Hempstead, NY – Hofstra University student-athletes Meghan Giordano (softball), Gavin Jones (track), Frankie O’Brien (field hockey), and Charles Small (wrestling) had the opportunity to participate in the 2021 NCAA Career in Sports Forum, which was conducted virtually at the end of May.
The 2021 Career in Sports Forum brought together selected NCAA student-athletes to learn about and explore potential careers in sports, particularly college athletics. This unique experience helped student-athletes chart their career paths, while presenting numerous opportunities for attendees to learn from current industry leaders.
Career in Sports Forum speakers covered the following topics and more to prepare attendees for success in navigating their futures: self-awareness and its role in professional development; practical approaches to the sports job search; personal branding; developing a career plan; managing yourself as a professional in the sports industry. Through online panels, engaging breakout sessions, keynote presentations, and facilitated discussions, program participants completed their experience with a thorough understanding of athletics as a career path.
“I found the NCAA Career in Sports Forum enlightening,” said Jones. “I went into it not really sure what to expect and quite unsure of where my own passions could be applied best in the sports industry, but I soon realized that not only was I not alone in this uncertainty but they had a plethora of options to help. Speaking to industry executives, meeting former student-athletes, and even working with current ones helped me to understand myself better, as well as the career path I want to take. Overall this program was extremely helpful and I’d recommend it for all student-athletes who strive for a career in sports!”
“The NCAA Career in Sports Forum provided so much knowledge and so many tools to help us young adults get thinking about our future,” Giordano stated. “The keynote speakers brought so much energy and shared such powerful messages that will stick with me and help me continue to develop as a leader throughout the rest of my collegiate career, as well in any career path I choose to go down. These three days were so powerful and I am forever grateful for this opportunity.”