# Careers & Lifestyle

Part of the Athletics Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/athletics/guide/index.md)

*7. Careers & Beyond*

> **7.** Do ONE of the following:

> **7a.** Explore three careers related to athletics. Research one career area by interviewing an expert in the field, visiting a site, or using other resources. Learn about training, education, expenses, job outlook, salary, and advancement. Discuss your findings and career interest with your counselor.

> **7b.** Explore how an area of athletics could contribute to a hobby or healthy lifestyle. Research education, costs, and organizations related to this activity. Discuss your findings and goals with your counselor.

Athletics does not end when the final whistle blows. The skills, habits, and passion you build through sports can shape your career, your hobbies, and your health for the rest of your life. For this requirement, choose **one** of the two options below.

### Option 7a: Careers in Athletics

The world of athletics supports a huge range of careers beyond being a professional athlete. Here are several categories to explore:

**Sports Medicine and Health**
- **Athletic trainer** — Works directly with athletes to prevent, diagnose, and treat injuries. Requires a bachelor's or master's degree in athletic training and national certification.
- **Physical therapist** — Helps athletes recover from injuries and surgery through guided exercise and rehabilitation. Requires a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
- **Sports psychologist** — Helps athletes manage performance anxiety, motivation, and mental health. Requires a graduate degree in psychology.
- **Sports nutritionist/dietitian** — Designs meal plans and nutrition strategies for athletes. Requires a degree in nutrition or dietetics and certification.

**Coaching and Instruction**
- **High school or college coach** — Teaches and leads athletes in a specific sport. May require teaching certification and sport-specific experience.
- **Personal trainer** — Works one-on-one with clients to design fitness programs. Certification through NASM, ACE, or similar organizations.
- **Strength and conditioning coach** — Designs training programs for teams and athletes to improve performance. Often requires CSCS certification.

**Sports Management and Media**
- **Sports marketing manager** — Promotes teams, events, and athletes through advertising and partnerships.
- **Sports journalist** — Reports on sports for newspapers, websites, TV, or podcasts.
- **Event coordinator** — Plans and manages sports events, tournaments, and meets.
- **Sports data analyst** — Uses statistics and data to evaluate player performance and strategy.

**Facilities and Operations**
- **Athletic director** — Oversees sports programs at a school or university.
- **Facility manager** — Manages stadiums, arenas, pools, and sports complexes.
- **Groundskeeper/turf manager** — Maintains playing fields, tracks, and courts.

> **Tip**
>
> When researching a career, try to interview someone who actually works in the field. Ask them: What does a typical day look like? What do you wish you had known before starting this career? What advice would you give a Scout who is interested in this field?

#### Research Framework for Option 7a

When you research your chosen career, cover these six areas:

| Area | Questions to Answer |
|------|-------------------|
| **Training/Education** | What degree, certification, or experience is required? |
| **Expenses** | What does the education cost? Are there scholarships or financial aid options? |
| **Job Outlook** | Is demand for this career growing, stable, or declining? |
| **Salary** | What is the typical starting salary? What can an experienced professional earn? |
| **Advancement** | What does the career ladder look like? Where can this job lead? |
| **Day-to-Day** | What does a typical workday involve? |

![A collage showing four athletics careers: an athletic trainer taping an athlete's ankle, a coach with a clipboard on a field, a sports journalist with a microphone, and a strength coach demonstrating an exercise](https://ik.imagekit.io/doulacoop/tr:w-800/mbu-assets/merit-badges/athletics/guide/careers-in-athletics?v=4ef5098e)

### Option 7b: Athletics as a Hobby and Lifestyle

Not everyone who loves athletics will make it a career — and that is perfectly fine. Option 7b asks you to explore how a specific athletic activity could become a lifelong hobby that keeps you healthy, happy, and connected to your community.

**Research areas:**
- **Education:** What do you need to learn to participate at a recreational level? Are there classes, clubs, or community programs?
- **Costs:** What equipment do you need? What are membership or registration fees? How can you participate affordably?
- **Organizations:** What local, regional, or national organizations support this activity? (Running clubs, swim teams, community leagues, etc.)
- **Health benefits:** How does this activity contribute to long-term physical and mental health?
- **Community:** How does this activity connect you with other people? Are there social leagues, volunteer opportunities, or events?

#### Examples of Lifelong Athletic Activities

- **Running** — Low cost, can be done anywhere, massive community of recreational runners and road races.
- **Swimming** — Easy on joints, excellent for lifelong fitness, available through community pools and masters swim programs.
- **Basketball** — Community recreation leagues and pickup games are available in almost every city.
- **Weight training** — Gym memberships are widely available, and home gym setups can be minimal.
- **Cycling** — Combines fitness with transportation and exploration. Active cycling communities exist nationwide.
- **Martial arts** — Builds discipline, fitness, and self-defense skills across all ages.

> **Did You Know?**
>
> The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week — that is just over 20 minutes per day. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, depression, and many other conditions. Athletics is one of the best ways to meet that goal.

> **Be Prepared! You Cannot Afford a Gym**
>
> You want to keep training after earning your merit badge, but gym memberships and equipment are expensive.
>
> - **Bodyweight exercises** — Push-ups, pull-ups, squats, lunges, and planks require zero equipment and build serious strength.
> - **Community resources** — Many cities have free outdoor fitness stations, public pools, and park running trails.
> - **School facilities** — Your school may allow students to use the weight room, track, or pool outside of team practice hours.
> - **Used equipment** — Check local buy/sell groups for affordable weights, pull-up bars, and fitness gear.
> - **Free programs** — Parkrun (5K running events) and many community sports leagues are free to join.

[Bureau of Labor Statistics — Sports and Exercise Careers](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/): Detailed career information including job descriptions, salary data, and employment outlook for sports-related professions.

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