By: Kim Pulliam
In today’s competitive and high stress world of work, adding competent and eager high drivers to your workforce is a top priority. Having proven themselves on the courts or fields on which they participated in collegiate level sports, college athletes understand the importance of teamwork, commitment, and accountability and how those skills are essential for success. When facing setbacks, college athletes bring a team-first mentality with their experience in battling adversity – qualities that are also crucial for success in business.
High-drivers and fierce competitors are key players in the business world. It stands to reason that collegiate level athletes exhibit those qualities. CareerEco talked with Collin Hannigan, Temple University Football 2001 – 2004 and currently a recruiter for the finance industry. According to Hannigan, “As a former college athlete myself, I know the hard work and dedication that is required to succeed in a high pressure and competitive environment. A determined athlete will not give up until the goal is met – that is who I want on my work ‘team’!”
Here are Some of the Reasons Why Athletes Can Make Such Great Employees:
- Strong Work Ethic: Coaches held former college athletes accountable to show up and work hard at mandatory practice sessions. Through rigorous training schedules and balancing academics with sports, time management and sacrifice before reward, athletes hone these skills.
- Leadership Skills: Many college athletes have experience in leadership roles, such as team captains or leaders on their teams. These skills translate well into managerial and leadership positions within companies of all types.
- Resilience and Perseverance: Because of injuries and losses, athletes are prepared to overcome setbacks and failures. This creates resilient employees who can handle challenges and bounce back from disappointments. They have been taught and trained to show up and not give up before achieving success! They have developed the mindset required to persist since they were children.
- Goal-Oriented Mindset: College athletes are driven by goals, both personal and team-oriented. Having a winning attitude is incredibly valuable in business settings where setting and achieving objectives is paramount to success.
- Being adaptable: When one is on the field, the conditions may change due to weather, the opposing team and even injuries. Athletes have to be able to quickly adapt to new strategies, opponents, and conditions. When an employee can shift directions or plans quickly, that makes achieving a greater goal much easier and even more pleasant for fellow team members.
Areas of Business Where Former Athletes Might Excel:
- Sales and Marketing: Their competitive nature and goal-oriented mindset can drive sales targets and marketing campaigns.
- Human Resources: Teamwork and leadership experience can contribute to effective team management and employee engagement.
- Operations Management: Their ability to follow and improve processes aligns well with operational roles.
- Finance: Discipline and analytical skills make them suited for financial planning and analysis.
- Project Management: Their experience in setting and achieving goals translates well into managing projects and meeting deadlines.
In the final analysis, recruiting, hiring and working with former collegiate athletes is a talent acquisition opportunity. The attributes these competitors typically exhibit are invaluable assets to most working environments. Why not make a concerted effort to seek out these talented and proven to be dedicated individuals next time your company needs to fill a position? You may just get the champion that pushes your team to victory!
If you are interested in recruiting former collegiate athletic talent, register for the September 17th Student Athlete Virtual Career Fair. Meet with former college athletes seeking jobs and internships nationwide!