Life Guidance: What do I do Where do I go? (Sports/Creative/Business).?
I am a freshman in college going down the route of graduating with some sort of Business degree. I have found myself to be a creative person from a young age, which I’m not sure a business major fits. I loved drawing, designing, and coming up with ideas.
I still do, it is just that TENNIS has become an addiction for the past few years. However, I no longer have a tennis team to participate in which drives me nuts. With this information, I know I would love to be a part of the sports industry.
I find the roles of management, marketing, designing, fashion, and coaching to be interesting careers. I also wouldn’t mind being a part of entertainment (concerts, film sets, etc.).
I'm just unsure of where to go after understanding these things about myself.
9 answers
Dr’s Answer
First just wanna say, You love tennis. That’s clear. But let’s be real—what if tennis was never supposed to be the end goal? What if it was just the foundation for something even bigger?
Some people start in one field and move on to something completely unexpected—but it all still connects. Maybe tennis taught you discipline, strategy, competition, and passion, but maybe you’ll end up using those things in an entirely new way.
Your gut already knows what excites you. Follow that. Start testing different things without fear. Because here’s the truth: you’re not starting over—you’re leveling up.
Now, I gotta say, Yashasvi absolutely crushed it with their advice. They hit on something really important: careers aren’t linear. And that’s the truth! People think they have to pick one thing and stick to it forever, but honestly? That’s like ordering the same meal at a restaurant every time because you’re scared to try something new. Life’s too big for that.
So let’s break this down even further. You’ve got three big themes:
1. Tennis – Your addiction, your love, and clearly something you don’t want to let go of.
2. Creativity – You love designing, coming up with ideas, and expressing yourself.
3. Business – You’re on that path, but wondering if it really fits your creative side.
Here’s where the magic happens: all three can exist together. You don’t have to choose between them—you just need to find their intersections.
Let’s talk strategy now because it's sports aye! 😶🌫️
1. Tennis Isn’t Over—It’s Just Changing Shape
You don’t have a team anymore, but that doesn’t mean tennis has to take a backseat. Coaching is an option, sure, but also—have you considered sports content creation? What if you started a creative project around tennis? Maybe a YouTube channel where you talk about technique but with a fun, personal twist? Or a blog about tennis fashion, gear reviews, or even sports psychology? (Because let’s be real, sports are 50% skill, 50% mental game, and 100% fun to rant about.)
2. Your Creativity Can Be Your Secret Weapon in Sports Business
– You could dive into sports marketing—helping brands, teams, or events create eye-catching campaigns.
– You could work in sportswear and design (Nike, Adidas, Wilson—they all need designers and creative thinkers).
– Sports event branding is huge—what if you helped design posters, social media graphics, or even court layouts for local tournaments?
3. Mix Business + Sports = Power Move
– Ever thought about sports management? Agents, brand strategists, event managers—they all need a sharp business mind with a creative twist.
– You could look at entrepreneurship—what if you started a small business around tennis? A merch brand? A tennis coaching startup? A platform for local players to find hitting partners?
REMEMBER MAN!
You’re not lost, Justin. You’re loaded with POTENTIAL, Potential man, and you’re standing at the start of a wild, awesome journey. Instead of stressing about “where do I go?”—start testing things out. 🙂↕️ Take a small step in each direction and see what sticks. That’s how careers are built—not by picking a path, but by walking it. Small steps lead to bigger ones just like Niel Armstrong 🥸!
And if anyone ever tells you to “just pick one thing and focus,” remind them that some of the most successful people in the world didn’t fit into one box—they built their own. If one thing is why is there for you okay but if not come one why keep yourself in a tiny package🤔.... You got this! 😉 So go ahead and I say build yours. And have a blast while doing it. If you need anything at all through the way just come and click we are just a message away for you mate. I hope this helps but if I missed anything just ask away, happy to help Justin! 😎
Now!!! Turn the Page, but Don’t Close the Book! You don’t have to "move on" from tennis. But you DO have to move forward. You can bring tennis with you, in a new way, or you can use it as a stepping stone to something greater.
This isn’t the end of your story, Justin. This is just the part where the main character goes through something tough before coming back stronger than ever. And when you do? It’s gonna be legendary.
You got this, mate.
Dr recommends the following next steps:
Caroline Tomey
Caroline’s Answer
Since you love sports and creativity, yu could explore careers in sports marketing, event management, sports apparel design, or even creative direction in the sports industry. Look into internships with sports, brands, teams, or agencies. If you're drawn more to entertainment, event planning or marketing in concerts/film could be a great fit too.
Right now, focus on gaining hands-on experience - join clubs, take internships, and network with people in these industries. Over time, you'll start to see what excites you most. You don't need all the answers today, just keep exploring! You're on the right track.
Charlie’s Answer
Pursue your passion, whatever it may be. If you are not passionate about anything in particular volunteer for a non-profit to stay engaged you will quickly learn what you like and don't like. Make some personal and professional goals, then make a plan and work your plan to achieve those goals. I have found that good things happen when you just show up! After graduating from broadcasting school I worked three part-time jobs in radio just to begin accumulating experience and references and to build my resume. I also worked part time in construction and quickly learned that it wasn't for me. Throughout my broadcast career I worked for a few managers that did things well and a few who did not manage very well, my managerial style was shaped by both the good and bad. I got into broadcasting to be a DJ, after some time my priorities changed, I needed more money so I got into sales which later transitioned into management. My part time experiences as a DJ, copywriter, part-time promotions guy and sales person helped to make me a more well rounded manager than others who didn't have those experiences. For me the only constant was change, people moved on to pursue other opportunities which open the door for me to fill those positions. Good things happen when you show up! So...show up Justin!
Douglas’s Answer
Joanne’s Answer
Afrad’s Answer
From my experience, some do experience that "aha" moment but many simply flow into their careers and eventually get comfortable and even like it. The details you shared show that you've already done a great job assessing your interests and have a good understanding of potential paths for yourself. That alone indicates that you'll be successful in whatever path you choose; you're analytical and objective!
I recommend trying to experience as many of these things that you're interested in, even those where you have just a little interest. This will provide you a better understanding of how they are in the real world, versus what you hear or may read about.
Take opportunities to do internships, site visits, volunteer, or anything that would allow you to witness employees in the field. Youtube has a lot of videos on almost any field or job, that can shed light as well. Keep in mind this is not a guaranteed formula to give you that "epiphany" that you seek, but would greatly increase the probability.
Similar to what you shared, I studied electrical engineering but found that I did not like it. I then changed to a general major, not sure where to go.
By the end semester, I decided to speak to an advisor, who simply asked what I (as a person) liked, regardless of whether or not there was an available program. From that, she introduced me to Engineering technology, which I began as it piqued my interest. However, through the program, I learned about process improvement methodologies (such as Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma)....and at this point, I did experience that "AHA" moment you seek! It is a great feeling indeed, and to date, I shifted from engineering to focus on process improvement full-time, and loving it!
Hope this helps and all the best!
Alison’s Answer
Mike’s Answer
Being great in business requires someone with great creativity. The most revolutionary people in the history of business were passionate about what they did AND very creative, coming up with ideas or strategies well beyond the "normal" approach of the day.
Going into sports business is only getting harder, but if that is your passion it is certainly an option. However I would take the time to look at what industries are bound for growth over the next 5-10 years, see if you have a passion or interest in one, and focus your efforts on growing your overall skills in that industry.
AI is going to completely change business. The differentiating factor will be creativity and passion. So above all find a passion, apply your creativity and you will flourish.
I say focus on the 5-10 year range, and focus on growing your general skills, because as time goes by your passion might change however if you have developed the skills you will be prepared to pivot with your passion.
Good luck my friend,
Mike
Bright’s Answer
Creative business careers include creative director in sportswear, advertising and digital marketing, graphic design and content creation, and starting your own creative business. Entertainment industry careers include music and event management, production design for film and TV, and sports media & broadcasting.
To explore these careers, consider joining sports marketing, business, or entertainment clubs at your college, looking for internships in sports management, marketing, or event planning, freelance and building a portfolio, networking with professionals on LinkedIn, attending sports or entertainment industry conferences, and considering double majoring or minoring in marketing, graphic design, or sports management.
In conclusion, you don't have to choose one path forever; you can explore and pivot along the way. Consider staying involved in sports while using your creative and business skills to carve out a unique career. Consider internships at sports agencies, entertainment companies, or fashion brands to see what excites you most.