University of Connecticut Athletics
Student-Athletes Partake in Career Night
2/9/2018 12:00:00 AM | General
By Alyssa Cantisani
UConn Athletic Communications
This past weekend, the Student Athlete Success Program (SASP) teamed up with the Center for Career Development to host the 2018 Husky Career Night in Gampel Pavilion.
The event was business casual with essentially every industry represented in some capacity. There were 40 local, national, and international employers on hand, including ESPN, Hartford Hospital, Target, Enterprise, Foresters Financial and Northwestern Mutual.
Career Night gives current student-athletes a chance to press the pause button on athletics for the night and focus on the next step in their lives, whether that be an internship or a full-time job.
The evening began at 5:30 when juniors, seniors and graduate students had a chance to network in the Werth Champions Center lobby. The students spent 45 minutes introducing themselves to a number of the employers present, while finding out more about what their industries have to offer.
From there, the employers and students transitioned to the Gampel Pavilion concourse, where there was further discussion and resume submission. From 6:30-7:30, freshmen and sophomores had their opportunity for career exploration and mentorship.
"The atmosphere was outstanding. I met people from a variety of different careers," said Carlton Steer, a member of the UConn football team, "It expanded my mind and allowed me to thoroughly understand some of the different companies and career paths."
The student-athletes in attendance took full advantage of the fact that they were in a room surrounded by business professionals, many of whom were in the same position back in college, doing what they could to find a proper balance between their sport and focusing on their future.
"I understand that I'm a student first and an athlete second," Steer said. "I'm blessed and highly grateful to be able to play the game. However, one day football will no longer be part of my life. Being aware of that, I focus tremendously hard on gaining experience in the professional world."
Academic counselor Alana Butler emphasized the fact that because of the training schedules the student-athletes have, the chance to have a traditional summer internship while making those important connections is limited, but student-athletes at UConn have made sure to concentrate on the next chapter.
"I'm currently in the business school, but still not sure what exactly I want to do after college," said Olivia Sappington of the softball team, "So meeting all these new people and creating relationships helps get me to that next step."
Events like Career Night give student-athletes a chance to jump-start their careers by giving them an opportunity to meet others who can help guide them in the right direction. Surrounded by respected companies of the business world, the student-athletes couldn't help but appreciate the chance to perhaps get a glimpse of their future.
