Career exploration exercises help you to gain a deeper understanding of different professions and industries, as well as your own values, interests, and career aspirations.

There’s been a boom in athlete-entrepreneurs in recent years thanks to increased awareness of personal branding, the potential for post-athletic career opportunities, and the ease of access to resources and platforms for launching businesses.

One thing every college graduate needs to understand is the basics of personal finance — how to manage money, make informed decisions, and plan for a secure financial future.

The world of work is much different than it was a generation ago. The standard career no longer involves 40 years in the same job or at the same company. Career paths today and into the future will look much more squiggly than linear, which requires a new way of thinking about your professional journey.

It’s not enough just to have goals. You need a system in place for achieving them. Mindful routines, good habits, and consistent goal tracking keep you on a path of progress.

Pursuing an advanced degree can be an excellent way to invest in your future success. It’s an experience that can open new doors of opportunity if you play it right.

To get hired, you need to effectively communicate your qualifications, experiences, and suitability for a job. Practicing interview skills helps candidates build confidence and feel ready for any question an interviewer might ask.

Develop a simple action plan for finding good job opportunities. Leverage your network, utilize job boards, and refine your online research skills.

Leverage your athletic experience to grow as a leader who knows how to engage teammates in a professional setting and work towards common goals.

Every athlete’s playing days must come to an end at some point. To minimize the shock of this transition, start thinking about your talents and interests beyond athletics.

Expanding your professional connections gives you better access to opportunities and increases your chances of career advancement. Effective networking can lead to mentorship, job referrals, and collaborations, helping individuals navigate their careers more successfully.

NIL has presented incredible opportunities for student-athletes to make some well-deserved money, sure. But it has also created an avenue for athletes to develop professional skills that will have long-term benefits, no matter how large or small their earning potential is in college. Getting sound NIL guidance helps to relieve some of the stress and confusion that can come with this new frontier in college sports.

Know yourself, your strengths, and your values. Showcase your skills and shape your online presence to create new opportunities.

Make a great first impression by being organized, concise, and relevant in your application materials.

Utilize proven methods to identify your unique talents and capabilities. Understanding and leveraging your strengths in the workplace leads to enhanced productivity, better teamwork, and increased job satisfaction.

Playing sports teaches you how to self-manage, how respond to adversity, how to lead, and how to work with a team towards a shared goal, among many other valuable things. These skills are highly applicable to professional settings and employers love to hire former athletes for this very reason.

Internships, job shadows, and part-time work in college bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, improving your employability and professional skills. Athletes can be creative with summer and off-season time to gain valuable work experience.