These were the central questions addressed at the event “SECOND HALF: From Sport to New Opportunities”, held at the Zagreb School of Economics and Management (ZSEM) in Zagreb, Croatia.
The event was organised as part of the Erasmus+ Sport project SECOND HALF, coordinated by the Croatian Olympic Committee, which aims to support athletes in developing new competencies, exploring professional opportunities and preparing for successful careers beyond competitive sport.
One of the highlights of the event was a panel discussion bringing together athletes from different generations and professional backgrounds to share their experiences and perspectives on dual careers, the importance of education and the challenges of transitioning from sport to the labour market.
Among the speakers was Snježana Pejčić, a multiple-time Olympian and bronze medallist at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, who now serves as Head of the Croatian Olympic Committee's Athlete Career Centre, supporting athletes in preparing for life after sport.
The discussion also featured figure skater Boris Martinec, ice hockey player Domagoj Mihaljević and Dorja Blažić, an active foil fencer and MBA student. Former volleyball player Maja Poljak also contributed to the discussion, sharing her perspective on career development beyond professional sport.
The discussion highlighted the importance of recognising transferable skills developed through sport, including discipline, teamwork, resilience, adaptability and leadership. These competencies represent valuable assets that athletes can apply in a wide range of professional environments.
In addition to the panel discussion, the event provided an opportunity for informal networking between athletes, potential employers and representatives of the business sector.
The networking session encouraged direct communication, the exchange of experiences and the exploration of potential career opportunities. By bringing together representatives of the sporting, academic and business communities, the event demonstrated the importance of collaboration in supporting athletes' professional development.
Initial conversations also indicated promising opportunities for future cooperation and professional engagement.
The event represents an important step in the SECOND HALF project's efforts to strengthen connections between athletes and the labour market. Through similar initiatives, the project aims to continue creating opportunities for networking, education and career development, helping athletes prepare for their professional futures.
While every sporting career eventually comes to an end, the knowledge, experience and skills acquired through sport remain valuable long after the final competition. The SECOND HALF project seeks to ensure that athletes receive the support and opportunities they need to successfully apply these strengths in their next professional chapter.
