A cheerleading job requires a large commitment of time and energy. Professional cheerleaders must be in good physical shape and able to perform difficult stunts and dance routines. Cheerleaders also must be able to handle criticism and public attention. Some professional cheerleaders use their experience to pursue careers as models, actors or singers. Others use their skills to become cheerleading coaches or open dance schools.
A high school or college cheerleading coach manages a team of athletes that perform dances, stunts and jumps to encourage and entertain spectators at sporting events and other community functions. These coaches teach their students new tricks and choreography, provide supervision during practices and games and step in if an athlete gets injured. They may also be responsible for administrative tasks like organizing transportation to away tournaments or competitions.
A professional cheerleader entertains crowds at football games, pep rallies and other events for a football team or a company. These cheerleaders must be able to memorize complex routines and keep up with the football players on the field while performing stunts and dance moves. They often work as part of a group, so teamwork is a vital skill for this career choice. Some of these women and men parlay their experience as a cheerleader into similar careers, like coaching high school or college squads, opening dance schools or becoming fitness trainers. In addition to cheering for a sports team, these individuals can also earn endorsement deals and perform at special events for their employers.