What Happens to College Athletes Post-Graduation?

I'm an athlete and I've been thinking of the future a lot recently. I'm just wondering, what generally happens to most college athletes after they graduate? Do they go pro, work in related industries or something totally different?

There are many possible paths for college athletes after graduation, and it largely depends on the individual's interests, skill level, and the sport they are involved in.

A small percentage of college athletes do go on to become professional athletes, although this is usually the exception rather than the rule. This can vary quite a bit between sports. For instance, the number of student-athletes that make it to the NFL or NBA is a tiny fraction of those that compete in college, while sports like baseball, golf, or tennis might have higher rates of professional athletes because of the larger number of professional opportunities globally.

Many athletes work in related industries such as sports management, coaching, training, sports marketing or sports journalism. These careers allow them to leverage their knowledge of the sport and its industry. In fact, some universities offer degree programs specifically designed for athletes, focusing on sports management or similar fields.

However, a good percentage of student-athletes also go into careers that aren't directly related to their sport. Their disciplinary skills, teamwork, and leadership abilities learned on the field or court are easily transferable to many other professions.

Another option is continuing education such as graduate school. Athletes often have strong time management skills from balancing sport and academics, which can be beneficial in a more academically rigorous environment.

It's not uncommon for athletes to use their network built through their sporting careers to find job opportunities, internships, or mentors. Remember, while being a student-athlete can indeed open many doors in your career, it's also essential to focus on building your academic credentials and exploring other interests and skills outside of your sport.