Student Athletes

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Career Resources

Your Resume

Did you know that some employers actually look for athletes when reviewing resumes? You have developed important skills as a student-athlete that make you an attractive job candidate! See some below.

Don't have a resume? Need help starting one? We can help with that too! Please come see us at our office hours in Newcomb.

Transferable Skills of an Athlete:

Leadership Skills
Confidence
Working well under pressure
Teamwork
Discipline
Time Management
Goal-setting
Commitment
Self-motivation
Teachability

Whether you choose to include your involvement in athletics under the heading “LEADERSHIP,” “ATHLETICS” or “EXPERIENCE,” use strong action words to describe your accomplishments and skills.

Positive Action Verbs:

Achieved
Established
Motivated
Developed
Mentored
Initiated
Oversaw
Collaborated
Influenced
Recreated
Directed
Led

Examples:

Voted Most Valuable Oarswoman as freshman team member
Demonstrated ability to willingly accept challenges and make decisions under pressure
Built positive relationships with other team members through teamwork, communication skills and positive work habits
As a student-athlete, it may be difficult for you to pursue internships, volunteer opportunities or employment. To fill these gaps on your resume, include a “SUMMARY” section that explains the commitment it takes to participate in (Division 1) athletics.

Other ways to fill a resume:

Set your margins at 1.3” and use the maximum font size (12 point)
In the “EDUCATION” section, include a list of Relevant Courses for the job to which you are applying
Include any experience in public speaking to the media or before groups of children, at camps, schools or conferences
Include any coaching or training you have done; emphasize communication, organizational and motivational skills

Job Search and Networking Tools

Gaining Experience

Externships are self-initiated, short-term shadowing opportunities which would allow you to “test” out a career of interest and gain experience. Externships are ideal for you as a student-athlete because they can be completed at any time that is mutually convenient for you and the employer.

Additionally, getting involved in the University Internship Program (UIP) is a wonderful way for rising 4th year students to get hands-on experience while earning academic credit. UIP is coordinated out of the Cooper Center for Public Service.

UVA Career Center is a great place to start your research. Your team and the alumni from the program can be a great place to start! Check out our networking information and resources here.