MOSCOW (Russia) - Getting an education while playing is very important. I will tell you about my own experience.

When you become a professional basketball player and basketball becomes not only your favourite pastime, but your job and life, you can easily get the wrong impression that you will remain a professional basketball player forever.

My wish is that each professional athlete has a long professional career and enjoys this fun time. However, reality tells us that professional sport can stop at any time. That can happen because of an injury, a change in family situation, etc.

In my case, I had a long and successful basketball career but, when I decided to stop playing, it was very hard to adapt to a new life without basketball. It is better to be ready for that moment, and to be a full-fledged member of society with a diploma that will give you the chance to get a job that you will enjoy. I understand that it's not easy to combine sports and education. But, if you have motivation and you organize yourself, I'm sure you will succeed.

"STUDYING WHILE PLAYING REQUIRES SACRIFICE AND GOOD TIME MANAGEMENT, BUT IT PREPARES YOU FOR THE FUTURE AND IT PAYS OFF AFTER YOU RETIRE."- Ilona Korstin

During my professional career, I had that in mind because my parents helped me to understand that education was important for my personal development and for my future. That's why everywhere that I was playing, I tried to study.

When I arrived in Bourges, France, from Russia, I was 17 years old and did not speak French. I spent one year learning French and then I started to do BTS International Trade. It was very hard because I had two practices a day and I travelled a lot with my team for the games. But I organized and motivated myself to go to college every day when I was in town before practice.

And, in between and during the travel time, I had my books at all times with me. At the end of my two years, I passed the exams and got a diploma. This diploma gives me the chance to work in international business in France, in case I move back there in the future.

When I decided to continue playing basketball in Samara, Russia, this diploma allowed me to start in the third year of the university of Samara. Back in Russia, in my home country, I decided to continue my studies in Sports Management. I had the same problems with a lack of time because I was a professional. But the same motivation moved me to study in between practices and games.

"MY PARENTS HELPED ME TO UNDERSTAND THAT EDUCATION WAS IMPORTANT FOR MY PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND FOR MY FUTURE. THAT'S WHY EVERYWHERE I PLAYED, I TRIED TO STUDY."

When I finished my sports contract in Samara, I finished university and got my diploma. After this, I already had the impression that I could have a promising future after my sports career. But I decided to continue studying Sports Management at the Business School of Moscow. I knew already that I would look for a job in the sports world. When I had it, I was ready to start my new career after sport.

In my last year of professional basketball, I was looking for an opportunity to stop playing and to start work. I received offers to work at the VTB League, dealing with sponsors and international organizations, and also to work as a TV commentator. I accepted both.

While I was very busy juggling two jobs, I decided to take on part-time studies at the Sochi Olympic University. You can imagine that I did not have a lot of extra time! But I felt that I needed more knowledge to move forward. After three years, I became the CEO of the VTB League, which is my full-time job now.

It has not been an easy journey. Studying while playing requires sacrifice and good time management, but it prepares you for the future and it pays off after you retire. I strongly advise all players to study while playing, and to find the educational solution that works best for them.

Here are some tips:

• Choose what interests you: think where you would prefer to work after your sport career.
• Find the educational format that fits you better: part-time, full-time, online, etc. The possibilities are endless!
• Learn how to manage your time. Time management is a skill that will help you during your entire life. Be motivated and schedule study moments each day. Use your long travel times to advance in your readings. But, don't forget to maintain a balance with your friends and family!
• Don't forget to keep a budget for your study. Studying can be expensive depending on the format that you choose. However, this is an investment for your future. Save money for your studies and keep a budget. Don't forget to look for study grants!
• Use your basketball career as a networking opportunity. Doing charity events or campaigns with your sponsors can look time consuming. However, you will meet a lot of people that can offer you advice and job opportunities in the future. Make yourself available and work on your public image!
• Use your notoriety as a professional athlete and your name in your future career. Being a public face can be an advantage or a disadvantage. It will depend on you how you use that opportunity.
• Use your experience in sport and personal strengths. As a basketball player, you have many transferable skills that companies look for in their employees. Think about your team spirit and leadership, or how you handle pressure and stress when you shoot free-throws in front of a full arena. You have acquired more skills than you know!

Best of luck!

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Ilona Korstin

Ilona Korstin had a long and distinguished career with Russia's national team, helping her country reach the top of the podium at three FIBA Women's EuroBaskets. A skilful player but one best known for having a relentless approach on defense and on the boards, Korstin also played for Russia teams that finished runners-up at two FIBA Women's Basketball World Cups, and captured bronze medals at two Olympic Games. As a professional, she played for Bourges Basket, VBM-SGAU Samara, CSKA Moscow, Spartak M.R. Vidnoje, Besiktas, Perfumerias Avenida and Dynamo Moscow. A member of the FIBA Players' Commission, Korstin is the VTB United League General Director and has also used her expertise as a basketball commentator.