Date Approved
4-25-2025
Graduate Degree Type
Project
Degree Name
Education-Higher Education (M.Ed.)
Degree Program
College of Education
First Advisor
Paul Bylsma
Academic Year
2024/2025
Abstract
College student-athletes face unique challenges in preparing for life and work after graduation. With a significant amount of time dedicated to their athletic career, many student-athletes have limited opportunities to explore potential careers, participate in internships, or get involved in activities or work on or off campus. The number of student-athletes has continued to increase, and it is important for student-athletes to utilize career resources available to them. Research has shown that student-athletes struggle with career readiness and lack of confidence in transitioning out of their athletic career. It is important to adequately prepare them for the workforce, as very few college student-athletes become professional athletes. Without adequate preparation, student-athletes may face unemployment, find jobs that are dissatisfying, and deal with mental health consequences that are associated with negative career transitions. This project seeks to address these challenges by proposing a solution that includes a series of panel discussions from former student-athletes and employers from a variety of industries, with additional advisor training targeted at student-athletes. By making student-athletes aware of career readiness resources, this project adds to student-athletes’ confidence in their post-graduate future.
ScholarWorks Citation
Gibbs, Elizabeth M., "From Student-Athlete to Working Professional: Career Readiness for College Athletes" (2025). Culminating Experience Projects. 543.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/gradprojects/543
