A STUDY OF PROFESSIONAL CAREER DECISIONS AMONG STUDENT-ATHLETES AT KASEM BUNDIT UNIVERSITY

Abstract

This research aimed to examine the level of decision-making regarding pursuing a professional athletic career and the problems and obstacles encountered by athletes at Kasem Bundit University. The population consisted of 154 university athletes. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The findings revealed that the majority of the respondents were female, aged 20 years or younger, first-year undergraduate students, had an average monthly income of no more than 10,000 baht, and had more than six years of athletic experience. Overall, the level of decision-making regarding pursuing a professional athletic career was at a high level. The factors significantly influencing the decision at the .05 level were, in descending order, love and interest in the sport and individual aptitude, honor and reputation, future career advancement, job security, and financial compensation. The study recommends that sports clubs and associations provide appropriate support in terms of compensation, equipment, and training, as well as establish systems for promoting athletes’ physical and mental health, preventing injuries and burnout, and developing skills in sports psychology, management, and networking alongside their education. In addition, insurance coverage, standardized contracts, assistance funds, and transparent management systems should be provided to protect athletes’ rights and promote long-term career security.

Keywords: Decision-Making, Professional Athletes, Professional Athletic Career