Student-Athletes Lag Behind Peers in Career-Building Resume Skills

From the playing field to the boardroom, student-athletes bring more than just game-day grit. A new analysis from LiveCareer, based on nearly 700,000 U.S. resumes created between 2018 and 2025, sheds light on how student-athletes present themselves as they prepare to enter the workforce.

The data shows that student-athletes excel in highlighting qualities such as work ethic, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure. However, compared to non-athletes, resumes from this group are less likely to showcase professional development or problem-solving skills, critical areas that could strengthen their appeal to potential employers.

Key Findings

Athletes outperform in work ethic and adaptability. Student-athletes list "work ethic" 62% more frequently and "stress management" 47% more often than their non-athlete peers, a key indicator of the discipline and mental resilience that athletic programs cultivate.
Teamwork and organizational skills are core strengths. "Teamwork" appears 20% more frequently on student athlete resumes, and "organizational skills" are listed 15% more often, highlighting their ability to collaborate effectively and manage responsibilities.
Problem-solving and professional development are underrepresented. Student-athletes mention "problem solving and critical thinking" 63% less often and "professional development" 138% less often than non-athletes, indicating a gap in articulating transferable analytical and career-building skills.
There’s a lower emphasis on motivation and initiative. Surprisingly, student-athletes list "motivation and initiative" 42% less frequently than non-athletes, despite their experience in competitive environments.
Technical and interpersonal skills show minimal difference. While athletes report "technical skills" 12% more often than non-athletes, they are 24% less likely to highlight "interpersonal skills," suggesting a need to refine how they present their communication abilities.

The Career Playbook: Job Search Advice for Student-Athlete Career Development

The study underscores that while student-athletes develop many valuable workplace traits, they may need additional support to translate their experiences into the professional world effectively.

To ensure employers recognize their unique strengths, student-athletes can take these proactive steps to showcase their skills and experience:

Translate athletic achievements into workplace skills. In job searches, highlight key skills of a student-athlete, such as leadership, teamwork, and discipline gained from sports, and pair them with time management skills developed by balancing academics and athletics.
Use action-oriented language on resumes. Describe achievements with strong action verbs like “led,” “coordinated,” or “achieved” to clearly demonstrate their skill set to employers.
Seek out career coaching for support. Use college career centers to get feedback on athlete career transition, resumes, and job search materials, ensuring these tools connect with employers and available opportunities for student-athlete career development.
Develop an online presence. Build a strong professional brand by creating a LinkedIn profile to showcase achievements and connect with classmates, coaches, and professionals.
Request recommendations that highlight in-demand skills. Letters of recommendation from coaches, professors, or mentors can emphasize key skills that are highly valuable in the workplace. Additionally, LinkedIn’s recommendation feature also captures feedback.
Practice storytelling for interviews. Prepare and practice stories that demonstrate overcoming challenges, leading teams, or managing high-pressure situations, helping to excel in interviews and networking conversations.
Focus on networking and attending networking events. Attend networking events, career fairs, and industry panels to explore career paths and build valuable professional connections.
Gain experience during the off-season. Pursue internships or volunteer roles in the off-season to build professional experience and showcase skills developed through sports.

Employers looking for disciplined and team-oriented candidates should consider the untapped potential of former athletes and provide guidance to help them highlight their transferable skills.

For press inquiries, contact Elizabeth Buccianti, senior manager public relations, at elizabeth.buccianti@bold.com.

Methodology

This analysis was conducted using resume data from LiveCareer’s extensive database of job seekers across multiple industries. The study examined the frequency of skill mentions among student-athletes compared to non-athlete job seekers, identifying key differences in how they present their qualifications.

About LiveCareer

LiveCareer's online Resume Builder is designed to empower its users to get better jobs and improve their job search. A one-stop shop among AI resume builder tools, LiveCareer features cutting-edge resume templates, a powerful cover letter builder, and extensive free career resources to support job candidates in reaching their professional goals. Trusted by over 10 million users around the world, LiveCareer has been publishing expert advice from Certified Professional Resume Writers since 2005. LiveCareer’s career tips have been featured in renowned media outlets, including Bloomberg, Forbes, and Newsweek. Stay connected with LiveCareer's latest updates to improve your job search on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.