Aspiring athletes face a unique set of challenges when it comes to preparing for their futures. While pursuing their dreams on the court or field, they often neglect to plan for life after their athletic careers are over. This is where the CBA's Basketball Economy Program (BEP) comes in. The BEP is a career readiness program designed specifically for athletes. It provides them with the tools and resources necessary to succeed in their careers outside of sports. The program covers topics such as resume building, interview skills, financial planning, and networking. By participating in the BEP, athletes can gain a competitive edge in the job market and set themselves up for long-term success.
The importance of career readiness for aspiring athletes cannot be overstated. According to a survey conducted by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), only 1.6% of college basketball players will go on to play in the NBA. Similarly, only 1.9% of college football players will go on to play in the NFL. This means that the vast majority of athletes will need to rely on their education and career skills to succeed after their athletic careers are over.
The benefits of career readiness programs like the BEP are clear. In a survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 95% of employers said that candidate experience is a factor in their hiring decisions. The BEP can help athletes gain valuable experience through internships and other career-building opportunities. Additionally, a study by the Strada Education Network found that 86% of college students who participated in internships felt better prepared for their careers.
GIVING ATHLETES A SENSE OF DIRECTION
The BEP can provide direction to aspiring athletes by helping them identify their strengths, interests, and goals. According to a survey conducted by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), only 1.2% of college basketball players will go on to play professionally. Therefore, it is essential for athletes to have a backup plan and a sense of direction. The BEP offers career exploration resources, assessments, and workshops to help athletes determine their career paths.
It is important for aspiring athletes to know what they want to achieve in their career because it helps them set goals and stay motivated. A survey conducted by LinkedIn found that 74% of professionals who set career goals were able to achieve them. Without direction, athletes may feel lost and struggle to transition into a professional career after their playing days are over.
Career readiness programs, such as the BEP, play a vital role in helping aspiring athletes achieve their goals. According to a report by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), students who participated in career readiness programs were more likely to have a job offer upon graduation than those who did not participate. The BEP provides athletes with the skills and resources necessary to succeed in their chosen career paths.
EXPOSURE TO DIFFERENT CAREER OPTIONS
The BEP can offer exposure to different career options for aspiring athletes by providing access to industry professionals and career exploration resources. According to a survey conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average worker changes jobs 12 times throughout their career. Therefore, it is important for athletes to explore different career options and find a path that aligns with their interests and values.
Exploring various career options is important because it can broaden an athlete's horizons and help them discover new opportunities. According to a report by the National Center for Education Statistics, only 27% of college graduates have a job related to their major. Therefore, it is essential for athletes to explore different career options and find a path that is fulfilling and aligns with their skills and interests.
Also, according to a report by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), students who participated in career readiness programs were more likely to have a positive view of their career options. The BEP provides athletes with the opportunity to network with industry professionals and gain exposure to different career paths.
TAP INTO SOFT SKILLS
The BEP can enhance the soft skills of aspiring athletes by providing training and workshops on communication, leadership, and teamwork. According to a survey conducted by LinkedIn, 57% of leaders say that soft skills are more important than hard skills. Therefore, it is essential for athletes to develop their soft skills to succeed in their careers.
Soft skills are important in professional settings because they help individuals communicate effectively, work well in teams, and adapt to changing environments. A report by the World Economic Forum found that soft skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence will be in high demand by employers in the coming years.
BENEFIT FROM NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Networking is an essential aspect of building a successful career, and aspiring athletes are no exception. The CBA's BEP recognizes this and provides ample networking opportunities to its participants. By connecting aspiring athletes with professionals in their field of interest, the program helps them gain valuable insights and make valuable connections that can help them jumpstart their career. According to a survey conducted by LinkedIn, up to 85% of all jobs are filled through networking. This underscores the importance of networking in today's job market. It is especially crucial for aspiring athletes who may not have a traditional career path but can benefit from connecting with people who have relevant industry experience.
The BEP provides several opportunities for aspiring athletes to network with professionals. One way the program does this is by hosting career fairs where participants can meet with recruiters and industry experts. This can be an excellent way for aspiring athletes to learn more about career opportunities and gain insights into what it takes to succeed in their field of interest. Another way the program provides networking opportunities is by inviting guest speakers to share their experiences with participants. These speakers are often successful professionals who have navigated the same career path that aspiring athletes are interested in pursuing. By hearing about their journey and getting to know them on a personal level, participants can gain valuable insights and potentially make valuable connections.
Finally, the program also connects participants with mentors who can provide guidance and support throughout their career journey. Having a mentor can be a significant advantage for aspiring athletes as they navigate the complexities of building a career in their chosen field. Overall, the BEP's focus on networking is one of the program's most significant strengths. By connecting aspiring athletes with professionals in their field of interest, the program helps them gain valuable insights and make valuable connections that can help them jumpstart their career. This can be an excellent way for aspiring athletes to gain a competitive edge in today's job market and set themselves up for success in their chosen field.