How Swimmers Can Leverage Their Athletic Experience in Job Interviews
As many of our swimmers transition from the pool to the workforce, it’s essential to recognize that your athletic experience is a marketable asset. The traits you’ve honed through years of training, competing, and sacrifice will last a lifetime. As a result, you have a unique set of skills that should not be overlooked.
Swimmers—do not minimize your experience in job interviews. What you’ve done is exceptional, and you can use it to your advantage.
Many of you have dedicated your summers to this sport, as you prepared for international competitions, national meets, or Olympic Trials meets. This often leaves little time for internships and part-time jobs. However, your time in the pool built strengths that internships can’t always teach.
A 2023 study published in The International Journal of Human Resource Management found that nearly half of student recruiters prefer to hire former college athletes over non-athletes. Why? They recognize the demands juggled by a college athlete and see someone with determination, commitment, reliability, and a strong work ethic. These traits are invaluable since they are much harder to teach than technical skills.
Framing Your Athletic Experience for Employers
Unwavering Commitment: You have proven that when you commit to something, you stick with it. You have likely dedicated around 10 years of training to get to the collegiate level. This is no small feat.
Swimming is among the few sports that require two practices per day, with many of them starting at 5 a.m. You demonstrated that you prioritize your goals, even when you are exhausted or unmotivated. Additionally, you have made numerous sacrifices by opting out of social events, weekends, vacations, and more. Swimming is also unique because it doesn’t have an offseason. This often requires swimmers to train through holidays rather than relaxing. This further demonstrates your commitment to your craft.
Time Management: You have shown that you can handle multiple tasks at once. While managing a full course load, about 10 practices per week, lifts, physical therapy, and recovery, you have mastered time management and discipline. Employers will recognize that you rise to the occasion rather than crumble under pressure.
Teamwork and Communication: By working toward shared goals, you have learned to communicate effectively. The best teammates understand how to rely on each other’s strengths and listen to different perspectives. Additionally, the team environment teaches athletes how to motivate their peers and create a positive environment.
Adaptability: One thing about swimming is that it’s unpredictable. Whether it’s a race outcome or an equipment mishap, so much is out of your control that adaptability becomes second nature. Often, athletes are better equipped to deal with failure because they have experienced it and developed the resiliency to come back stronger.
Ways You Can Make Your Experience Work For You
“My time as a collegiate athlete taught me to manage my time. I successfully balanced training 20-plus hours per week while being a full-time student.”
“Being part of a large team taught me to collaborate, resolve conflict, and build others up while working toward shared goals.”
“When recruiting future members of my team, I learned to sell my school to prospective athletes and their parents. Knowing this was a stressful decision for them, I eased the process by highlighting the positive aspects of our team and addressing their concerns.”
“In our sport, consistency is everything. We train ten times a week. As a result, I’ve trained myself to show up even when I’m tired, stressed, or unmotivated.”
“Outside of the pool, I conducted myself in a way that represented my team with integrity and accountability.”
The time you’ve invested has prepared you for more than races or results. You are well-equipped to excel in the workforce with leadership, determination, and pride. Be confident in your skills and don’t be afraid to highlight your hard-earned achievements.