Student-athletes are highly likely to get college scholarships. Their skills on the track and field give them an edge over their less-sporty colleagues when colleges pick talented students. Some students get full scholarships and study for free, and their out-of-class activities can earn them loads of cash. Coaching, personal training, and remote work are valuable ways to make an extra dollar. Here are ways they can turn their talents into wealth.
1. Through Work-Study in the College Sports Department
As a student who got into college by dint of your exemplary athletics skills, use them to make money while still studying. You could be tasked with arranging sports equipment in the store, ensuring the sports items lent to students are accounted for, and managing the locker rooms, among other activities. Over time, a part-time job where you put in two hours daily will make a difference in your bank account.
2. By Coaching Young Athletes
Speak with lecturers and other college staff with young kids. Ask them to allow you to train their children in swimming, playing basketball, or running. You’ll not only pass a valuable gift to the next generation, but you’ll also hone your coaching skills. Agree with the parent on hourly wages or something that’ll benefit both parties.
Check after-school programs with organizations like the YMCA for a part-time gig. Your achievements can help young kids look up to you as a good role model. You can also check the local directory for these organizations or local elementary schools that may need your skills.
Training the young learners helps you stay healthy. Running, swimming, and dunking basketballs help keep lifestyle diseases away. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that swimming is the top activity among U.S. teens and kids.
3. Become an Influencer
Star athletes are easily recognizable wherever they go. They are a household name with images plastered in malls and recreation joints. Become a star athlete and use your gift and popularity to earn money by endorsing products.
In 2020, Florida passed the name, image, and likeness (“NIL”) law (F.S. 1006.74 – Intercollegiate athlete compensation and rights). It came into effect a year later, on July 1, 2021. As a student in any Florida university or select post-secondary institution, you can be compensated by third parties that use your NIL.
As a college student in Florida, you can finance your education from brand endorsements, sponsorship deals, and other channels that pay to use your name, image, and likeness (NIL). This law was first enacted in California. Thirty states now use the NIL law, and students are the main beneficiaries. An athlete can choose to work with a local or national brand and make tons of money.
4. Through Content Creation
Myriad story ideas can make for interesting reading or viewing. As a college student, use your skills to create a vlog and tell exciting product stories. You can share your experiences or do product reviews to draw attention to your content.
For instance, you can create interesting videos around products such as mattresses. Tell your experience as an athlete and how you rest and relax after a training session. This is where a product endorsement from a mattress company will be useful.
One of the most popular mattresses, the spring mattress, has been around since 1857. This is interesting information you can package with the help of a professional sleep therapist. This way, you educate your online viewers and push brand visibility for the spring mattresses.
You’ll make money as your online video platform continues to receive traffic. Other companies, such as stores with sports utilities, would be ready to pay top dollar for your endorsement. Incorporate Google Adsense and other income-producing channels to monetize your content.
5. By Managing Social Media Accounts
Many small businesses still don’t use social media to improve their visibility. With your marketing proposition, walk around your off-campus joints, coffee shops, gyms, and fast-food outlets. Millions of people spend loads of time on social media. Develop creative content to catch their attention.
There are opportunities all around you. You don’t need capital to start a brick-and-mortar business. Use your gift and college connections to make money.