Ever dream of playing professional sports? The reality is, for most college athletes, that dream fades after graduation. So how do athletes translate their grit, leadership, and teamwork skills into a successful career off the field?

In this episode of the Millennium Counseling podcast, taken from the Athletes to Entrepreneurs podcast hosted by Rob Finkelstein, Derek is interviewed about his time as a former professional soccer player, transitioning from sports to a traditional career, and much more!

Topics discussed:

• The transferable skills athletes possess and how to use them in any job.
  
• Networking secrets from the locker room that can build your professional circle.
  
• Why companies love hiring athletes
  
• The real story of transitioning from pro athlete to “real world” employee.
  
• How to support athletes’ mental health and build the resources they need.
  

If you have any questions about any of the topics discussed in this episode, please click here to send us a message.

Thank you for listening to this episode: “Life After Sports with Derek Bylsma”

Related content to Life After Sports with Derek Bylsma:

• Athlete Mindset Podcast: Bringing Lived Experience to Clinical Work with Derek Bylsma
  
• Sarah Meister | From Division 1 Volleyball to Sports Performance Therapist
  
• Millennium Sports and Performance Wellness Division
  

Connect with us:

• Millennium Counseling Center: Website
  
• Derek Bylsma: LinkedIn
  
• Athletes to Entrepreneurs, Rob Finkelstein: LinkedIn | Podcast | Website
  

More about Derek Bylsma:

Derek is the Executive Director of Millennium Counseling Center and heads their 3A and Sports divisions. He is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a nationally board-certified counselor. He is also fully trained in EMDR Therapy.

In addition to having wo bachelor’s degrees from Kalamazoo College and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Derek also holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Roosevelt University. After a successful career in business and with strong family ties in the helping professions, it became apparent that Derek’s true calling was to help those struggling with life’s many challenges.

Derek specializes in recovery-related work, mood disorders, co-occurring disorders, and issues unique to athletic performance. He is particularly enthusiastic about leading the sports division at Millennium Counseling Center as it marries two of his lifelong passions; helping others and athletics. As a soccer player, Derek was a two-time college All-American and All-Big Ten player and after graduating, went on to play professional soccer in the United State. More recently, Derek’s ties to athletics shifted from player to coach and he has been recognized as one of the top High School soccer coaches in Illinois. His experience as a high-performing athlete and coach, as well as his extensive experience in the mental health field, provide clients in Millennium’s Sports division unique benefits.

Derek draws from his own life experiences and insights to help others see the power of having choices in life. He believes “It all works out in the end. If it hasn’t worked out, it’s not the end.”

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