Working the Sidelines: How to Make Athletics into a Career

This article is a guest submission from freelancer Anica Oaks

Former competitive athletes and general sports enthusiasts can turn their passion for sports into a fulfilling career - heck, that's why WorkinSports.com exists!

Many of the top career options in the athletics field are known to pay excellent salaries and come with job security.

Here are a few of the top careers in the athletics field:

Physical Therapy

Physical therapists are able to work with injured athletes who require rehabilitative care to get back in the game.

These professionals are able to devise personalized care plans that involve exercises, stretches and other forms of therapy that are meant to benefit patients. After fulfilling the education requirements, joining an organization such as the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) can provide further credibility.

Sports Agent

Negotiating endorsement deals, handling public relations matters and providing career guidance to athletes are just a few of the responsibilities of the sports agent. These professionals can either choose to work for a large company or become self-employed.

It is often beneficial to have a background in contract law before pursuing this career field, but it is not essential.

Personal Training

Athletes need to stay in shape in order to reach peak performance, and personal trainers can help them stay motivated.

A personal trainer is able to put together workout plans that help develop the right muscle groups and increase stamina. Workouts may include a combination of weight training, cardio exercises, and stretches to promote greater flexibility.

These professionals should know how to challenge their athletes in a way that is both safe and effective.

Coaching

Becoming a coach provides the opportunity to mentor athletes and shape their development as they work their way to top performance. Coaches should have in-depth knowledge of their chosen sports so that they can teach the proper techniques and strategies to their athletes.

Earning an athletic administration degree from an accredited school or completing similar training can help coaches move to the athletic administration side if they so desire.

Nutrition Consulting

Nutrition consultants play a valuable role in each athlete’s development. Professionals in this industry can help athletes plan meals that include the right amount of nutritious foods. If an athlete needs to lose weight or build muscle mass, a nutrition consultant can recommend the right foods that can help achieve the best results.

There are many careers in the athletics field that allow professionals to help athletes from the sidelines. With the proper amount of training and knowledge, just about anyone can pursue one of these career paths.