Crossing the Finish Line: Career Adaptability and its Relationship to Athletic Identity, Academic Motivation, and Role Conflict for Division I Student-Athletes

Abstract

The responsibilities of being a Division I student-athlete often leave little time for experiences outside of sport that are critical for their future careers. Many student-athletes have unrealistic expectations of competing in their sport after college, while others expend little effort exploring potential careers. This study examines how career adaptability, the skills and competencies necessary to navigate work responsibilities and transitions over one’s lifespan, is related to athletic identity, academic motivation, and role conflict for student-athletes. The findings are based on data from a survey of 662 student-athletes at six Division I institutions and indicate that private (intrinsic) athletic identity, academic motivation, and role balance are positively associated with career adaptability. This study clarifies career development’s relationship with athletic identity and supports academic motivation and role conflict as constructs influential to student-athletes’ career development.