The experience of Italian student athletes enrolled in a dual career university program: the challenges of employability

Description

The document investigates the dual career experiences of Italian student-athletes in a university program and the associated challenges of employability. It emphasizes the importance of employability as a resource during transition periods in athletes' careers, particularly amid changes in the sports landscape characterized by shorter careers and increased job instability. By conducting semi-structured interviews with 21 student-athletes, the study explores four dimensions defined by Clarke's integrated model: Human Capital, Social Capital, Individual Behaviors, and Individual Attributes. The findings suggest that dual career pathways significantly benefit student-athletes by enhancing competences, fostering supportive networks, and developing critical personal attributes necessary for successful career transitions. Moreover, the research underscores the vital role of educational institutions in facilitating employability development and supporting athletes as they navigate transitions both in and out of sports careers.