Pursuing a professional athletic career can be rewarding, challenging, and lucrative. For those lucky enough to play sports as a profession, it's 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 careers for ex athletes to consider? Let's take a look at some of the graduate programs that WVU's College of Applied Human Sciences offers to prepare you for a variety of career options.
Even if you've been an athlete for several years following your undergraduate career, you may be realizing that might not be enough to live comfortably for the rest of your life. You'd like to stay active in sports but know that playing is no longer an option. So what do you do? Perhaps a career in an athletic-related field is an opportunity to blend your passion with a profession as a former athlete?
Here are some options to consider:
(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.
At WVU, students not only learn from top-notch professors who combine theory and practical applications, but they also 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:
Sport Sciences:
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.
Whether you want to become a coach, physical education teacher, or sports psychologist, with a WVU graduate degree, you'll have the freedom to enter the industry how and when you want.
For example, here are two students who decided to pursue an advanced degree at WVU – and here's where they are now:
Zach G. – Co-Founded drinkhydrate.com (Athletic Coaching Education)
Pete P. – Baseball Operations Coordinator for the Houston Astros (Sport Management)
WVU’s College of Applied Human Sciences offers 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. Have questions?
Request more information today!
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!