When initially crafting my resume, I was unsure whether to include my student-athlete experience, and I was leaning towards excluding it. Through conversations with older peers and the Loeb Center, I quickly learned that there are many transferable skills to highlight on a resume from the student-athlete experience. Some of these skills include, but are not limited to, time management, teamwork, leadership, and dedication.
It is important to focus on the skills and qualities that best reflect who you are and that align with the role you’re applying for when describing your athletic experience on a resume.
For example, if you serve as a captain, you could highlight how you have developed leadership, communication, and conflict management skills. If you’re a younger athlete or not in a formal leadership position, you might focus on discipline, perseverance, and the ability to learn from feedback.
Regardless of your position on the team or the amount of playing time you get, every student-athlete dedicates an incredible amount of time and effort while balancing the demands of an Amherst course load. While it may seem like an ordinary part of daily life to us, it’s impressive and definitely worth emphasizing in a resume, and something employers value in a candidate.
Now that you understand the importance of including your athletic experience, the next step is putting it into your resume. Here’s an example of how I’ve chosen to represent mine:
Two-Year Captain
- Dedicate 20+ hours/week to practices, games, and training as an NCAA Division III pitcher and outfielder while maintaining a rigorous academic schedule
- Selected by peers and coaches to lead the team and liaison between coaches and players
I hope this helps and reminds you that every early lift and long practice has also been strengthening your resume.
