Sport holds the power to drive your career forward, offering a space where skills are refined, challenges are conquered, and character is built. Whether you're actively participating or contributing through volunteering, the experiences garnered within the sporting field are important assets in the competitive graduate employer market.
Lessons from sport: an employer's perspective
"Articulate why they play the sport they do, what they gain and enjoy about that sport and how do they manage their sports/study time?"
Nicola Jones, Dains Accountants
"Sports develop many transferrable skillsets. These include teamwork, resilience, leadership and self-reflection."
Hannah Leslie, DHL Express
Providing this additional context not only adds depth to your application but also showcases those critical skills and passion for what you do.
From the playing field to the professional space: the transferability of sporting skills
As I prepared for job applications and interviews, I realised the immense value of my sports involvement in showcasing skills like organisation, drive, compassion, and leadership – qualities highly sought after by employers.
Next steps
Having the confidence to express yourself clearly is crucial for professional success. Participating in sports at university helps build this confidence by improving your communication skills through teamwork and officiating.
Sports can nurture the confidence to speak up, whether you're crafting strategies or making quick decisions, and this becomes invaluable in professional life, especially when working with diverse teams and presenting ideas.
In short, sports aren't just about winning games; they're a path to personal growth, professional development and career success.
We can help you articulate the skills you've learned through sport for use in your applications and interviews. Book an appointment to speak to an advisor.
“The skills I have developed competing in sports has made me a great team player in the workplace. As a passion driven individual, I have been able to work effectively and efficiently as a team to navigate projects, problem solve and find solutions whilst ensuring that everyone feels valued.”
Sophie Jackson, Women’s Flag Club Member, BUCS Big Wednesday and Flag in Schools Volunteer
“Similar to sports, you might start as a new recruit but if you put the hours in and dedicate yourself, you will succeed and your hard work will be recognised.”
Menaf Al Nasir, Intramural Sports President and UoN Volleyball President 2019-23