The Mental Health Challenge in Collegiate Athletics
Supporting Mental Health Through Career Development
Why Podium X is a Game-Changer for Student-Athletes
By using Podium X, schools can directly support the well-being of their athletes.
We administered a survey to see what Podium X athletes had to say about the effects of our career development tool on their mental health.
For all three survey questions, 79% or more of users agreed with the following:
Reduced Stress
Helps eliminate worry about not
having traditional work experience and
reinforces the transferrable skills attained
through athletics.
Increased Confidence
Athletes gained clarity about their value in the job market, building their self-assurance as they transition from sports to their careers.
Feel More Balanced
Podium X helps reduce anxiety about balancing academics, athletics, and future career planning.
Podium X simplifies the career planning process, eliminating a major source of anxiety for athletes.
The Athlete Advantage
Podium X helps athletes understand their employability and marketability
Podium X equips athletes with the tools to translate their sports experience into career success. Athletes often worry about employability because they may not have any traditional work experience. An overwhelming majority of survey participants found that Podium X helped them better understand how their athletic experience can be an asset when applying to jobs. Podium X provides the guidance and resources needed to showcase their skills, build confidence, and stand out in the job market.
Why This Matters for Athlete Mental Health
The NCAA’s 2023 Mental Health Study found that academics, career planning, and finances are top stressors for student-athletes. When they lack confidence in their professional future, it can significantly impact their mental well-being. Podium X reduces that stress by giving athletes a clear career roadmap, so they can focus on their sport without worrying about what comes next. Athletic departments that prioritize career readiness and mental health can provide Podium X as a turnkey solution to support their athletes’ long-term success.
Student-athletes face unique pressures that significantly impact their mental health.
Factors Negatively Impacting Student-Athlete Mental Health in the Month Before the Survey
(Percentage of Participants Who Responded “Agree” or “Strongly Agree” by Division)
Why Career Planning is a Source of Anxiety
For many athletes, transitioning from their sport to the professional world is daunting. Many lack traditional work experience, making it difficult to identify their strengths and communicate their value to potential employers. The fear of “what’s next?” exacerbates existing mental health concerns, especially for athletes nearing the end of their college careers or professional journeys.
Key Findings
express concerns about not knowing how to translate their athletic skills into career-ready competencies.
The NCAA study highlights that athletes frequently cite career uncertainty as a significant source of stress.
How Podium X Alleviates Career-Related Anxiety
Student-athletes face unique pressures that significantly impact their mental health.
Mental Health Concerns During Academic Year
(Percentage of Participants Who Endorsed “Constantly” or “Most Every Day”)
Podium X is designed to address the mental health challenges associated with career planning for athletes. By streamlining the career development process and showcasing the transferable skills athletes bring to the workplace, our platform provides tools and resources tailored specifically to their needs.
Podium X Features
A personalized, shareable digital profile that showcases athletes’ unique skills, achievements, and experience. Unlike traditional resumes, the Podium Profile highlights athletic accomplishments as transferable strengths, helping athletes stand out to employers.
Podium X offers drag-and-drop customization with professionally designed templates tailored specifically for athletes. Our AI-enhanced optimization ensures resumes align with job descriptions by incorporating industry-specific keywords, giving athletes a competitive edge in their career search.
Athletes can access curated job listings that match their unique skills and interests, making it easier to find the right career path. Podium X also provides networking opportunities in industries that recognize and value the dedication, discipline, and teamwork that athletes bring to the workplace.
Podium X uses AI-driven tools to generate personalized, professional cover letters in seconds, saving athletes time and effort. Our interview preparation features help build confidence and refine communication skills, ensuring athletes are ready to make a strong impression.
From resume building to career planning, AI enhances every aspect of the platform, empowering athletes to create polished, professional materials with ease. This technology reduces the time and effort required for career planning, helping athletes focus on their sport and well-being.
Why Partner with
Podium X
Athletic departments, career centers, and colleges/universities as a whole play a crucial role in supporting the holistic development of their athletes, including mental health and career readiness. By implementing Podium X, departments can offer career tools that work for athletes.
Solutions
Provide a turnkey platform for career development.
Preparation
Equip athletes for success in life after sports.
Commitment
Demonstrate care for athletes' mental health by reducing career-planning stress.
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Let us help you empower your athletes to thrive in their careers while maintaining their mental health and focus on their sport.
Hear how our partners use Podium X to support their athletes
Are you #NotDoneWinning?
Let’s talk so we can give you the full run down of how Podium X can help your athletes.