3 Ways Student-Athletes can Maximize their offseasons

To many athletes, the offseason serves as a time to elevate your game.

However, what if I told you that the offseason could be used to elevate more than just your game?

It could be used to elevate, reshape, redirect, and enhance your future, not only in post-secondary but beyond post-secondary.

Here are 3 ways student-athletes can maximize their offseasons.

1. Re-Evaluate Your Current Degree

Are you struggling to identify where your education intersects with your happiness? Maybe it’s time to consider re-evaluating your current degree program. No, this doesn’t mean switching your major completely. However, it wouldn’t hurt to explore options that can help your current education plan cater to your interests. Consider exploring the different minors that your school offers. A minor is a secondary academic discipline - another area of study in addition to the major. Minors are a great way to expand your academic (and professional) horizons, as they can be in a completely different field that is separate from your major. In contrast, a minor can also be used to support your major as it can help distinguish an area of focus in a field that is broad.

Are you craving in-field experience related to your major? Consider exploring co-op or internship opportunities offered by your school. Co-op and internship programs are a great way to gain insights that help you understand the realities of your field. You’ll learn aspects of your field that you like and dislike, while hopefully gaining a solid understanding of whether or not you're pursuing a future that will tap into your long-term happiness.

Have you exhausted all of your options, and still can’t find educational satisfaction? Maybe it truly is time to consider switching to a new program. But first, here are a few questions to consider before making the move.

• Do you have credits from your current program that can transfer over to your new program?

• What is the grade average that is required to stay in the program?

  • Are you within reach of that grade average?

• Will this switch push back your graduation?

  • If so, by how many years?

  • Are you willing to extend your academic journey?

• Will you be able to manage the workload?

• What doors will be opened by switching into this new program?

• What doors will be closed by switching out of your current program?

The answers to these questions are absolutely crucial when considering a new program. Answers can be found by visiting your school’s website or scheduling a meeting with your program’s academic advisor to seek further consultation.

2. Consider Graduate Studies

Do you feel that your undergrad won’t be enough to help you reach your professional aspirations? Then it’s time to consider graduate studies. There’s a wide variety of options to further your education past your undergraduate degree. Some of the most common options include master’s programs (MA, MSc, MBA, MEng, etc.), Ph.D. programs (after the completion of a master’s), law school, medical school, diploma programs, and graduate certificates.

Furthering your education can help you gain specialized knowledge in your field - in a capacity much larger than an undergraduate minor - while also opening the door for easier career advancement. In addition, continuing your education past your undergrad also presents the opportunity to enhance your professional network.

Applications for graduate studies are typically lengthy and specific in academic requirements. With that being said, it’s good to identify your desired programs early, so that you can put together an appealing application while completing all of your academic pre-requisites. Here are a few questions to consider when looking into graduate studies.

• What is the length of the program?

• What type of work does the program entail? (i.e. Research, Field Work, Regular Lectures, etc.)

• What does the application require?

  • Written Work (i.e. Essays, Personal Statements)

  • Reference Letters (Academic References or Profesional References?)

  • Test Scores (i.e. LSAT, MCAT, GMAT)

• What are the academic requirements to gain consideration?

  • Undergraduate average

  • Pre-requisite classes (i.e. Teachables)

• What specific doors will this program open for you professionally?

In many ways, the process of applying for a graduate program will bear a similar resemblance to the process of applying for an undergraduate program. Therefore, do the things you did (or should have done) when you applied for your undergrad. Learn about the school where the program is being offered, attend (virtual) open houses, and read brochures. Investing the time and completing all of the necessary due diligence can be effective in launching a successful journey as a graduate student.

3. Sharpen Your Financial Literacy

Financial literacy refers to the ability to understand financial concepts and effectively use financial skills. The financial aspect of a post-secondary student’s life is often overlooked. However, getting a grasp of your current financial situation can truly serve as a great start to creating a healthy financial future.

One of the simplest ways to define your financial situation is to record your assets, incomes, expenses, and liabilities.

Assets are objects and entities (tangible and intangible) that possess economic value. The common examples of assets that are relevant to post-secondary students can include - but aren’t limited to - the following:

• Cash Savings

• Investments (Stocks, Bonds, etc.)

• Vehicles

Income, on the other hand, is money or capital that is earned. Common streams of income that are relevant to post-secondary students can include - but aren’t limited to - the following:

• Job Income

• Bursaries/grants

• AFA’s (Athletic Financial Awards)

Expenses are costs associated with living and day-to-day activities. Common types of expenses that are relevant to post-secondary students can include - but aren’t limited to - the following:

• Tuition

• Rent

• Groceries

Finally, liabilities are financial obligations that require money to be owed. Common forms of liabilities that are relevant to post-secondary students can include - but aren’t limited to - the following:

• Student Loans

• Credit Cards

• Insurances

Outlining your assets, income, expenses, and liabilities can provide a stronger understanding of financial limitations. In addition, following these practices can aid in the creation of financial goals and milestones.

RBC currently has a great budget calculator that is made for students that can be useful in helping you identify your limitations. The Government of Canada also has a student budget worksheet that can be useful in helping you identify expenses, incomes, and liabilities that should be taken into consideration.

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