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What careers offer the best growth? Former college and pro athlete now turning to work force. Very employable, willing to do any career as long as there is room for growth and more hands off the longer I’m into it. Not looking for a career where the more promotions I get the more hours I have to work, that doesn’t really make sense to me. Need something that can lead to a management role or entrepreneurial opportunities
Any experience or career path welcome
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23 answers
Updated
Ann’s Answer
You need to figure out "what makes you tick" and what you enjoy doing which is much easier said than done. Most of us struggled with this when we are were starting out in our careers. There are all kinds of self-help books out there on this topic. But my own experience is you have to figure out what you love to do day in and day out. You can make a ton of money doing something but if you hate the work, then what's the point. Trial and error. Working temporary roles just to try out different types of work or industries. Trial by doing it. I also caution people today to keep their eye on what's happening in our world. AI will take over many jobs. Jobs can still be outsourced to lower priced locations. Many jobs that exist today may not exist in 10 years. Also, finding a job with high barriers to entry will make this scenario less likely to happen. And find a "profession" - that is the advice I would give to my own kids. If you decide to run your business make sure you have the training to do that - the finance background, accounting, etc. This is not a skill that everyone possesses.
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Shyam Varan’s Answer
Absolutely, mastering Technology Consulting, particularly in Generative AI/Analytics, is a crucial skill to have. Careers in the healthcare and public sectors are also highly sought after. The healthcare industry, in particular, requires proficiency in both IT and clinical/support roles.
Start looking at free resources to learn about GenAI e.g. https://education.oracle.com/oracle-cloud-infrastructure-2023-ai-foundations-associate/pexam_1Z0-1122-23
Shyam Varan recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Greg
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Jaxson’s Answer
Hello Greg! Based on your description, I think a career in business, particularly accounting or finance, would fit your desired career elements. These positions pay very well and are in extremely high demand as many of the professionals in the field are retiring in the next 10 years. In these positions, you get frequent, material promotions every few years that allow you to progress towards a managerial role. When you become a manager, you are do not do any of the initial grunt work and more of the overall strategy and supervision related work.
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Rich’s Answer
Leverage your life experience and seek entrepreneurial opportunities to build and earn in space that you love. I imagine that an entry level working grind may not satisfy folks who trained and honed personal skills for years to perform at a high level. The key is to take advantage what you already know, who you already are, and the experiences that put you in demand at a high level.
Entrepreneurship 101: The Complete Entrepreneurship Course (Udemy)
Find a franchise opportunity doing what you love to do.
Talk to family and loved ones to get their insights and opinions to cover your blind side.
Rich recommends the following next steps:
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Joanna Rose’s Answer
Jobs in IT and automation are growing fast. Your skills from sports like teamwork and strategy can help a lot here. As you learn more, you can become a leader or start your own tech business. Also, in this field, good work matters more than long hours. So, switching to IT could lead to big chances for growth without making you work more as you move up.
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Debra’s Answer
I would recommend looking at sales opportunities....pick an industry that you are interest in....passionate about and pursue a career in that industry. Sales is a great starting point to learn the business, make money and position yourself to get into a management role.
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Michele’s Answer
Supply Chain Management is a fast and growing area. I encourage to look at ways to become SAP certified.
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Cherelle’s Answer
Hi Greg!
Anything STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) are all areas of work that offer growth and advancement, and even better, the potential of making a high salary is almost guaranteed.
Oh — and let’s not forget job security — a HUGE factor here because STEM is here to stay!
Hope this helps!
— Cherelle M.
Anything STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) are all areas of work that offer growth and advancement, and even better, the potential of making a high salary is almost guaranteed.
Oh — and let’s not forget job security — a HUGE factor here because STEM is here to stay!
Hope this helps!
— Cherelle M.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Greg !
It's wonderful that you know exactly the specifics you want in a career and your details of it seem to point to one endeavor and that is to open your own business. You will be able to control everything in that.
Companies have their own guidelines of what they need, the hours worked, who receives promotions and experience needed for a particular position. If you keep this in mind, you can explore working at a company but will have to be agreeable with the way the company is structured. Even starting your own company takes time above and beyond the usual, networking, promoting your service or product and lots of patience for the company to start making profits.
Careers do not offer growth. Growth is something that happens when someone has a passion from their work, is dedicated, sincerely interested in the position and qualifies because they have learned everything they need and learning never stops. Unless you are established with your own business, you will need to be someone who can take direction, fulfill on the job requirements and your experience doing a career will be based on the actual company you work for and how much you put into it. No one can give you a recipe for the type of job you've described. There are too many individual types of careers and every person has their own experience with the career so it's not possible to name off companies or fields of work. Employment is a process. You'll have to discover that for yourself.
My suggestion is to come to terms with knowing every company will have expectations of you, just as it did when you were an athlete. Think about finding work as a coach or becoming a Physical Education teacher for high school or open your own business. I have left a link below for some things you can do while you are looking for a job. You will need to read what employers are expecting from their employees by reading employment notices on Linked In and Indeed. This will give you an idea of a variety of jobs and what the qualifications would be.
Starting your own business will provide you with more self-direction than being an employee at a company, but it will take time to get a business going. Search online for articles and videos that explain how to go about it. Take a break from it all if you need to and come back with a new outlook if that would help. Figure out which skills you already have, whether or not you'd like to go into teaching, and what subject your degree is in and start with those things. No one can tell you what your future would bring and no one career has the attributes you are looking for. It's all an individual journey and experience.
MAKING MONEY WITHOUT A JOB https://moneypantry.com/making-money-without-a-job/
It's wonderful that you know exactly the specifics you want in a career and your details of it seem to point to one endeavor and that is to open your own business. You will be able to control everything in that.
Companies have their own guidelines of what they need, the hours worked, who receives promotions and experience needed for a particular position. If you keep this in mind, you can explore working at a company but will have to be agreeable with the way the company is structured. Even starting your own company takes time above and beyond the usual, networking, promoting your service or product and lots of patience for the company to start making profits.
Careers do not offer growth. Growth is something that happens when someone has a passion from their work, is dedicated, sincerely interested in the position and qualifies because they have learned everything they need and learning never stops. Unless you are established with your own business, you will need to be someone who can take direction, fulfill on the job requirements and your experience doing a career will be based on the actual company you work for and how much you put into it. No one can give you a recipe for the type of job you've described. There are too many individual types of careers and every person has their own experience with the career so it's not possible to name off companies or fields of work. Employment is a process. You'll have to discover that for yourself.
My suggestion is to come to terms with knowing every company will have expectations of you, just as it did when you were an athlete. Think about finding work as a coach or becoming a Physical Education teacher for high school or open your own business. I have left a link below for some things you can do while you are looking for a job. You will need to read what employers are expecting from their employees by reading employment notices on Linked In and Indeed. This will give you an idea of a variety of jobs and what the qualifications would be.
Starting your own business will provide you with more self-direction than being an employee at a company, but it will take time to get a business going. Search online for articles and videos that explain how to go about it. Take a break from it all if you need to and come back with a new outlook if that would help. Figure out which skills you already have, whether or not you'd like to go into teaching, and what subject your degree is in and start with those things. No one can tell you what your future would bring and no one career has the attributes you are looking for. It's all an individual journey and experience.
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
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Deena’s Answer
First off, I firmly believe that athletes bring a powerful competitive advantage to the business world. Their discipline, competitive drive, and receptiveness to coaching are invaluable traits in any business setting. When it comes to career advancement, it's often simpler to progress in a company or sector that's experiencing growth. As you ascend in your career, stepping into leadership roles or gaining more experience in a position, you'll likely find yourself collaborating with a team. This doesn't necessarily mean working less, but rather working in a smarter, more flexible way. So, keep pushing forward with enthusiasm and determination!
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Spencer’s Answer
Hi Greg! It's exciting that you are looking for a new career to start in. As a first step, I would suggest thinking about what you enjoy doing and then identifying 2-3 career fields that might align with your interests. From there, you could network with professionals that are working in those career fields and develop an understanding of what their career looks like and whether that aligns with what you are looking for.
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tyler’s Answer
Hello Greg,
The question you've asked is one that I believe almost everyone ponders when thinking about their career longevity. However, it's important to remember that the only real barrier to your growth is you. So, my suggestion would be to shift your focus away from the ultimate goal of growth or running your own prosperous business. Instead, concentrate on what sparks your enthusiasm and makes you eager to start each day. This could be anything from mastering a new skill, selling a product, or performing large-scale business analytics. Ultimately, only you can identify what truly invigorates you and gives you a sense of achievement.
As for my personal experience, I began as an engineering student but found myself drawn to accounting, as I naturally gravitated towards the subject and business in general. I also found the analytical, problem-solving, and collaborative aspects of a public accounting position appealing. Today, I'm proud to be part of one of the world's largest public accounting firms, with limitless opportunities for growth ahead. Each morning, I wake up full of energy and ready to tackle the day, knowing that I'm contributing to the transparency of capital markets, which benefits everyone from individual investors to large corporations.
In a nutshell, take some time to reflect on your strengths and what you enjoy doing daily. Then, pursue that with great passion, always striving to learn more and identify additional skills you can develop. Remember to savor your journey, even when things don't seem to be going your way. In time, your career path will reveal itself, and you may be surprised by where you end up.
Wishing you all the best!
The question you've asked is one that I believe almost everyone ponders when thinking about their career longevity. However, it's important to remember that the only real barrier to your growth is you. So, my suggestion would be to shift your focus away from the ultimate goal of growth or running your own prosperous business. Instead, concentrate on what sparks your enthusiasm and makes you eager to start each day. This could be anything from mastering a new skill, selling a product, or performing large-scale business analytics. Ultimately, only you can identify what truly invigorates you and gives you a sense of achievement.
As for my personal experience, I began as an engineering student but found myself drawn to accounting, as I naturally gravitated towards the subject and business in general. I also found the analytical, problem-solving, and collaborative aspects of a public accounting position appealing. Today, I'm proud to be part of one of the world's largest public accounting firms, with limitless opportunities for growth ahead. Each morning, I wake up full of energy and ready to tackle the day, knowing that I'm contributing to the transparency of capital markets, which benefits everyone from individual investors to large corporations.
In a nutshell, take some time to reflect on your strengths and what you enjoy doing daily. Then, pursue that with great passion, always striving to learn more and identify additional skills you can develop. Remember to savor your journey, even when things don't seem to be going your way. In time, your career path will reveal itself, and you may be surprised by where you end up.
Wishing you all the best!
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Matt’s Answer
If you have an entreprenuerial mindset, and are a former college athlete, I would highly recommend tech sales.
In the tech world, when a founder is an engineer, but lacks selling skills, it can hamper early company growth. Sales will give you business acumen and a seat at the table, especially in small to midsize companies. Try to overachieve numbers.
From sales, you can really cross skill into most other functions. However, keep in mind it can be hard to go back into a hard skill like engineering because tech moves really fast and its hard to keep up with the pace of change.
Besides that, I think sales will give you exposure to many industries and company types early on, so you can explore what is your passion.
In the tech world, when a founder is an engineer, but lacks selling skills, it can hamper early company growth. Sales will give you business acumen and a seat at the table, especially in small to midsize companies. Try to overachieve numbers.
From sales, you can really cross skill into most other functions. However, keep in mind it can be hard to go back into a hard skill like engineering because tech moves really fast and its hard to keep up with the pace of change.
Besides that, I think sales will give you exposure to many industries and company types early on, so you can explore what is your passion.
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Alegria’s Answer
As a starting point for a career (and excellent exit opportunities) I'd consider doing management consulting. Many professors and mentors I've had have called a stint in consulting 'finishing school' for whatever you do next. Your grit and inter-personal/teaming skills from being an athlete will serve you well. Natural pivots out of consulting can be entrepreneurship or going to work for your clients where you'll typically have better work-life balance. I'd mainly recommend this path if what you're looking for is really growth and building a strong professional skillset. Jobs in consulting are not light on hours or responsibilities and that doesn't necessarily get better as you get more senior. If you're looking for a more relaxed role, I would look to Gen AI/IT roles. You could also thread the needle and do Gen AI strategy consulting.
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Adina’s Answer
Hi Greg,
I would suggest gaining as much exposure as possible early on in your career. In careers such as consulting or rotational programs, you are exposed to a variety of different projects, industries, people, and thinking processes. Through all of those experiences, you will continue to explore what you enjoy doing, where you excel, and equally as important, what you do not enjoy doing. Having those experiences earlier on in your career will help set you up for success in the longer term.
I would suggest gaining as much exposure as possible early on in your career. In careers such as consulting or rotational programs, you are exposed to a variety of different projects, industries, people, and thinking processes. Through all of those experiences, you will continue to explore what you enjoy doing, where you excel, and equally as important, what you do not enjoy doing. Having those experiences earlier on in your career will help set you up for success in the longer term.
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Terry’s Answer
Technology Consulting as it related to Data Management and Governance is in big demand as is AI. Data Security is likewise. Getting certifications is important.
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Erica’s Answer
I would recommend starting your own business. Upfront it would be a lot of work, more than taking a position at a larger company. But as your business grows, you can hire more people to take on the work while you capitalize on your equity. Another option is building a real-estate portfolio that brings in passive income. For example, buying and renting out rental properties that bring in more rent than the cost to upkeep them. Once your portfolio is at a certain size you will have enough passive income that you won't need to work too much. Plus you can hire property managers to manage the properties, so you really are just the investment arm.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6308
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Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Greg,
Best Career Paths for Growth and Development
When transitioning from a career in sports to the workforce, it’s essential to consider industries that offer substantial growth opportunities, potential for advancement into management roles, and entrepreneurial prospects. Here are some career paths that align with your criteria:
1. Technology Sector: The technology industry is known for its rapid growth and continuous innovation. Roles in tech companies often provide opportunities for advancement into leadership positions and offer entrepreneurial avenues through startups or product development. With the increasing reliance on technology in various sectors, skills in areas like software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence are highly sought after.
2. Healthcare Industry: Healthcare is another sector with significant growth potential due to an aging population and advancements in medical technology. Roles such as healthcare administration, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and healthcare consulting offer avenues for career progression into management roles. Additionally, the healthcare industry provides opportunities for entrepreneurship through healthcare startups or consulting firms.
3. Finance and Investment Banking: The finance sector offers lucrative career paths with opportunities for growth and advancement. Roles in investment banking, financial analysis, asset management, and private equity can lead to managerial positions or entrepreneurial ventures in finance-related fields. Developing expertise in financial modeling, risk management, and investment strategies can pave the way for a successful career in finance.
4. Consulting Services: Consulting firms across various industries provide opportunities for individuals to develop their skills and expertise while working on diverse projects. Consulting roles often involve problem-solving, strategic planning, and client management – skills that are transferable to leadership positions or entrepreneurship. As you gain experience in consulting, you can explore starting your consultancy firm or specializing in a particular industry.
5. Real Estate Development: Real estate offers a dynamic field with opportunities for growth and entrepreneurial endeavors. Roles in real estate development involve identifying investment opportunities, managing projects, and overseeing property developments. With the right experience and knowledge of the real estate market trends, you can progress into leadership roles within real estate companies or start your real estate development firm.
6. Marketing and Advertising: Marketing and advertising are essential components of businesses across industries. Roles in marketing strategy, digital marketing, brand management, and advertising present avenues for career growth into senior management positions or entrepreneurship through marketing agencies or consultancy services. Developing expertise in consumer behavior analysis, market research, and digital marketing trends can open doors to exciting career opportunities.
In conclusion, transitioning from a sports career to the workforce opens up a world of possibilities across various industries that offer substantial growth potential, pathways to management roles, and entrepreneurial prospects.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: The Harvard Business Review provides insights into current business trends, leadership strategies, and career development advice based on research and expert opinions.
Forbes: Forbes is a reputable source for business news, industry insights, and career guidance from top professionals across different sectors.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers valuable data on employment trends, job outlooks by industry sector, salary information, and educational requirements for various occupations.
God Bless You,
JC.
Best Career Paths for Growth and Development
When transitioning from a career in sports to the workforce, it’s essential to consider industries that offer substantial growth opportunities, potential for advancement into management roles, and entrepreneurial prospects. Here are some career paths that align with your criteria:
1. Technology Sector: The technology industry is known for its rapid growth and continuous innovation. Roles in tech companies often provide opportunities for advancement into leadership positions and offer entrepreneurial avenues through startups or product development. With the increasing reliance on technology in various sectors, skills in areas like software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence are highly sought after.
2. Healthcare Industry: Healthcare is another sector with significant growth potential due to an aging population and advancements in medical technology. Roles such as healthcare administration, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and healthcare consulting offer avenues for career progression into management roles. Additionally, the healthcare industry provides opportunities for entrepreneurship through healthcare startups or consulting firms.
3. Finance and Investment Banking: The finance sector offers lucrative career paths with opportunities for growth and advancement. Roles in investment banking, financial analysis, asset management, and private equity can lead to managerial positions or entrepreneurial ventures in finance-related fields. Developing expertise in financial modeling, risk management, and investment strategies can pave the way for a successful career in finance.
4. Consulting Services: Consulting firms across various industries provide opportunities for individuals to develop their skills and expertise while working on diverse projects. Consulting roles often involve problem-solving, strategic planning, and client management – skills that are transferable to leadership positions or entrepreneurship. As you gain experience in consulting, you can explore starting your consultancy firm or specializing in a particular industry.
5. Real Estate Development: Real estate offers a dynamic field with opportunities for growth and entrepreneurial endeavors. Roles in real estate development involve identifying investment opportunities, managing projects, and overseeing property developments. With the right experience and knowledge of the real estate market trends, you can progress into leadership roles within real estate companies or start your real estate development firm.
6. Marketing and Advertising: Marketing and advertising are essential components of businesses across industries. Roles in marketing strategy, digital marketing, brand management, and advertising present avenues for career growth into senior management positions or entrepreneurship through marketing agencies or consultancy services. Developing expertise in consumer behavior analysis, market research, and digital marketing trends can open doors to exciting career opportunities.
In conclusion, transitioning from a sports career to the workforce opens up a world of possibilities across various industries that offer substantial growth potential, pathways to management roles, and entrepreneurial prospects.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: The Harvard Business Review provides insights into current business trends, leadership strategies, and career development advice based on research and expert opinions.
Forbes: Forbes is a reputable source for business news, industry insights, and career guidance from top professionals across different sectors.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers valuable data on employment trends, job outlooks by industry sector, salary information, and educational requirements for various occupations.
God Bless You,
JC.
Thanks for the help.
Greg
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Davielle’s Answer
Greg, this is a great question. And welcome to the next chapter of your life! Really, anything involving programming will be crucial for the next 50 years. Someone has to build AI interfaces and monitor them in order for them to work properly. Everything needs engineers - sustainable energy, the infrastructure (roads, bridges, transportation). Healthcare will never be people-free, so that is a great option as well. In addition, every industry needs researchers to determine what next steps to take. I suggest, once you have the area narrowed down a bit, consult the trade organizations (such as ASCE, American Society of Civil Engineers) to get more input from them concerning education and job opportunities. Good luck!
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Greg
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Rhonda’s Answer
As a Recruiter for a large management consulting firm there are current trends/themes that currently offer growth and opportunities: Cyber security, Energy & Sustainability, Healthcare, Technology, Gen AI, Analytics, Data to name a few.
the best career path is one that aligns with your passions and where you can continually grow and contribute. Stay curious, be proactive in your learning and career development, and don't be afraid to take risks. Your enthusiasm and dedication are powerful drivers of success. Keep pushing forward, and you'll find a path that is both rewarding and full of potential.
the best career path is one that aligns with your passions and where you can continually grow and contribute. Stay curious, be proactive in your learning and career development, and don't be afraid to take risks. Your enthusiasm and dedication are powerful drivers of success. Keep pushing forward, and you'll find a path that is both rewarding and full of potential.
Katherine Avery
Run a music studio and teach private music lessons; teach college-level religion classes
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Katherine’s Answer
You might like to check out Ken Coleman's book From Paycheck to Purpose for interest's sake.
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Sonya’s Answer
Hi Greg, I work in the health insurance industry and I highly recommend it for growth opportunities. There is never a shortage of jobs, and the industry is always growing. It is easy to get all sorts of positions with a variety of expertise and not an overly competitive industry like investment banking for example.
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Marylin’s Answer
To build on the useful suggestions given earlier, consider focusing on education or experiences that can be applied broadly across various industries, instead of limiting yourself to specific skills that might only be relevant in a particular sector or niche market. This way, you'll increase your versatility and marketability in the job market.