Athletes spend years developing discipline, resilience, and a drive to win. But when the competition ends, what’s next? In Part 1 of this special two-part series with Fore Hire, we explore the journeys of athletes and industry leaders who have successfully transitioned from the course to the corporate world.
FORE HIRE mission:
“We educate, guide, and inspire athletes to transition from golf to successful careers in the business world.”
These conversations highlight the challenges and opportunities of career transitions, the importance of networking, and how sports skills translate to business success.
Learn more about FORE HIRE → forehireus.com
Episode 1 – From College Athlete to Corporate Success
Guest: Morgan Nadaline, Territory Service Manager, ISCO
Topics Covered: Job search strategies, career transitions, networking
After competing as a college athlete, Morgan Nadaline was unsure of her next steps. But through the Fore Hire Virtual Career Fair, she found an opportunity at ISCO, where she’s thriving in the corporate world. She shares how she leveraged networking to land her job, the challenges of transitioning from sports to business, and advice for athletes who are unsure of their next career move.
Episode 2 – Breaking into Finance After College Golf
Guest: Nicole Hansen, Fort Sheridan Advisors
Topics Covered: Career growth, mentorship, networking in finance
Former college golfer Nicole Hansen knew she wanted a career in finance but wasn’t sure how to break in. Now, after passing the Series 65 exam, she’s making moves at Fort Sheridan Advisors. She discusses the power of mentorship in career development, how she navigated the transition from student-athlete to finance professional, and what she wishes she knew before stepping into the corporate world.
Episode 3 – Helping Athletes Transition with the LPGA
Guest: Sam Sallie, Coordinator of Athlete Development & Player Services, LPGA
Topics Covered: Career transitions, athlete development, mentorship
Many athletes don’t start planning for life after sports until it’s too late. That’s where Sam Sallie comes in. As part of the LPGA’s athlete development team, she helps golfers transition into careers beyond competition. She shares why early career planning is crucial for athletes, the biggest challenges they face when stepping into the workforce, and how to build a network and find the right opportunities.
Episode 4 – Why Athletes Make Great Hires
Guest: Rick Ruiz, President, American Hole-in-One
Topics Covered: Business development, hiring former athletes, the golf industry
As the President of American Hole-in-One, Rick Ruiz knows the value that former athletes bring to the business world. He discusses the business of golf promotions and event insurance, why athletes have an edge in the job market, and the key skills that transfer from sports to business success.
Key Takeaways from Part 1
- The skills developed through sports—resilience, adaptability, teamwork—are competitive advantages in business.
- Networking is everything. The right connections can open doors to career opportunities you never considered.
- There’s no single path to success. Whether in finance, sales, or another field, an athletic mindset can take you far.
This two-part series continues in Part 2, where we dive into the business side of golf and the leaders shaping the industry.
Catch all episodes here → letsdowrk.com/podcast
Learn more about Fore Hire → forehireus.com
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
- Corinne Milien on LinkedIn
- WRK on LinkedIn
- FORE HIRE
- FORE HIRE on Linkedin
- Morgan Nadaline on LinkedIn
- Courtney Trimble on LinkedIn
- Nicole Hansen on LinkedIn
- Rick Ruiz on LinkedIn
Special Mentions:
- ISCO
- Fort Sheridan Advisors
- LPGA Athlete Development & Player Services
- American Hole-in-One
Quotable Moments:
- “The same competitiveness that made me successful in golf is what drives me in my career today.” – Morgan Nadaline
- “I had no idea how important networking was until I saw firsthand how one conversation could change my career.” – Nicole Hansen
- “Athletes don’t realize they’ve been training for more than just their sport—they’ve been preparing for leadership roles, problem-solving, and high-pressure situations.” – Sam Sallie
- “I always look for former athletes when hiring. Their work ethic, discipline, and ability to handle failure set them apart.” – Rick Ruiz
Action Steps:
- Identify your transferable skills. What qualities from your athletic experience can be applied to your next career move?
- Expand your network. Attend industry events, reach out to mentors, and leverage platforms like LinkedIn to make new connections.
- Be proactive in career planning. Don’t wait until the end of your playing career to think about what’s next—start exploring opportunities now.
- Consider industries outside of sports. Many of the skills developed in athletics translate well into finance, sales, leadership, and business development.
- Follow up after networking events. A quick email or LinkedIn message can go a long way in solidifying relationships.