Career Centers' 7 Game-Changing Strategies to Champion Student-Athletes in the High-Stakes NIL Arena!

As the landscape of college athletics continues to evolve, one reality remains unchanged: the vast majority of student-athletes will not make it to the professional ranks. With 98% of student-athletes never being drafted, it’s crucial that they are prepared for careers beyond sports. Unfortunately, many student-athletes find themselves at a disadvantage when it comes to securing post-graduation employment, largely due to their overwhelming schedules and lack of engagement with career services.

This article explores current research on the employment challenges faced by student-athletes and offers actionable strategies for career centers to better support this unique population.

The Employment Challenge for Student-Athletes

Current research highlights the difficulties student-athletes face in securing jobs post-graduation. Here are some key findings:

• Limited Internship Opportunities: A study published in The Journal of Applied Sport Management found that student-athletes are significantly less likely to complete internships compared to their non-athlete peers due to their demanding schedules. The lack of internship experience puts them at a disadvantage when entering the job market.
• Job Preparedness: According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), student-athletes often report feeling less prepared for the job market compared to their peers. The survey revealed that many student-athletes lack confidence in their resume writing, interview skills, and networking abilities. More information can be found in the NACE report, “Student-Athletes’ Career Readiness”.
• Post-Graduation Outcomes: A study by Gallup, in partnership with Purdue University, found that while former student-athletes were generally satisfied with their college experience, they often struggled more than non-athletes in finding meaningful employment within six months of graduation. The full study, “Gallup-Purdue Index Report 2016,” is available here.

The Barriers to Student-Athlete Career Center Engagement

The demands of being a student-athlete leave little room for the typical 9-5 career center offerings. Balancing rigorous academic schedules, athletic commitments, part-time jobs, and social responsibilities means that many student-athletes graduate without ever stepping foot into the career center. This lack of engagement has significant implications:

1. Lack of Career Guidance: Without regular interaction with career counselors, student-athletes often miss out on personalized career advice and feedback, leaving them less prepared for the job market.
2. Absence of Professional Networks: Networking is a key component of career success, yet many student-athletes do not have the opportunity to build these networks during their college years.
3. Limited Exposure to Career Opportunities: The absence of internships and other career-building experiences means that student-athletes often have a less competitive resume compared to their peers.

The Impact of NIL on Student-Athlete Career Preparedness

Student-athlete career preparedness is only going to get worse as student-athletes now have to add into their busy schedules the development of their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) businesses. The time and commitment required to create content, attend events, and manage their financial responsibilities further strains their ability to engage with traditional career services.

If the number one reason students attend college is to earn a degree and prepare for their careers, we are doing a disservice to student-athletes by expecting them to run a startup that will likely lose its steam when they graduate. The added burden of managing an NIL business could detract from their ability to focus on long-term career development.

Seven Ways Career Centers Can Better Support Student-Athletes

To bridge the gap between the demands of student-athletes and the support offered by career centers, institutions must adopt more flexible, innovative approaches. Here are seven strategies that career centers can implement to provide more customized and accessible career support to student-athletes:

1.?Extend Career Center Hours: Career centers should consider offering extended hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate student-athletes' busy schedules. This simple adjustment can significantly increase the accessibility of career services.

2.?Virtual Career Coaching: Implementing virtual career coaching sessions can provide student-athletes with the flexibility they need. Video calls, instant messaging, and email consultations allow for career guidance without the need to physically visit the career center.

3.?Career Development Courses: Career centers can offer for-credit career development courses specifically designed for student-athletes. These courses can be scheduled during off-season periods or less demanding times in the athletic calendar.

4.?Customized Internship Programs: Develop internship programs tailored to the unique schedules of student-athletes. Partnerships with local businesses or remote work opportunities can provide the flexibility needed for student-athletes to gain valuable work experience.

5.?Alumni Mentorship Programs: Establishing alumni mentorship programs that connect current student-athletes with former athletes who have successfully transitioned to professional careers can provide valuable insights, networking opportunities, and encouragement.

6.?Career Workshops at Athletic Facilities:? Hosting career workshops directly at athletic facilities can make it easier for student-athletes to attend. These workshops can cover essential topics such as resume writing, job searching, and interview preparation.

7.?Anytime, Anywhere Career Resources:? Creating a digital library of career resources, including webinars, podcasts, and e-books, allows student-athletes to access career guidance on their own time. Mobile-friendly platforms and apps can ensure these resources are available wherever and whenever student-athletes need them.

Conclusion

The transition from college athletics to the professional world can be challenging, particularly for the 98% of student-athletes who will not turn professional. The research clearly shows that these students are at a disadvantage in the job market, often due to their lack of engagement with traditional career services.

By adopting more flexible and customized approaches, career centers can play a crucial role in preparing student-athletes for successful careers beyond the playing field. It’s time to bridge the gap and ensure that all student-athletes have the support they need to thrive in their post-college careers.

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