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What Are Some Career Options for Former Athletes?

Posted by Shelly Quance on 1/6/22 7:08 AM

  January 06, 2022    

careers for former athletes

Pursuing a professional athletic career can be rewarding, challenging, and lucrative. For those lucky enough to play sports as a profession, it is often a short-lived career due to injury or aging that limits competitiveness. 

For those wishing to pursue a career in sports management, coaching, teaching, athletic training, or exercise psychology, it’s important to realize that the sports industry is increasingly difficult to break into (and being a sports fanatic is not enough to land a job). Employers in the sports industry want candidates with a mix of education and practical experience.

So, what are some career options for former athletes?

We're here to examine College of Applied Human Sciences and talk about how the graduate programs offered at WVU will prepare former athletes for a variety of career options.

If you're a professional looking to make a career change, check out our new  digital resource page - Make the Change: A Comprehensive Guide to Graduate  Programs for Career Changers

Former athletes: start by going pro in an athletic-related field.

Even if you have been an athlete for several years following your undergraduate career, you may be realizing that that may not be enough to live comfortably for the rest of your life. You would like to stay active in sports but know that playing is no longer an option, so what do you turn to? You're wondering about best career options for former athletes. Perhaps a career in an athletic-related field is an opportunity to blend your passion with a profession as a former athlete?

Below are some great career options for former athletes:

  • Sales Representative
  • Athletic Director
  • Marketing and Promotions Coordinator
  • Sports Writer
  • Sports Information Directors
  • Executive Recruiter
  • Fitness Director
  • Project Manager
  • Sports Photographer
  • Recreation Worker
  • Teacher
  • Sportscaster
  • Sporting Event Planner
  • Sports Psychologist
  • Referee
  • Coach
  • Statistician
  • Operations Manager
  • Television Sports Producer
  • Financial Analyst
  • Physical Therapist

Note: Sources include jobmonkey.com, thebestschools.org, and profitableventure.com

Many people who find themselves in this position want to stay in the sports industry but don’t have the professional work experience or education to get a job doing what they love. Getting a graduate degree in one of WVU’s programs could accelerate your career and propel you into a position to stay in sports and showcase all of the knowledge you gained by actually playing a sport for a majority of your life.

Former athlete turned personal trainer looking at a clipboard

WVU's College of Applied Human Sciences has two different fields of study, perfect for former athletes:

At WVU, students not only learn from top-notch professors who combine theory and practical applications, but they also will have numerous opportunities to participate in meaningful, real-life situations. This hands-on experience will help differentiate students from others seeking to find a position in companies that hire former athletes.

Coaching and Teaching Studies:

  • Athletic Coaching Education
    • Earn professional certifications
    • Complete coaching education
    • Learn key software for analyzing sports movement
  • Physical Education Teacher Education
    • Learn to teach outdoor adventure
    • Gain hands-on teaching with students with disabilities
    • 100 percent passage rate on the Physical Education Content Specialization test

Sport Sciences:

  • Athletic Training
    • Work with 18 different NCAA teams at WVU
    • Accredited through Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
  • Sport and Exercise Psychology
    • One of the few in the nation that allows students to specialize in sport and exercise psychology
    • Can be used to meet requirements of the university’s general education program
  • Sport Management
    • Hands-on experience with WVU athletic department
    • Mandatory but flexible internship program

At WVU, you will gain new perspectives from other former athletes who have experience with careers in sports.

These programs are taught by professionals who have experience in the specific field of study and give insight into the industry, which provides a much more well-rounded learning experience for the student. Each professor has a unique background and brings a different perspective to the classroom that allows students to get a complete understanding of the industry. Also, these programs are designed to provide students with hands-on opportunities outside the classroom so they can grasp the day-to-day details of a particular job.

Often times students are unaware of the many sports-related career possibilities. They feel drawn to the sports community due to their experience with that community, but they are unsure as to the best course of action. Getting an undergraduate or an advanced degree can provide the opportunity to pursue a career path that is best suited.

WVU's College of Applied Human Sciences can help you, a former athlete, to enter the sports industry and secure a meaningful career.

After receiving a graduate degree from West Virginia University the job market could become much less intimidating. Whether you want to become a coach, physical education teacher, sports psychologist, or any other profession directly connected to our programs, you will have the freedom to enter the industry how and when you want.

The two following students decided to pursue an advanced degree at West Virginia University and here is where they are now:

Zach G. – Co-Founded drinkhydrate.com (Athletic Coaching Education)

Pete P. Baseball Operations Coordinator for the Houston Astros (Sport Management)

Are you a former athlete looking for a new career option?

West Virginia University’s College of Applied Human Sciences has top-notch, cutting-edge academic options that develop students' skills through education and hands-on experience. Our professors and staff who work with these students have been in the industry for many years and know what skills are essential to be a valuable member in the sports industry.

We know that choosing a graduate school can be stressful, but whether you're a recent college graduate or a mid-career professional thinking about making a career change, our team is always available to help.

We hope you request more information or start your online application today!

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Check out our digital resource — Make the Change: A Comprehensive Guide to Graduate Programs for Career Changers — and let us help you as you navigate the process of changing career fields!  

Explore the Digital Resource

Topics: WVU Graduate Programs, 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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