The conference featured inspiring examples of successful dual careers and personal experiences of former athletes who have transitioned into new professional roles. Through engaging discussions and practical examples, participants explored the importance of career planning, education, mentorship, and transferable skills in preparing athletes for their professional futures.
SECOND HALF Digital Hub: A Lasting Resource for Athletes
One of the conference's key highlights was the presentation of the SECOND HALF Digital Hub, a major project achievement designed to provide athletes with practical tools and resources for professional development and career transition.
The platform brings together educational materials developed through national digital skills and career development workshops, alongside a dedicated space for professional opportunities.
An additional feature is the mentorship support system, enabling athletes to request guidance through dedicated contact channels. Based on national survey findings, workshop materials have been tailored to the specific needs of athletes in Croatia, Romania, and North Macedonia.
Croatian Olympic Committee Delegation Shares Valuable Expertise
The Croatian Olympic Committee, as project coordinator, participated in the Final Conference with a delegation combining extensive sporting experience and professional expertise in career development.
The delegation included Olympians Vlado Šola and Andrea Ivančević Petrac, alongside Maja Poljak, multiple Champions league winner in volleyball and SECOND HALF Project Manager, and Dr. Mirna Koričan Lajtman, career development expert who contributed significantly to the preparation of the project's career counselling materials.
Project Achievements Across Three Partner Countries
Throughout its implementation, SECOND HALF delivered a series of activities across Croatia, Romania, and North Macedonia, providing athletes with practical skills, resources, and guidance to support their dual careers and professional transitions.
National workshops focused on digital skills, employability, personal branding, and career development, while dedicated mentoring and career counselling activities offered personalised support based on individual needs.
Furthermore, the Networking events brought athletes together with potential employers, business representatives, and other relevant stakeholders, facilitating professional connections and opportunities for future collaboration.
Together with the Digital Hub, these activities have contributed to establishing a comprehensive framework for supporting athletes beyond their sporting careers.
Ensuring a Sustainable Legacy Beyond the Project
Although the Final Conference marked the conclusion of the project's main activities, the SECOND HALF Digital Hub will remain operational beyond the project's official completion, ensuring continued access to educational resources, career opportunities, and mentorship support.
In Croatia, the platform will continue to support athletes through the ongoing activities of the Croatian Olympic Committee's Career Centre, reinforcing the project's long-term commitment to dual career development and athlete transition.
Through cooperation between project partners from Croatia, Romania, and North Macedonia, SECOND HALF has strengthened awareness of the importance of preparing athletes for life beyond competitive sport while providing practical tools to support their next professional chapter.
Because every sporting career has a second half – and every athlete deserves the opportunity to make it a successful one.
Explore the SECOND HALF Digital Hub
Discover educational resources, career development opportunities, and mentorship support:
Visit the SECOND HALF Digital Hub
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of
the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the
European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the
European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
