Facilitating sporting and non-sporting career goals of elite athletes through mentoring programmes

Abstract

ABSTRACT Research question Many elite athletes pursue higher education or professional employment alongside their sport career. Formal mentoring relationships help athletes to balance the demands of a dual career. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate the interrelationship between mentoring, values conveyed in mentoring, and the satisfaction with sporting and non-sporting career goals from a mentee and mentor perspective. This research contributes to the existing literature by examining how mentoring can help athletes attain their dual career goals from a holistic perspective. Research method Elite athletes (i.e. competing in international competitions; n = 105) and business professionals who function as mentors (n = 101) are surveyed regarding their satisfaction with the mentoring relationship and career goals. Logistic regression analyses assessed the proposed interrelationships. Results and Findings The career development function and conveying performance are positively associated with mentees’ multiple sporting and non-sporting career goals. Greater investment into mentees’ career development and the conveyance of performance and trust is positively associated with mentors’ satisfaction (i.e. supporting the mentee and achieving personal career benefits). Implications Conveying performance as value is crucial for increased positive outcomes for mentees, such as easy integration into the workplace and society. A mentor investing more time and consideration into the mentoring relationship increases the mentor and mentee’s satisfaction. A mentoring relationship founded on trust is precious for the mentor.