Self-efficacy and career development among ncaa division i student-athletes: examining career decision-making confidence and career engagement

Abstract

Student-athletes navigate demanding athletic and academic responsibilities while also preparing for life after sport. Although self-efficacy has been widely linked to persistence, goal setting, and performance, less is understood about how student-athletes’ confidence influences the career development process—particularly their readiness to make career decisions and their engagement in career preparation activities. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the relationship between self-efficacy and career development among NCAA Division I student-athletes.Chickering’s Identity Development Theory served as a lens for understanding how identity development during the college years may relate to career exploration and postcollege planning. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from NCAA Division I student-athletes across sports and academic levels. Participants completed an online survey that assessed athletic identity, self-efficacy, extrinsic motivation factors, and career development-related constructs, including career decision-making confidence and career engagement behaviors connected to the student-athlete experience. Overall, these athletes showed high self-efficacy, high athletic identity, and strong intrinsic motivation to be successful off the field, which challenges the idea that athletes are automatically behind in career development. Most athletes had clear career goals, and the main anxiety was not choosing a career, but feeling confident about alternative options beyond their first choice. Some also showed uncertainty in career preparation basics like résumé building and understanding career field trends, which are likely connected to limited exposure and the time demands of sport. These findings suggest that career development should be integrated into the student-athlete experience early. This should strengthen career confidence through practical skill development and structured opportunities.