Career transition tips from athletes who have made the jump

In times gone by, a person may have worked with the same company or remained in one industry through their whole career.

Today, 60% of UK professionals say they plan to make a career change, up from 53% since July 2020. Meanwhile 87% of under-25s are likely to switch jobs as we emerge from the global health crisis.

If career change has become more common, then spare a thought for athletes for whom a first retirement is guaranteed.

This is more than moving into a similar job or sector; when that final whistle blows, an athlete must leave the lifestyle they love and find a new job, often in completely new cultural and social surroundings.

It’s a tough time that causes anxiety and depression for almost half of former sports professionals, the International Olympic Committee reports.

But athletes are winners. With the right support, all former sportsmen and sportswomen can build second working lives that are just as rewarding as the first.

Below, those who have made the transition give their tips for athletes navigating this challenging period.

You are not alone

Whether planned or not, it’s important to acknowledge that retirement was always going to happen; there’s no shame attached and you’ve done nothing wrong. Sharing your story with people who are on the same journey will help you and others to make sense of your situation.

“When I left sport, I didn’t feel in control of my life. All the structure and routine vanished.

“Talking openly with people close to me was the first step towards understanding who I was and how I wanted to grow post-sport.”

Reflect and relax

The athlete’s schedule is non-stop. Stepping away from sport means you have the space to process your experiences so far.

You may be used to status, a good salary, even fame. But if you’re starting from scratch, remember to be humble. Focus on opportunities that excite you and embrace this time to explore new horizons.

“Sport had always been my priority from a young age. Retirement was my chance to take stock and consider developing skills and career goals in other walks of life, free from the pressure of training.”

Get connected

When you’re ready, let your network know you want to move forward and that you’re open to new opportunities.

LinkedIn allows you to start conversations with voices all over world – uniquely placed individuals who can fast-track you into forums where you can nurture your ideas and ambitions.

But don’t hide behind your computer screen – get to in-person meetings and live events where you can forge real relationships and make a memorable impact with your presence. You’re just firing up connections at this stage, so don’t stress about nailing down that first job or internship just yet.

“Creating a LinkedIn account helped me to organise my achievements and gain clarity on how to present myself as a professional. It was easy to join groups and find initiatives that matched my interest areas.”

Fresh start

After years of sponsorship, funding and prize money, it can feel alien to look for a salaried job.

Hold your head up because your value as a former athlete is far higher than you realise – businesses are crying out for attributes that you’ve honed through years of competition.

Make a list of your experiences, knowledge and proficiencies, and think how these could be put towards a new qualification that could take you to the next stage in your career.

“I left athletics feeling totally under-qualified for a “normal” occupation. Speaking to a career advisor opened my eyes to skills that were directly transferable to success in many other professions. This made me proactive in seeking out new training schemes.”

Volunteer

Volunteering is a good way to dip your toe into new environments while learning more about yourself.

Think about how you could assist schools, clubs or local sports bodies – maybe you could provide coaching or team-building advice, or simply words that will inspire others to follow their passion, just as you did when you became an athlete.

This is a grass-roots doorway into many different industries where you can give something back, boost your confidence and expand your network. You may even pave the way for paid opportunities further down the line.

“Volunteering was super rewarding for me. I was helping others, but it also gave me the mental capacity to understand where my own strengths lay and gave me access to courses that I would never have found on my own.”

Athlete Career Transition

Athlete Career Transition (ACT) exists to help former athletes find successful second careers after sport.

We are with athletes every step of the way with a world class support programme that enables individuals to manage their own journeys.

We build transition readiness, identify skills and augment resources so that former sportsmen and sportswomen can move away from the playing field but continue as elite performers.

Click here to find out more.