This study investigated whether university students’ expectations for career
development would vary by experience of participation in sports clubs. Specifically, this
study aimed to : (1) factors affecting their participation in sports clubs; (2) benefits of
participation in sports clubs; (3) effects of participation in sports club on career
development; and (4) whether participation in sports clubs could help them attain their
ultimate career goals. Based on a qualitative research approach, this study collected data
from in-depth interview, field notes, and participant observation. The data included
experiences of participation in sports clubs and expectations for career development.
After collecting the data, this study established research questions and derived the
following findings: (1) Most students participated in sports clubs out of “interest”. (2) In
addition to good memories, students gained opportunities to collaborate with others,
closer relationships with others, and philosophy of leadership. (3) Barriers encountered
by the students who participated in sports clubs included insufficiency of newly
recruited members, lack of time, poor internal management, and no improvement in
personal sports performance. (4) Most students agreed that the experiences they
acquired from participation in sports clubs have been helpful for their job career. Based
on the above findings, this study concluded that sports clubs offer a value added to
growth. Through interactions, leadership, communications, and teamwork in sports
clubs, students have more opportunities to demonstrate their talent and will show more
confidence in face of any new challenge.
