Leaving sport doesn’t mean leaving your ambition behind — it just means putting it to work in a new way. At Crossover Partners, we work with former athletes every day who are starting fresh, stepping into new industries, and discovering just how transferable their skills really are.
If you’re wondering “where do I even begin?” — this toolkit is for you.
Below, you’ll find practical advice and resources to help you take your first steps into a new career with confidence, clarity, and direction.
1. Recognise What You Already Have
You might not have “traditional experience” — but you’ve already developed traits that most businesses dream of hiring:
- Discipline and consistency
- Resilience under pressure
- Communication and teamwork
- Coachability and adaptability
- Leadership and a strong work ethic
These aren’t soft skills — they’re powerful, performance-driven traits that set you apart. Your job now is to learn how to talk about them in a business context.
2. Build a CV That Reflects You — Not Just a Job History
Even if you’ve never worked in an office, you’ve built a career in performance.
Here’s what a strong post-sport CV should include:
- A short personal profile explaining your transition from sport
- Key achievements from your sporting career (including stats, leadership roles, and pressure situations)
- A list of transferable skills with short, clear examples
- Any recent qualifications, part-time work, or volunteer experience
3. Prepare for Interviews — Tell Your Story with Confidence
Employers will want to know:
“Why now?” “Why this role?” and “How do your skills translate?”
Practice talking about:
- Times you overcame setbacks or injury
- How you prepared for high-stakes moments
- What you learned about leadership and discipline from training
- Why you’re motivated to succeed in this next chapter
Pro tip: Keep it real. You don’t need buzzwords — just honesty, energy, and clarity.
4. Explore Industries That Value Your Mindset
Former athletes thrive in roles where mindset matters more than previous job titles.
Here are a few industries where we regularly place ex-athletes:
- Sales & Business Development
- Recruitment
- Operations & Logistics
- Account Management
- Coaching, Mentoring & Leadership Roles
- Startups & High-Growth Teams
5. You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Transitioning out of sport is hard — but you’re not on your own.
At Crossover, we offer:
- 1:1 career support
- A community of athletes going through the same shift
- Workshops, resources, and opportunities designed to help you grow
→ Send Us Your CV
→ Book a 1:1 Career Chat
Final Word:
You’ve already achieved more than most people ever will. The next chapter? It’s just a different arena.
Let’s build it — together.