on the right track with your money.
Understand your health insurance and benefits situation. Investigate health insurance options, especially if you’re no longer covered by your college plan. I didn’t realize how important health insurance was until I saw what benefits I’d receive with my first full-time job. Knowing that I wouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for certain prescriptions, medical care, or emergency care was huge. When job hunting, research potential employee benefits offered by future employers, which you can find on most websites.
Look for housing. If you’re relocating, start researching neighborhoods and looking for housing options. Understand the rental process and gather necessary documents for applications. Also, don’t be afraid of moving in with family if that’s an option. While it wasn’t flashy or cool, I saved so much money living with my parents for a few years, especially in the early years when I was figuring out what I could afford.
Invest in a new wardrobe. While appearances shouldn’t matter that much (in my opinion), the way you preset yourself makes a big difference in the workplace. Shop for work staples that you can wear year after year.
Develop new skills. Identify skills in demand in your field and consider taking online courses or certifications. Stay updated on industry trends and technologies.
Prepare for an emotional adjustment. Acknowledge and embrace the emotional aspect of the transition. If you’re hanging up your cleats after years of playing and competing, it’s a huge adjustment to enter the working world. It took me years of adjusting to office cultures where my peers weren’t as collaborative, didn’t work as hard, or didn’t have similar interests in sports or working out in general. Seek support from friends, family, or counseling services if needed.
Consider post-grad education. If further education is in your plans, start researching and applying to graduate programs. Sometimes, you might not be ready to jump into ‘the real world’, and that’s okay. Just make sure you consider the implications on your career path and financial situation. In this post I share a few reasons why grad school can be a great investment in your life, especially if you can get an employer to pay for it. It’s also important to note that there are a few sacrifices you’ll need to make as a grad student. Anything great worth having comes with sacrifice and hard work, and if you’re going to grad school, that means:
- Being back in class. Yes, after being in school for years, having to go back to school wasn’t always fun. Luckily, I took some interesting courses that made it worth it.
- Time. Going back to school means less personal time for you. Time going out, hanging with friends, traveling, etc. will get cut short if you’re a full time or part time grad student.
- Work. Grad school means work. In addition to your full time job, you’ll need to prepare for exams, projects and papers. I remember constantly working during my grad school years, which was a lot to juggle, but looking back it was definitely worth it.
- Money. Or lack of it. Sometimes, the jobs that pay for grad school don’t pay very well. However the total benefit you’re receiving and the debt you don’t have to pay back is incredible.
Remember, the transition from a full-time athlete to a full-time worker is a significant milestone, and it’s okay to feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Preparing for life after sports by utilizing a checklist can help you take a lot of stress off of your plate. Take one step at a time, and remember to reach out to the support systems you already have in place.