13 answers
Ezra
Student
Charleston, South Carolina
1
Question
Asked
1228 views
How do I know what career path I should pursue, if I have multiple possible pathways ?
I am a student-athlete in college who is about to graduate. I would love to play my sport professionally but I am also interested in coaching, training, and even creating a business in coaching and training.
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13 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
1009
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
You might start out by exploring your personal interests and strengths through activities like taking career assessments, at a local job or employment center. This will help you determine where your greatest strengths are, whether it be in things like Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Math, Sports Careers and other career concentrations.
Next, research different potential career paths by conducting informational interviews with people like college professors and people at the career center, and investigating national and regional job market trends.
Finally, consider your long-term goals and values, and remember that it is okay to be undecided and be willing to change things around as you get more experience and learn more about yourself and different fields. As we grow older we should definitely be willing to seek more education and engage in activities that will enable us to progress in life.
I have a basic formula, when it comes to determining a college major or even a future occupation. Choose something that you love to do, not just a passion, but really love. It must be something that you love so much, that even if they did not pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway. American historian, David McCullough, said it even more clearly. He stated that he loved writing about history so much, that he would have paid someone, so that he could do it every day. His love of his major and occupation was this great.
Next, research different potential career paths by conducting informational interviews with people like college professors and people at the career center, and investigating national and regional job market trends.
Finally, consider your long-term goals and values, and remember that it is okay to be undecided and be willing to change things around as you get more experience and learn more about yourself and different fields. As we grow older we should definitely be willing to seek more education and engage in activities that will enable us to progress in life.
I have a basic formula, when it comes to determining a college major or even a future occupation. Choose something that you love to do, not just a passion, but really love. It must be something that you love so much, that even if they did not pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway. American historian, David McCullough, said it even more clearly. He stated that he loved writing about history so much, that he would have paid someone, so that he could do it every day. His love of his major and occupation was this great.
Jesica Fonville Botek
Product Manager for a Software Engineering Team
2
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Jesica’s Answer
Ah, my son is going through this exact situation now in college! He loves tennis - he loves playing it, coaching it, you name it. He realizes that playing tennis likely won't result in a full-time career, as most people out there are not skilled enough to make it to the ranks of professional sports. Therefore, we've discussed having him focus on what can make money from this when he is out of college, such as coaching or being an administrator at a full-time program like a youth camp, YMCA, or country club. He has also floated the idea of opening a coaching school as well.
He will be able to enter tennis tournaments on the weekends to ensure that he can play his sport, and he will get to play when he's instructing as well. He hopes to use the weekend tournament time to improve enough that he might eventually be able to play professionally, but we needed to step back and make sure he focuses on having a career path for now, fresh out of college, to make money while he works towards that goal.
You should understand that you may never be elite enough to play sports professionally to launch it in a career, and even if you do, you won't be able to keep playing once your body is older and starts to give out physically. Therefore, you will need other avenues to fall back on, while working to make your dream of professional sports come true. Work towards both, at the same time, but give priority to the one that will keep food on the table and the rent paid while you work towards the harder and more lofty goal of professional sports.
He will be able to enter tennis tournaments on the weekends to ensure that he can play his sport, and he will get to play when he's instructing as well. He hopes to use the weekend tournament time to improve enough that he might eventually be able to play professionally, but we needed to step back and make sure he focuses on having a career path for now, fresh out of college, to make money while he works towards that goal.
You should understand that you may never be elite enough to play sports professionally to launch it in a career, and even if you do, you won't be able to keep playing once your body is older and starts to give out physically. Therefore, you will need other avenues to fall back on, while working to make your dream of professional sports come true. Work towards both, at the same time, but give priority to the one that will keep food on the table and the rent paid while you work towards the harder and more lofty goal of professional sports.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1085
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Ezra,
There are many possible career paths in sports or involving sports. Since you have been around sports for a while now, you should have an idea what you find exciting. What did you major in? What degree are you going to have? Ideally, there should be a hint what your ideas and plans were when you went off to college. Did that change while you were a student or are you still interested in that path?
A professional career is only viable if you are "good enough" to make it. If you are a star athlete with potential to get even better with professional training, it could be a very rewarding path. If you are a middling college athlete, it could be miserable trying to make a living. The viability would also depend on the sport you play. Are you in a high-paying sport like basketball or tennis or one where you will always be struggling? If you play an individual sport like tennis you can register for tournaments and see how far you get. Can you make a living off it? If you are in a team sport, you'd need a team to recruit you. You also have the risk of early injury, and, depending on the sport, a professional career might not be very long. So, you'll need a backup plan no matter what.
There are many careers around sports where a background as an athlete would be very beneficial: Athletic trainer, coach, sports journalist, sports manager, sports psychologist, sports marketing, sports physician/orthopedic, personal trainer, nutritionists, physical therapist, team manager, facility management, event management and many more. Each one of those has their specific educational requirements. You'd have to check the ones you find interesting and get the degree/certificates/licenses that are required.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
There are many possible career paths in sports or involving sports. Since you have been around sports for a while now, you should have an idea what you find exciting. What did you major in? What degree are you going to have? Ideally, there should be a hint what your ideas and plans were when you went off to college. Did that change while you were a student or are you still interested in that path?
A professional career is only viable if you are "good enough" to make it. If you are a star athlete with potential to get even better with professional training, it could be a very rewarding path. If you are a middling college athlete, it could be miserable trying to make a living. The viability would also depend on the sport you play. Are you in a high-paying sport like basketball or tennis or one where you will always be struggling? If you play an individual sport like tennis you can register for tournaments and see how far you get. Can you make a living off it? If you are in a team sport, you'd need a team to recruit you. You also have the risk of early injury, and, depending on the sport, a professional career might not be very long. So, you'll need a backup plan no matter what.
There are many careers around sports where a background as an athlete would be very beneficial: Athletic trainer, coach, sports journalist, sports manager, sports psychologist, sports marketing, sports physician/orthopedic, personal trainer, nutritionists, physical therapist, team manager, facility management, event management and many more. Each one of those has their specific educational requirements. You'd have to check the ones you find interesting and get the degree/certificates/licenses that are required.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Yasmin Mohamed Alamin
Clinical Nutrition Student
63
Answers
Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Updated
Yasmin’s Answer
Hi Ezra 👋🏻 ...
When you have multiple possible paths, it helps to explore each option in a practical way rather than trying to decide purely in your head.
1. Test your options: Try internships, shadowing, or small projects in coaching, training, or sports business. Experiencing the work day-to-day gives clarity.
2. Evaluate your priorities: What matters most—passion for the sport, financial stability, creativity, or lifestyle? Knowing this helps weigh choices.
3. Combine paths where possible: For example, you could play professionally while building skills in coaching or business on the side. Many people layer their careers rather than choosing just one path.
4. Seek mentors: Talk to professionals who have navigated similar choices—they can give realistic insight into what each path is like.
5. Accept flexibility: Your first choice doesn’t have to be permanent. Careers evolve, and skills from one area often transfer to another.
Focus on experiencing, reflecting, and building transferable skills—this approach will make your decision clearer and give you options for the future.
When you have multiple possible paths, it helps to explore each option in a practical way rather than trying to decide purely in your head.
1. Test your options: Try internships, shadowing, or small projects in coaching, training, or sports business. Experiencing the work day-to-day gives clarity.
2. Evaluate your priorities: What matters most—passion for the sport, financial stability, creativity, or lifestyle? Knowing this helps weigh choices.
3. Combine paths where possible: For example, you could play professionally while building skills in coaching or business on the side. Many people layer their careers rather than choosing just one path.
4. Seek mentors: Talk to professionals who have navigated similar choices—they can give realistic insight into what each path is like.
5. Accept flexibility: Your first choice doesn’t have to be permanent. Careers evolve, and skills from one area often transfer to another.
Focus on experiencing, reflecting, and building transferable skills—this approach will make your decision clearer and give you options for the future.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2397
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you have interest in sports and business coaching
Below are my suggestions :
1. There are many careers that related to your interest, e.g. Sport athletes, Fitness & Personal Training, Sports Coach, Sport Journalist, Sport Commentor, Sports Psychologist, Business Consultant, Training & Development Manager, Human Resources, etc. You can find out more related careers online.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest.
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. There are many careers that related to your interest, e.g. Sport athletes, Fitness & Personal Training, Sports Coach, Sport Journalist, Sport Commentor, Sports Psychologist, Business Consultant, Training & Development Manager, Human Resources, etc. You can find out more related careers online.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest.
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Mike McClelland
Senior Director of Business and AI Innovation Value
3
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Great question Ezra. A fulfilling career rarely follows a straight line. For most people—especially early in their professional journey—clarity emerges through exploration rather than predetermined planning. Your interests, strengths, and ambitions will evolve as you gain new experiences, and that evolution is not only normal but incredibly valuable.
One helpful way to think about professional growth is to view your career in chapters, each with a distinct purpose and developmental focus:
Chapter 1: Your 20s – Exploration and Discovery
This is your decade to sample widely and learn deeply about what energizes you. Experiment with different industries, functions, and environments. Pay attention to what challenges you, what inspires you, and what brings a sense of meaning—emotionally, financially, or even spiritually.
This stage is less about choosing the “perfect path” and more about gathering insight into who you are at work and what you want from your professional life.
Chapter 2: Your 30s – Building Capability and Credibility
Once you’ve identified a direction that resonates, this is the time to hone your craft. Develop expertise, pursue advanced responsibilities, and build a reputation for reliability and impact. In these years, you begin proving your earning potential and setting the foundation for long-term success.
Chapter 3: Your 40s – Excellence and Expansion
With experience and mastery behind you, your 40s often become the decade where you excel in your chosen field. You understand the landscape, have built meaningful relationships, and can deliver value with confidence. This is also when many professionals experience substantial leaps in influence and compensation.
Chapter 4: Your 50s – Leadership and Innovation
By this point, you carry not only knowledge but wisdom. You have the opportunity to shape the field you’ve grown within—leading teams, mentoring others, championing new ideas, and leaving a meaningful legacy. Many find this chapter to be the most fulfilling because it blends purpose with experience.
Why this framework matters
Viewing your career through these chapters can release the pressure to get everything “right” at the beginning. Few people discover their ideal path immediately, and even fewer stay on a single track forever. This approach encourages curiosity, resilience, and growth. More importantly, it empowers you to define success on your own terms rather than feeling boxed into a single decision made too early.
Anecdotally, many accomplished leaders credit their success not to choosing the perfect starting point, but to staying flexible, learning quickly, and taking opportunities that aligned with who they were becoming—not just who they were at the beginning. Research from the Federal Reserve Bank and multiple global talent studies also shows that early-career mobility often correlates with higher job satisfaction and long-term earning potential because it helps individuals find the environments where they perform best.
One helpful way to think about professional growth is to view your career in chapters, each with a distinct purpose and developmental focus:
Chapter 1: Your 20s – Exploration and Discovery
This is your decade to sample widely and learn deeply about what energizes you. Experiment with different industries, functions, and environments. Pay attention to what challenges you, what inspires you, and what brings a sense of meaning—emotionally, financially, or even spiritually.
This stage is less about choosing the “perfect path” and more about gathering insight into who you are at work and what you want from your professional life.
Chapter 2: Your 30s – Building Capability and Credibility
Once you’ve identified a direction that resonates, this is the time to hone your craft. Develop expertise, pursue advanced responsibilities, and build a reputation for reliability and impact. In these years, you begin proving your earning potential and setting the foundation for long-term success.
Chapter 3: Your 40s – Excellence and Expansion
With experience and mastery behind you, your 40s often become the decade where you excel in your chosen field. You understand the landscape, have built meaningful relationships, and can deliver value with confidence. This is also when many professionals experience substantial leaps in influence and compensation.
Chapter 4: Your 50s – Leadership and Innovation
By this point, you carry not only knowledge but wisdom. You have the opportunity to shape the field you’ve grown within—leading teams, mentoring others, championing new ideas, and leaving a meaningful legacy. Many find this chapter to be the most fulfilling because it blends purpose with experience.
Why this framework matters
Viewing your career through these chapters can release the pressure to get everything “right” at the beginning. Few people discover their ideal path immediately, and even fewer stay on a single track forever. This approach encourages curiosity, resilience, and growth. More importantly, it empowers you to define success on your own terms rather than feeling boxed into a single decision made too early.
Anecdotally, many accomplished leaders credit their success not to choosing the perfect starting point, but to staying flexible, learning quickly, and taking opportunities that aligned with who they were becoming—not just who they were at the beginning. Research from the Federal Reserve Bank and multiple global talent studies also shows that early-career mobility often correlates with higher job satisfaction and long-term earning potential because it helps individuals find the environments where they perform best.
Mrinalini K
Project manager
12
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Mrinalini’s Answer
List your interests and strengths.
Research roles and growth for each option.
Try small experiments (courses, internships).
Talk to professionals for real-world insight.
Pick the path that excites you most—you can always pivot later.
Research roles and growth for each option.
Try small experiments (courses, internships).
Talk to professionals for real-world insight.
Pick the path that excites you most—you can always pivot later.
Simon Contini - CTOA FBCI MBCP
Consulting Services
2
Answers
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Simon’s Answer
Clarify Your Core Goals. Ask yourself:
What excites you most right now? Playing professionally, coaching, or entrepreneurship? What lifestyle do you want? Professional sports can be intense and short-lived; coaching and business offer more stability. What values matter most? Fame, financial security, flexibility, impact on others?
Understand the Value of Each Path
Professional Athlete
High market value and credibility.
Opens doors for endorsements, media, and future coaching roles.
Risk: Short career span, injury potential.
Coaching/Training
Builds long-term expertise and relationships.
Can start part-time while playing professionally.
Scales into business opportunities later.
Entrepreneurship in Coaching
Leverages your athlete brand for trust and authority.
Offers financial independence and scalability.
Requires business skills and planning.
Combine Paths for Maximum Leverage
Your idea is spot-on:
Play professionally while learning coaching and business skills.
This creates
- Fallback Plan: If injury or setbacks occur, you already have a second career ready.
- Differentiation: Few coaches have pro-level experience AND entrepreneurial skills.
- Brand Power: Your athlete status becomes a marketing asset for your future business.
Practical Steps
Start Now
- Take coaching certifications while still playing at a professional level (can help you understand what other coaches often forget, how to train to get where you are) vs trying to do that after you move on from playing professionally).
- Network with trainers, coaches, and sports business professionals.
Build Your Brand
- Share your journey on social media (training tips, athlete mindset).
- Position yourself as both a player and future coach.
Learn Business Basics
- Consider short courses in sports management or entrepreneurship.
- Explore partnerships or internships in sports organizations.
Decision Framework
If you’re unsure, think in terms of priority + backup:-
- Primary Goal: Play professionally (if that’s your passion).
- Secondary Goal: Develop coaching and business skills alongside.
This way, you’re not choosing one path—you’re creating a career ecosystem.
What excites you most right now? Playing professionally, coaching, or entrepreneurship? What lifestyle do you want? Professional sports can be intense and short-lived; coaching and business offer more stability. What values matter most? Fame, financial security, flexibility, impact on others?
Understand the Value of Each Path
Professional Athlete
High market value and credibility.
Opens doors for endorsements, media, and future coaching roles.
Risk: Short career span, injury potential.
Coaching/Training
Builds long-term expertise and relationships.
Can start part-time while playing professionally.
Scales into business opportunities later.
Entrepreneurship in Coaching
Leverages your athlete brand for trust and authority.
Offers financial independence and scalability.
Requires business skills and planning.
Combine Paths for Maximum Leverage
Your idea is spot-on:
Play professionally while learning coaching and business skills.
This creates
- Fallback Plan: If injury or setbacks occur, you already have a second career ready.
- Differentiation: Few coaches have pro-level experience AND entrepreneurial skills.
- Brand Power: Your athlete status becomes a marketing asset for your future business.
Practical Steps
Start Now
- Take coaching certifications while still playing at a professional level (can help you understand what other coaches often forget, how to train to get where you are) vs trying to do that after you move on from playing professionally).
- Network with trainers, coaches, and sports business professionals.
Build Your Brand
- Share your journey on social media (training tips, athlete mindset).
- Position yourself as both a player and future coach.
Learn Business Basics
- Consider short courses in sports management or entrepreneurship.
- Explore partnerships or internships in sports organizations.
Decision Framework
If you’re unsure, think in terms of priority + backup:-
- Primary Goal: Play professionally (if that’s your passion).
- Secondary Goal: Develop coaching and business skills alongside.
This way, you’re not choosing one path—you’re creating a career ecosystem.
Jenna Zhou
4
Answers
Updated
Jenna’s Answer
When you have multiple possible career paths, a helpful way to decide is by finding the intersection of what you’re good at, what you enjoy doing, and what society needs. Start by listing your strengths and skills, then identify activities or roles that genuinely excite you. Next, consider how these align with real-world problems or demands—careers that contribute meaningfully to others tend to be more fulfilling and sustainable. If financial freedom is not a concern, you can focus entirely on purpose and passion; otherwise, factor in compensation as well. This approach ensures your choice is both personally rewarding and impactful.
Dolly Sud
Technology/Software Sales
5
Answers
Danville, California
Updated
Dolly’s Answer
Hi Ezra,
What excites you most now?
Instead of making a big decision, sample the path:
Shadow someone in that role
Do a small project or course
Talk to 3 people currently doing it
Try a day-in-the-life simulation
Hope this helps.
What excites you most now?
Instead of making a big decision, sample the path:
Shadow someone in that role
Do a small project or course
Talk to 3 people currently doing it
Try a day-in-the-life simulation
Hope this helps.
Kate Jackson Wendelboe
Management
3
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Kate’s Answer
You are in a fantastic position, and it's great to see your positive outlook on the future.
Keep your options open and explore different paths simultaneously....
Continue excelling in your sport at the high level you are now. At the same time, try out coaching and business development. For coaching, consider getting some qualifications and start coaching local kids' teams if you haven't yet.
For business development, look for free online courses and books that teach you how to start a business, find customers, and make money.
Focus on what you enjoy and what energizes you. Take small steps to explore these interests further.
Identify what you need to do to pursue a professional sports career. What is your immediate next step here?
Identify what you need to do next to explore coaching. What is your immediate next step here?
Identify what you need to do next to explore business development. What is your immediate next step here?
Keep your options open and explore different paths simultaneously....
Continue excelling in your sport at the high level you are now. At the same time, try out coaching and business development. For coaching, consider getting some qualifications and start coaching local kids' teams if you haven't yet.
For business development, look for free online courses and books that teach you how to start a business, find customers, and make money.
Focus on what you enjoy and what energizes you. Take small steps to explore these interests further.
Kate recommends the following next steps:
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Ezra. You need to think about what you really enjoy and want long-term. Since you want to play your sport professionally, ask yourself how important that is to you compared to your other interests. Playing professionally is a big dream and can be exciting, but it can also be tough because the career is uncertain, physically demanding, and competitive. On the other hand, coaching or training offers a more stable, long-term career, and you could have a lasting impact on others. Think about which path excites you more: the thrill of being a professional athlete, or helping others improve and building a career in coaching and training.
Next, you should consider the skills you like using. Playing professionally, coaching, and running a business all require different skills. As a player, you focus on improving your own performance. But coaching might interest you more if you like guiding and teaching others. Running a business would need you to use creativity and leadership skills. Think about what you're good at and what you enjoy. Do you like being on the field competing, leading a team, or starting and managing a business?
Also, you need to think about the lifestyle you want. The life of a professional athlete is exciting but can be hard. It requires a lot of travel and physical effort. Coaching or training may give you a more balanced routine and allow you to set your own schedule. If you want more freedom and variety in your work, coaching or owning a business might be a better fit.
A great way to decide is to try out each option. You may look for internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities in coaching or training. You could also talk to professionals in each field to learn about their experiences.
Next, you should consider the skills you like using. Playing professionally, coaching, and running a business all require different skills. As a player, you focus on improving your own performance. But coaching might interest you more if you like guiding and teaching others. Running a business would need you to use creativity and leadership skills. Think about what you're good at and what you enjoy. Do you like being on the field competing, leading a team, or starting and managing a business?
Also, you need to think about the lifestyle you want. The life of a professional athlete is exciting but can be hard. It requires a lot of travel and physical effort. Coaching or training may give you a more balanced routine and allow you to set your own schedule. If you want more freedom and variety in your work, coaching or owning a business might be a better fit.
A great way to decide is to try out each option. You may look for internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities in coaching or training. You could also talk to professionals in each field to learn about their experiences.
John McGhee
Product Development Manager
2
Answers
Boquete, Chiriquí Province
Updated
John’s Answer
As you prepare to graduate, consider looking for graduate coaching positions at colleges or universities, especially if you're interested in furthering your education. These roles offer valuable coaching experience and the chance to connect with future mentors, opening up more opportunities for you.
Typically, these positions provide a decent stipend and the possibility of earning a Master's degree at no cost. I followed this path, spent five years coaching a club team, and eventually transitioned into a business career, all thanks to the Master's degree I earned this way.
Typically, these positions provide a decent stipend and the possibility of earning a Master's degree at no cost. I followed this path, spent five years coaching a club team, and eventually transitioned into a business career, all thanks to the Master's degree I earned this way.