In today’s competitive world, athletes face unique challenges transitioning from sports to professional careers. Many struggle with thin resumes, anxiety, and identity foreclosure — a psychological crisis that occurs when their athletic journey ends. Joe Carney, founder of ZIYNX, developed a solution to close this gap by creating a comprehensive model that emphasizes life skills, internships, and NIL success for athletes of all backgrounds.
A Holistic Approach to Athlete Empowerment
ZIYNX Academy directly addresses these challenges by providing on-demand micro-internships and personal development programs that equip student-athletes with essential life skills. Launching in late October 2024, the program will feature ten core modules, starting with discovering identity beyond sports, and mental health and wellness.
For Carney, a former executive at ESPN, NFL, MLB, and The Players’ Tribune, this mission is personal. He understands the difficulty athletes face when entering the job market without the same career-building opportunities as their non-athlete peers. ZIYNX helps athletes unlock their “superpowers”—the transferable skills they’ve developed through sports—empowering them to thrive in life beyond the game.
Tailored to Student-Athletes’ Busy Lives
ZIYNX Academy is designed with the demanding schedules of student-athletes in mind. Its on-demand format allows athletes to engage with content at their convenience, balancing their academic and athletic commitments. Each 45-60 minute web-based module is divided into three engaging sections: roundtable discussions with athletes and experts, two-minute drills, and 24-second “Athlete Shots,” designed to help athletes perfect their elevator pitches on topics beyond sports.
The additional micro-internships ZIYNX offers each semester provide more than just résumé-building opportunities—they deliver real-world, hands-on experience. For example, ZIYNX’s 2024 fall marketing internship attracted 750+ applicants that were narrowed down to a final 50 student-athletes that were selected from 41 schools. They will earn practical skills that apply to careers beyond athletics.
Building a Path Beyond Sports
What truly sets ZIYNX apart is its holistic approach. Beyond career skills, the platform covers mental health, financial literacy, gender equality, and professional development, ensuring athletes are prepared to craft resumes and career profiles that stand out to employers.
With partnerships from institutions like Fordham University, Vanderbilt University, Old Dominion, Norfolk State University, and Marist College, ZIYNX is rapidly becoming a leading platform for athlete development. Carney’s vision is clear: to provide athletes with the tools and resources they need to succeed in life after sports, helping them discover their passion and purpose.
For student-athletes looking to bridge the gap between sports and their future careers, ZIYNX offers a comprehensive, accessible solution. As Carney emphasizes, “We’re here for all of them. No matter what sport they play, what division they’re in, or how many social followers they have—our focus is to inspire and empower these athletes to chart a path that’s not only successful but purposeful.”