Helping Athletes Transition to Careers After Sports with Briana Gilmartin
Video & Recap
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- Shift Group Media Room
June 18, 2025
Summary
Transitioning from a professional athletic career to a new profession can be a daunting journey for many athletes. If you’re an athlete or athlete transitioning to a career after sports, start small, stay curious, and seek out supportive communities that can guide your way
In a recent episode of Changing the Game, Jordan Duran spoke with Briana Gilmartin, Director of Program Management for People and Culture at the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), about her own transition from college athlete to HR leader and the NWSL’s groundbreaking Beyond the Field professional development program. If you’re an athlete preparing to move into a career after sports, this recap shares key insights and actionable advice to help you navigate your path forward
From Athlete to Business Professional
Briana’s story begins as a passionate soccer player from a young age, following in her sister’s footsteps. She played Division 1 soccer at Iona College but faced career-altering injuries that led her to reevaluate her identity beyond sports, a common challenge athletes face during transitions. Recognizing there was no professional women’s soccer league at the time, Briana pivoted her focus toward academics, earning a double major and minor, and gradually building a career in Human Resources.
Her journey underscores a vital point for transitioning athletes: developing new skills and exploring career interests early can help ease the shift from sport to the workforce.
The Importance of Networking and Mentorship
Briana emphasizes the power of networking and building genuine relationships. She advises athletes and career changers to say “yes” to opportunities, connect with people, and engage in various types of career conversations, including:
Information Sessions: Exploratory chats to understand what a job or industry really involves.
Career Conversations: More focused discussions to learn about specific roles and career paths.
Mentorships: Ongoing relationships that provide guidance, support, and professional growth.
By leveraging these conversations, athletes can better discover their passions and create meaningful connections that open doors to new opportunities.
Overcoming Challenges and Taking Small Steps Forward
One of Briana’s most impactful pieces of advice for athletes transitioning out of sports is to focus on “even small steps moving forward.” The path can feel overwhelming, but every conversation, every new skill learned, and every networking effort counts.
Athletes bring invaluable qualities to the workforce such as determination, teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Recognizing and believing in these transferable skills is essential to building confidence in a new career chapter.
Translating Athletic Skills to New Careers
Briana highlights how athletes already possess many of the skills employers seek: drive, determination, teamwork, communication, and resilience. She encourages transitioning athletes to recognize the value they bring beyond just their athletic experience. These skills are highly transferable and can set athletes apart in their new careers.
She also stresses the importance of taking small steps forward during the transition, whether that’s scheduling an informational interview, exploring new passions, or pursuing educational opportunities alongside sport. This gradual, proactive approach helps build confidence and clarifies career direction.
Briana’s work with the NWSL’s Beyond the Field program reflects this philosophy by providing athletes with tools and support to translate their sporting experience into professional success. She reminds athletes that they already have what it takes to thrive; they just need to believe in themselves and be willing to explore new possibilities.
About Shift Group:
Shift Group bridges the gap between military veterans, former athletes, and the business world through coaching and career upskilling. Our mission is to help these individuals unlock their unique skills and experiences and match them with top-tier companies in need of resilient, coachable, and team-oriented professionals.
The Shift Connect platform accelerates learning and streamlines the hiring process by connecting employers with pre-vetted candidates who are ready to excel. Customers reduce hiring time, lower costs, increase growth rates and improve retention. Shift Group is committed to helping businesses build high-performing teams and supporting veterans and athletes in their career development.
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