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Past the Pitch: 6 Careers for Athletes Who Want to Give Back

Posted by Shelly Quance on 8/19/22 10:26 AM

  August 19, 2022    

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Professional athletic careers are incredibly competitive, and only the most lucky are fortunate enough to pursue a meaningful, extended career in sports. But ​​even for those lucky enough to play professional sports, it is often a short-lived career — due to injury, aging, or even the desire to pursue a less physically demanding career. 

What are athletes supposed to do when they can no longer make a living on the field? 

Let’s explore some careers for former athletes who want sports or athletics to remain a part of their career path.

 

➡️ Download WVU's Guide for Career Changers!

 

What are some careers for athletes? 

Athletes spend so much of their time in high-action, physically-taxing, and exciting environments. It’s understandable that many former athletes would want to pursue an equally dynamic and high-energy career post their athletic one.

Here are just a few of the engaging and competitive jobs for former athletes available: 

1. Athletic Director

From hiring coaches to scheduling team training, from overseeing budgets to approving marketing initiatives, athletic directors are responsible for organizing the logistics of a school’s or team’s operations. Athletic directors also work to promote an inclusive and efficient athletic environment — wherever they are employed.

Former athletes know how critical the role of athletic director is, and for this reason, former sports professionals who are passionate about communication and organization are perfect for filling this role. 

2. Sports Information Directors

Sports information directors are public relations specialists who work in the athletic sector — they act as a liaison between teams, the media, and the public. Just like athletes train to ensure optimal performance, sports information directors work to highlight and promote a team’s or institution’s accomplishments.

3. Executive Sports Recruiter

Employed by teams, academic institutions, and agencies, sports recruiters are tasked with finding the best sports talent. They may also be responsible for filling other roles, such as coaching positions. Sports recruiters are competitive, ambitious, and personable professionals who know how to negotiate and enlist talent.

4. Personal Trainer

Personal trainers are some of the most sought-after athletic/health professionals today. They are responsible for helping clients achieve their physical fitness goals. Personal trainers may be employed in academic institutions, fitness and recreation centers, yoga studios, boot camps, and sports clubs.

5. Sportscaster 

As a sportscaster, you’ll work as a television or radio broadcaster who may report sports news or provide running commentary of a sports event. If you’re gifted at storytelling and if you love a fast-paced work environment, you’ll thrive as a sportscaster.

6. Referee

No one knows the rules of the game better than a referee. As a former athlete, you’re well versed in the rules as well. Referees work to ensure that the rules of the game are followed and that the integrity of the sport is maintained.

Becoming a referee allows you to get up close and personal with your favorite teams and get to know your sport from a new angle. 

West Virginia University a home for former athletes looking to give back.

At West Virginia University, we employ professors and staff who have been in the industry for many years and who know what skills are essential to be a valuable member in the sports industry. They are well equipped to help former athletes obtain the graduate degree that will serve as a launching pad for a new career.

WVU’s College of Applied Human Sciences is the best choice for former athletes seeking to make a career shift. Our College of Applied Human Sciences offers several master's and doctoral programs that will help former athletes make the most of their knowledge base and passions:

Ready for more? Request more information or start your next chapter by applying today.

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Check out our resource — Make the Change: A Comprehensive Guide to Graduate Programs for Career Changers!  

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Topics: Industry Research & Advice


Posted by Shelly Quance

Shelly Quance has spent almost 20 years working in higher education marketing communications. She currently serves as Director for West Virginia University’s Office of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment where she works collaboratively with College leadership to develop, implement, and evaluate creative and effective comprehensive communication and marketing plans to increase graduate student enrollment.

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About the Blog

Deciding what graduate school to attend can be daunting at times, and navigating the admissions process can be that much more difficult. We hope to make the journey from considering graduate school to enrolling in a graduate program easier by publishing content that will be helpful to you as you discern if, when, and where, to pursue your next degree.

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