Post-sporting careers - game over or career makeover

Post-sporting careers - game over or career makeover Post-sporting careers game over or career makeover?Posted October 13, 2011, by Helen Isbister When a sprinter is crossing the line first to claim Olympic gold, a cricketer is hitting a six to win the Test match or a League player is converting the winning try the last thing on their minds is what career they will pursue once their sporting prowess fades and the next generation steps in. However, professional sporting careers inevitably have shorter life spans than most gigs and the sporting stars of today must figure out what they want to do tomorrow. Many elite athletes leverage their sporting skills and achievements to build formidable careers. They might pursue a career in commentary or coaching, or use their fame to follow a career in the media. Liz Ellis was a member of the Australian netball team from 1992 to 2007, team captain for four of those years and the countrys most capped international player. After retiring from the game, she managed to launch a successful netball career away from the court. She runs coaching clinics during school holidays, commentates for One HD and Channel 10, and continues to work closely with the sponsors who supported zu sich when she was a player. But what many may elend know about Ellis is that she started out her career in a completely different type of court as a lawyer. Getting qualifications and experience in other fields is always a good idea and something that many sportspeople recommend. I would advise people to keep an eye on their education educate yourself as far as you can, simply because one day your sporting career will be over. My law degree is my backup and it gives me plenty of peace of mind to know its available if I need it, says Liz. A lot of girls I played with were tertiary educated, so they are physios, doctors and accountants. Certainly from my generation of players, I was the only one who made a career out of netball. A lot of the girls used the opportunity when they were playing to educate themselves and have careers outside the sport. Nick Sautner, the general manager of operations at Melbournes Telstra Dome and a budding VFL player, agrees that its a good thing not to have all your eggs in one basket. Even if an athlete is able to achieve an AFL career, I believe its still important to live a balanced life and have an interest outside of AFL, whether its study or employment, he says. Claire Mitchell-Taverner, a former Hockyroo and Olympic Gold medallist, is now devoted to helping other elite sportspeople follow their dreams. She looks after the AFL Players Associations career development program across Australia. Its a useful and beneficial program because it offers AFL players the opportunity to pursue interests outside of football, so when they decide to leave the game, they have the skills and qualifications to start a different career path. Its a crazy environment theyre in so we want to help them make t he most of it, says Mitchell-Taverner. She believes her sporting background helped her become successful in the role. I played hockey for Australia, so being an experienced elite sportsperson, I understand the level of commitment involved in playing professional sports. I think this experience is a strength I bring to the job that Ive been there and done it, she says. Likewise, Sautner says his involvement with sport at a semi-professional level helped him climb the career ladder. Playing VFL football opens up opportunities for you. There is a profile associated with playing football, whether it is VFL or AFL, and it helps to build relationships with people from various industries, he says. Whether you are the centre of attention or behind the scenes, there are lots of career opportunities in the sporting world. Most codes have support staff to help players get the skills and qualifications to pursue new dreams after they are past their sporting peak, so take advantage of wha ts on offer to have a life-long dream career.Personal Trainer CourseStudy modeOn CampusOnlinePayment optionsPayment planCourse guide+ FREE eBrochureEnquire Online Enquire OnlineFitness ResourcesGroup fitness instructor/programmer sample cover letterSports coach resumeCareer Insider StoriesBrett Lee - Australian Cricket PlayerEddie Betts - AFL PlayerShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessDamien Kelly - Fitness Studio Owner & Exercise ScientistInterested in becoming a?Rehabilitation CounsellorPersonal TrainerCommunity Health WorkerSports AdministratorFitness TrainerPopular Career Searchessports nutrition courses melbournehow do i become a dietician or nutritionist in queenslandcan i become a nutritionist or dietician by distance educationbest places to study nutrition in sydneywhat qualifications do i need to be a personal trainer in australiaFitness CoursesBachelor of Health Science (Nutrition and Exercise)Enquire Online Enquire OnlineDiploma of Sport and Recreation ManagementE nquire Online Enquire OnlineComplete Personal TrainerEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate IV in FitnessEnquire Online Enquire OnlineHelen IsbisterRelated ArticlesBrowse moreSports ManagementUnusual jobsKerrilyn Cramer - Tennis Official, Chair UmpireEvery now and again when players are misbehaving, or the match is particularly close or tense for some reason, I feel some pressure, but I dont think its any different to any other job, I just have to deal with it.Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE)A career in sport will take you placesEver wondered what a qualification in the sports industry can really do for you?FitnessFixated on fitnessWhether you picture yourself muscling-up your fellow mums or working your way onto Australias sporting fields, a career in the fitness industry can be as dynamic as you make it.