For athletes entering the workforce with little to no prior job experience, the transition can be challenging. However, with the right mindset and approach, it is possible to not only feel more confident but also excel in a new job. One of the hardest life transitions I remember having was going from a student-athlete to a corporate worker. Not feeling as prepared as I could’ve been for the ‘real world’ compared to my non-athletic peers was tough. I felt like I was so many steps behind, not having extensive work or internship experience. My confidence was low, and I was pretty frustrated that I wasn’t good at certain tasks.
If you’re starting a new chapter, such as your first job or a career transition, there are a few ways you can step into your new role feeling empowered and hit the ground running. Below are are 15 ways athletes can feel and build confidence at a job, whether it’s their first job, a new job in a different industry, or when starting a business.
How Athletes Can Build Confidence With Little Work Experience
Leverage Transferable Skills: As an athlete, you have developed skills such as discipline, teamwork, time management, and resilience. These are highly transferable to the workplace and can be a great asset. My first full-time job was working for the NJ Nets of the NBA, and I can’t tell you how many times I utilized transferable skills to supplement what I didn’t know. Having the discipline to make over 100 cold calls a a day, covering for other co-workers during nights and weekends, and showing up every day with a positive attitude despite not being a top sales person made a difference. Those qualities helped me move up within the company.
Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that it is normal to feel a bit overwhelmed or uncertain in a new environment. Give yourself time to adapt and don’t expect perfection right away. This was one of the first times as a professional where I had to give myself grace.
Seek Mentorship: Find a mentor or someone in the company who can guide you and provide advice. This can be invaluable in helping you navigate the workplace and build confidence.
Learn from Mistakes: Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. Instead of dwelling on them, use them as opportunities to grow and improve. I cannot tell you the number of mistakes I made with my first job, at new jobs, and when I made career changes. As painful as they were, they turned out to be really powerful lessons that I’ve taken with me throughout my career.
Take Initiative: Don’t be afraid to take initiative and ask questions. This shows that you are eager to learn and contribute. Asking questions and being proactive also gives you the opportunity to learn from other experts in your career field, those who can serve as mentors as you grow in your role.
Develop Good Communication Skills: Effective communication is key in any job. Practice active listening, speaking clearly, and expressing yourself confidently. When I was new, I did a lot of listening at first. When it came time for me to sell tickets, speak up in meetings, or communicate to vendors, I went in with as much confidence as possible, not letting any impostor syndrome get to me.
Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback from your supervisor or colleagues on your performance. This can help you identify areas for improvement and build confidence.
Set Small Goals: Break down your tasks into smaller, manageable goals. Achieving these goals can give you a sense of accomplishment and boost your confidence. As a new worker, my first big career goal was to work in marketing for the NBA. To start, I started with a small goal, which meant getting my foot in the door as an entry level inside sales rep. I then worked hard to fill in areas of weakness, moving up in different roles, and and eventually secured that marketing role. I had to set small, manageable goals so that I didn’t overwhelm myself from the jump.
Embrace Challenges: Don’t shy away from challenges. Instead, view them as opportunities to learn and grow.
Stay Positive: A positive attitude can go a long way in building confidence. Focus on your strengths and what you can bring to the table. I was surprised how far my athletic experience helped me here. Working in a corporate environment, I quickly learned how coworkers love being around positive people.
Take Care of Yourself: Physical and mental well-being are important for confidence. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthily, exercise regularly, and manage stress.
Network: Build relationships with your colleagues and other professionals in your industry. Networking can open up opportunities and help you feel more confident in your abilities.
Be Adaptable: The workplace is constantly changing, and being adaptable is a valuable skill. Embrace new technologies and ways of working. This won’t just serve you in a new role or a new career, but as you look to advance in your career as well. By continuing to learn and improve yourself, you will stay relevant, bring value to your role and the company that you work for.
Stay Updated: Keep yourself informed about industry trends, developments, and best practices. This can give you a competitive edge and boost your confidence.
Celebrate Successes: Don’t forget to celebrate your successes, no matter how small. This can help you stay motivated and build confidence. One thing I regret is not celebrating my small wins- goals reached, promotions I earned, jobs I secured. The road to success can be very long, so taking a moment to pause and enjoy your hard work can definitely help motivate you to keep going.
Building confidence in a new job, especially when you have little work experience, requires patience, perseverance, and a positive attitude. As an athlete, it’s key to leverage your transferable skills, seeking mentorship, and stay proactive in any role you secure. This way, you can leave impostor syndrome at the door and navigate the workplace with confidence and achieve success