Celebrating IDUS: How Participation in Sport Boosts Vocational Skill Development in Tertiary Students

In a world where career readiness is paramount, the role of sport in shaping the lives and futures of tertiary students often goes unnoticed. Beyond the cheers of the crowd and the thrill of competition lies a valuable story - one of how participation in sport can significantly contribute to the vocational skill development of our young people.

Teamwork and Leadership: Team sports, such as basketball, soccer, and volleyball, demand effective teamwork and leadership skills. Tertiary students who engage in these activities learn to collaborate with teammates, communicate strategies, and adapt to different playing conditions. These skills translate seamlessly into the workplace, where teamwork and leadership are highly sought after qualities.

Time Management and Discipline: Balancing academic commitments with rigorous training schedules is a hallmark of a student-athlete's life. This necessitates impeccable time management and discipline. Tertiary students who excel in sport develop the ability to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, and remain dedicated to their goals - attributes highly valuable in professional settings.

Resilience and Perseverance: Sport often come with setbacks and disappointments. Whether it's a losing streak or an injury, student-athletes learn to bounce back, displaying resilience and perseverance. These qualities empower them to tackle challenges head-on in their future careers, bouncing back from failures and striving for success.

Communication Skills: Effective communication is a cornerstone of professional success. In sport, whether it's giving instructions on the field or discussing strategies with coaches and teammates, students sharpen their verbal and non-verbal communication skills. These abilities are essential for building relationships, networking, and conveying ideas in the workforce.

Problem-Solving Abilities: Sport presents an array of unpredictable situations requiring quick thinking and problem-solving. From devising in-game strategies to overcoming obstacles, student-athletes develop an aptitude for critical thinking and creative problem-solving. These skills serve them well in tackling complex challenges in their chosen professions.

Stress Management: The pressure of competition and the need to perform under stress teach student-athletes valuable stress management techniques. Learning to keep a cool head in high-pressure situations can make all the difference in a professional setting where deadlines and high-stakes decisions are commonplace.

Networking Opportunities: Sport offers unparalleled networking opportunities. Whether through interactions with teammates, coaches, or opponents, student-athletes build an extensive network. This network can prove invaluable when seeking job opportunities, mentorship, or career advice.

The benefits of sport in vocational skill development are undeniable, and universities around the world are increasingly recognising the importance of fostering a sports-friendly environment. It's not just about winning games; it's about cultivating well-rounded individuals with the skills and qualities needed to excel in their careers.

As we celebrate the International Day of University Sport (IDUS), the focus on celebrating the impact of sport on career development is timely as the connection between sport and vocational skill development in tertiary students is a powerful and often overlooked one. It's a reminder that, in addition to academic excellence, participation in sport plays a vital role in shaping the future leaders, innovators, and professionals of our world.

Hear what our New Zealand student-athlete graduates have to say about the impact of sport participation on their chosen career pathways.

NAME: Cheree Kinnear UNIVERSITY: Massey University GRADUATION DATE: November 2017 QUALIFICATION ACHIEVED: Bachelor of Communication SPORTING ACCOLADES: National NZ Archery Champion & International Representative CURRENT EMPLOYMENT: NZ Herald Focus News and Sports Video Reporter Click here to link to Q&A with Cheree Kinnear

NAME: Jacob Mulholland UNIVERSITY: University of Canterbury GRADUATION DATE: 2020 QUALIFICATION ACHIEVED: Bachelor of Sports Coaching SPORTING ACCOLADES: National Tertiary Basketball Representative, UC Premier Club Rep CURRENT EMPLOYMENT: Director of Sport, Craighead Diocesan School Click here to link to Q&A with Jacob Mulholland

NAME: Amelia Morgan UNIVERSITY: University of Canterbury GRADUATION DATE: 2019 QUALIFICATION ACHIEVED: Bachelor of Laws (LLB) SPORTING ACCOLADES: Former track and field athlete, Godzone and Coast to Coast competitor CURRENT EMPLOYMENT: Senior Solicitor, Cooper Radley Law Click here to link to Q&A with Amelia Morgan

NAME: Kristy Havill UNIVERSITY: Lincoln University GRADUATION DATE: 2019 QUALIFICATION ACHIEVED: Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Management SPORTING ACCOLADES: Former NZ Representative Clay-Target Shooter & Premier Cricketer CURRENT EMPLOYMENT: Broadcast Manager, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Click here to link to Q&A with Kristy Havill