• The #1 Career Guide to Leverage

    your Athlete DNA in the Workplace

    CareerBall

    About CareerBall

    CareerBall … is written primarily as a career resource and planning tool for the athlete, but provides the coach, parent and athletic administrators important background information to understand and address athlete life and career transition.

     

    CareerBall … dissects the athlete DNA, informs athletes of the unique career development challenges facing them, and alerts athletes and parents to the dangers of tunnel vision, where sports becomes 100% of an athletes self-image.

     

    CareerBall … answers the question of ‘what’s next’ for hundreds of thousands of competitive athletes facing career uncertainty, loss of identity as they transition away from sports and a changing employment landscape.

     


     

     

  • Written for the Athlete DNA....

    Reviewed by Athletes.

    "Russ Does a great job of "filling the gap" between the sports/academic part of a young life and the job world. The "how to" chapters on writing a resume and preparing for that "interview" should be invaluable to the student athlete who is serious in making the move from a structured student athletic environment into the real world. Russ provides incredible detail into all of the possible pitfalls and traps that may await one who is just venturing into the job market for the first time".

    "If you are not hooked into this book's message by the time you've finished reading the Introduction, you are not an athlete. The concluding paragraph in the Introduction challenges the reader to think of career planning as a sport and as a game to be played"

    "Careerball should be read by anyone involved in athletics whether it is an athlete, coach, family member, adviser, etc. There is something in there for everyone. There's an old saying `the ball will eventually run out of air...you can't play forever...' So what happens next? Luckily Russ outlines, step by step, things to consider and think about to help with a smooth transition"

    "Very enjoyable read that offers an organized view of how competitive athletics and the real world collide. Anyone involved in sports can benefit from this book as a way to put their athletic skills and mindset to work in creating a life you want and not settle for whatever happens"

  • Affordable Custom Editions Available

    Adopted and Utilized by Leading NCAA & NAIA Athletic Departments, USA Olympic Teams and Professional Sports Agents for up-to-date career guidance and support for transitioning athletes.

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    As an Athlete,

    You Will Discover:

    • That athletics largely shape who we are and how to leverage that identity
    • 10 primary reasons why athletes make great employees

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    As an Athlete,

    You Will Discover:

    • 16 secondary reasons for your success
    • What is your ‘Athlete Trait Profile’?

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    As an Athlete,

    You Will Discover:

    • Do’s and Don’ts of networking
    • The #1 Most Valuable career activity you can do

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    As an Athlete,

    You Will Discover:

    • 4 characteristics you should seek in a great mentor
    • 5 killer resumes mistakes to avoid

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    As an Athlete,

    You Will Discover:

    • What’s really important on job interviews?
    • 10 most important, frequently asked interview questions

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    As an Athlete,

    You Will Discover:

    • 10 career trends to watch in the New Economy
    • Access to the playbook that is guaranteed to successfully prepare you for your career after sports

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    As an Athlete,

    You Will Discover:

    • How to ‘Think Big…but Think Smart’ about your choices

    * How to differentiate yourself from the competition in an interview

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    As an Athlete,

    You Will Discover:

    * How to leverage your athletic experience in the job market and throughout your career

    * 14 broad employment trends athletes should keep their eyes on

  • About the Author

    My Best Advice?

    Russ Hafferkamp

    "Don’t be asleep at the switch. Get yourself a copy of CareerBall! Unless you’re making seven-figures a year and signed to a multi-year contract, being a good athlete is no guarantee that you will succeed in your career after sports…or for that matter, even find a job".

     

    Meet Russ Hafferkamp

    Since pioneering the Athlete Career Counseling movement over 25 years ago, Russ is now recognized as the leading voice and coach in the career development and transition of collegiate and elite athletes. He is the author of “CareerBall: The Sport Athletes Play When They’re Through Playing Sports” and “CareerBall: The Student-Athlete Career Guide and Handbook”. Russ has been featured in mainstream and sports industry media for his success in founding Career Athletes and has been a speaker at major corporations and leading universities. He is a former NCAA All-American athlete, NCAA coach and successful CEO and currently has a private career counseling and coaching practice, providing advice and counsel to over 1,500 former collegiate and elite athletes.

  • CareerBall

    THE BEST real-world advice and practical tools for athletes who want to take charge of their future career moves.

    CareerBall … is the only resource that examines the athlete personality and character traits that play into defining success in the workplace. CareerBall will help you understand...

     

    • Unique challenges facing the competitive athlete.
    • The “dark side of the alpha male”.
    • "Dumb Jock or Scholar-Athlete” stereotyping that can shape an athlete.
    • How-to Interpret and leverage your athlete ‘soft-skills’ after sports are over.
    • The keys to “overcoming life’s little screw-ups".

    * The obstacles women athletes face operating in the "good ‘ol boy network".
    • Real world strategies for collegiate and elite athletes.
    • The importance of “knowing thyself”.
    • Correctly assessing your “Athlete Core Message”.

    • And... “Tips from the Pros” – Outstanding career advice from former collegiate athletes.

  • Contact Me

    This is Your $12 Wake-up Call

     

    Let’s face the facts: living in a post-industrial, high-tech society now requires all job-hunters to demonstrate both intelligence and concrete work skills- not just athletic accomplishments or a recommendation from important alumni. It is important to realize that we are now living in times when most of the rules of the employment market have changed. In the old days, career planning and development for athletes was rewarded mostly by networking and showing up for the interview.

     

    "Lacking the necessary skills and mobility required for getting the good jobs of tomorrow will be tough obstacles to overcome if all you have to show on your resume is a long history of touchdowns and team spirit".

     

    CareerBall … puts to rest the notion that there is still job security or that people will have only one career in a lifetime. But, there may be a distinct advantage for the prepared athlete in this sort of competitive environment where jobs are scare and the applicants are many. Employers are taking a new look at highly competitive individuals that can stare down dire times, bring optimism and a work ethic to the party, and continue to build for the future.

     

    CareerBall breaks down in the most simple terms what is most important to get on the right-track, starting from as early as high school, but focuses on college and elite athletes as they really prepare in earnest for a job and career other than sports.

     

    The Bottom Line … For the athlete, the bottom line in today’s marketplace is clear: if you want to achieve success in your post-athletic career, you have to assume more self-responsibility and gather broader life and work experiences while you compete. CareerBall is the #1 career resource that helps athletes prepare for this bottom line!

    Phone or Text me for Custom Edition special pricing
    (510) 377-3348