The post-grad playbook for former student-athletes

Graduation is arguably one of the happiest milestones in a young adult’s life. You’ve made it through finals, survived the appointment Olympics for graduation photo glam prep, and packed up the dorm that felt like home for the past four years.

It’s a moment that feels like the final scene in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” the start of a new chapter mixed with a moment of reality: Now what?

In a job market that’s more competitive than ever, that question can carry real weight. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate in the U.S. sits at 4.1%, with more than 7 million people actively searching for work.

For student-athletes, the transition into the workforce can feel especially layered. After years of living a highly structured life of practice, classes, and an active social life, transitioning to corporate America with its sudden lack of routine can feel like unfamiliar territory.

But here’s the good news: Student-athletes already have more to work with than you think.

Former athletes bring something to the table most entry-level candidates don’t: proven discipline, coachability, and the ability to adapt under pressure.

These traits don’t go unnoticed by hiring managers. A Gallup study measuring long-term outcomes of former student-athletes found they’re more likely to be thriving in the purpose element of their well-being. When it comes to employment, 82% of former student-athletes are working full or part time at their desired level, compared to 78% of non-athletes.

Still, when you’re scrolling through polished résumés and feed worthy curated career updates, it’s easy to feel like you’re behind. 

But here’s the truth: For student-athletes, your story — when told right — can be your biggest asset.

Social media isn’t just a place to connect with friends or share your lit highlights, it can also be used as a space to shape your narrative, build meaningful connections, and signal to the world who you are and where you’re headed. While no platform is one-size-fits-all, LinkedIn stands out as a space where student-athletes can start writing their next chapter.

To break it all down, we caught up with Drew McCaskill, a LinkedIn career expert and proud HBCU grad to talk about how student-athletes can use the standout skills they have to gain leverage and show up strong in today’s job market.

Building a profile that gets you seen

Start where the growth is

“Your first job doesn’t have to be your dream job, and that’s OK,” McCaskill said. “Go where the growth is.”

He recommended using sites like LinkedIn to identify industries that are actively hiring and sometimes even ones you may not have considered, like construction or financial services.

“You could still have a marketing or community impact job in one of these industries,” he said. The key is staying open-minded and intentional about your future.

Network like an athlete

“Relationships will save you when results won’t,” McCaskill said. “Even if your undergrad experience didn’t go perfectly, your network can make the difference.”

He advised new grads to tap into their existing circles — alumni associations, teammates, family, friends, even old internships.

“Ask your alumni office to introduce you to five people working in the industry you’re interested in and try to find folks who share your identity,” McCaskill said.

Also worth noting: Knowing someone at a company makes you four times more likely to get hired. So if you’re not asking around, you’re leaving an opportunity on the table.

Engage once a week, just like practice

“Your feed is what you make it,” McCaskill said. “Follow people in your field, join groups, and post regularly.”

Once your profile is solid, start engaging, McCaskill said. Follow professionals in your target industry to see what they’re talking about and to find conversations to engage in. Consider joining LinkedIn groups like The HBCU Career Center or Divine Nine networks to stay connected.

Then, aim to post at least once a week to stay visible. These groups help you tap into job leads, alumni insights, and real-time conversations that keep your professional momentum going even after graduation. You don’t have to be an expert. Just post what you’re learning, what excites you, what relevant content you’re consuming, or what you’re curious about.

“It shows people what you care about and that matters,” McCaskill said. “Gone are the days where people look at a piece of paper to understand who you are professionally.”

Treat your profile like a living resume

LinkedIn is more than a job board. Your profile is a place to chronicle your growth, pivots, and wins in your own words. Whether you’re heading to the pros or transitioning into your first corporate job, your profile should reflect your full journey. Add achievements, update job and leadership roles, and share what you’re learning.

Even professional athletes like Steph Curry and Odell Beckham Jr. are on it and using the site to document their team changes and off-the-court business moves. Think of it as more than a résumé. It’s a highlight reel of who you are and where you’re headed.

It goes down in the (professional) DMs

Reaching out on LinkedIn can feel awkward or transactional, but it doesn’t have to. On this platform when sending a DM, it’s all about clarity, respect, and confidence.

“Be specific, be clear, and make it easy,” said McCaskill.

A thoughtful message can open doors to mentorship, referrals, or insider insight that you won’t find in a subreddit.

His advice? Start by mentioning how you know them, or how you came across their work. Then, be direct about what you’re looking for. Whether it’s a quick conversation, guidance on applying for a role, or a chance to learn more about their career journey, don’t be afraid to ask questions. And finally, make it easy to say yes: Suggest a short-time commitment and show appreciation, whether or not they reply.

“Most people don’t hear the words ‘thank you’ at work,” McCaskill said. “Gratitude goes a long way — and it makes you memorable.”

Ready to take that leap? Here’s a go-to message structure you can make your own slide in the DMs less intimidating:

Hi [Name],

I’m a recent grad and former student-athlete exploring opportunities in [industry]. I came across your profile and really admire your path. If you’re open to it, I’d love to learn more about your journey and ask a few quick questions. Would you be open to a 15-minute video chat sometime soon?

Thanks for your consideration!

Best,

[Your Name]

Your career doesn’t begin the day you land your first job; it begins when you commit to success.

As Brazilian novelist Paulo Coelho once said, “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

As a student-athlete, you already know what it means to compete, lead and adapt. Now, you have to use your social-media profiles to create the space to showcase that growth on your terms.

“Not everybody will go on to play professionally, but every athlete deserves the chance to write their next chapter,” McCaskill said. “LinkedIn lets you chronicle your wins, your pivots, your evolution and do it in your own words.”

Often we use social media for fun or staying connected with friends, but the truth is your digital footprint becomes your professional playbook. Whether you’re headed to the NBA, a nonprofit, Wall Street, or your hometown to regroup and reset, give yourself the chance to be seen for what you’ve accomplished in the best light possible.

“If you don’t tell your story,” McCaskill said, “someone else will. And they might not get it right.”