Meet the #ESP2021 speakers: Inga Staskeviciute-Butiene
At the upcoming European Sport Platform, Inga Staskeviciute-Butiene will be one of the keynote speakers in the “dual career” session. She believes that each of us in today’s world seeks to reconcile work with family, with hobbies, or volunteering, which are certain manifestations of a dual career. Being able to have a career path is a very important guarantee of self-confidence and being secure in your life.
Dual careers are not only for athletes; for example, Inga is not only the director of the Department of Human Resources and Strategic Management at the Lithuanian Sports University, she is also an associate professor of the Department of Sports and Tourism Management – she works in 2 different fields.
What are the biggest obstacles athletes face when combining professional sport with education (University, schools)?
One of the biggest obstacles when an athlete needs to combine studies with sport are stereotypes, unwillingness to view sport as a serious, important occupation on the part of the education sector. It is also very common to have a preconceived notion among athletes that educational gaps can be filled later. It is various fears, preconceived notions of stakeholders, the athlete’s and his / her coach’s belief in a great future in sport and are the main obstacles to balancing different areas of life: sport and education, sport and work or quality social life.
Why is it important for professional athletes to have a dual career; professional sport + education or vocational training?
Sports careers are relatively short. They can end unexpectedly due to various injuries or health disorders, so athletes must be prepared not only for emotionally, psychologically abrupt changes, but also have a solid foundation underfoot, which is usually provided by education, in order to be able to integrate into society and the labor market.
