Planning life beyond the podium: 5 career tips for QAS-supported athletes during National Careers Week

For Queensland’s elite athletes, performance is more than physical outcomes – it’s about the emotional, mental, and social aspects too. The Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) recognises this holistic approach to high performance and supports each athlete’s journey through tailored support that assists with reaching goals both in and out of sport.

With National Careers Week, QAS spoke with Lauren Wann, Acting Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement (AW&E) Lead at QAS, to hear her advice for athletes on career planning.

1. Mindset shift: Athletes bring a powerful skill set to the workplace — goal-setting, resilience, the ability to perform under pressure, teamwork, and commitment. The key mindset shift is recognising that these skills are just as valuable in a workplace as they are on the field.

2. Getting started: The best starting point is curiosity — explore what opportunities are out there and what genuinely sparks your interest. Connect with your Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement practitioner, who can help explore your strengths, values, and interests.

3. Common challenges: Managing time and priorities while balancing study or work with training and competition can feel overwhelming. Another hurdle is confidence, with athletes underestimating the value of their skills in the workplace.

4. Balancing sport and career: Athletes can start by identifying study or work options that fit around training and competition and align with personal career goals.

5. Small step this week: Reach out to your AW&E practitioner. Start a simple conversation — it can open up a range of possibilities.